The sixth edition of the Wine and Bites Festival, running from September 11 to October 9, takes visitors through seven locations, from Slatina to Janković Castle in Suhopolje, featuring over 25 wines and new additions like the Wine&Games quiz.
In Virovitica-Podravina County, the sixth edition of the Wine and Bites Festival "Slavonija and Podravina, Wine not!?" was presented on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Over the years, this event has become a must-attend for enthusiasts of wine and gastronomy. The program was introduced by Martina Jakelić, director of the Virovitica-Podravina County Tourist Board. The festival will kick off on September 11, 2026, in Slatina and conclude on October 9, 2026, at Janković Castle in Suhopolje.
This year's edition features seven events at seven different locations across the county. Each gathering offers a new venue, new hosts, and a unique charm-whether under the canopy of trees, in castles, by the river, or in the vineyard. As Jakelić highlighted, the goal is to showcase local winemakers, award-winning wines, domestic producers, and tourist destinations throughout the county.
"This year, we have seven events as part of the 'Slavonija and Podravina Wine not!?' festival at seven different locations. Our aim is to present our local winemakers, award-winning wines, domestic producers, and tourist destinations across the county. We are especially proud that our local people, producers, and artists are the heart of this festival."
Jakelić added that local tourist boards and the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas are involved in the organization, and this synergy adds special value to the festival. A highlight of this year's program will be in Virovitica, where visitors can enjoy Wine&Games, a wine gathering with quizzes to test how much they've learned during the festival.
Enologist Ivana Nemet, who will again introduce visitors to winemakers and wines, announced that at least 25 wines will be available for tasting. The selection process considers several criteria: market availability, quality and soundness, and results from domestic and international competitions in which winemakers increasingly participate.
"We've had a very good and abundant vintage year, so we expect excellent wines, from aged to young ones from the 2025 harvest. In addition to wines, this year we want to further highlight local distilleries, so there will be a welcome drink at each location."
Nemet also noted that visitors' wine culture has been developing through previous festivals. More and more people are asking which wine to choose, what to pair it with, and how to taste it properly, indicating that the gradual progress through the festival is yielding positive results. As in previous years, each visitor will receive a wine glass as a souvenir.
Virovitica-Podravina County Prefect Igor Andrović emphasized the significance of the event for the county's tourism promotion and for connecting local winemakers with the rich gastronomic, cultural, and natural offerings. As he said, the festival has become synonymous with good wine, good fun, and recognizable Slavonian-Podravian hedonism.
"Over the past ten years, we have invested around 80 million euros in cultural and natural heritage, mostly from European funds, and in recent years we have additionally invested in private renters, with nearly 450,000 euros secured for improving their facilities."
Andrović added that all these investments, along with numerous events, contribute to the county's year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals and overnight stays.
Depending on the event, the number of spots is limited to 40 to 60 people, and up to 100 for the "Wine&Run" marathon. The participation fee is €22.00 per person for each of the seven events. Those wishing to experience the historic sites of the Noble Route and the green landscapes of Slavonia and Podravina can reserve their spot by paying the fee on the website of the Virovitica-Podravina County Tourist Board or on the websites of local tourist boards.
