HERZEGOVINA WINE ROUTES NAMED EUROPE’S BEST WINE TOURISM EVENT

The “Herzegovina Wine Routes” festival has received the prestigious Iter Vitis award for the best event in the wine tourism category, recognising the region’s growing reputation as a leading wine destination in Europe.

The award, presented by the Council of Europe’s cultural route Iter Vitis, was handed over during a ceremony held as part of the organisation’s annual assembly in Ilok, Croatia, according to the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which manages the “Herzegovina Wine Routes” initiative.

RECOGNITION AFTER JUST THREE FESTIVAL EDITIONS

Darko Pehar, Secretary of the “Herzegovina Wine Routes” Council, said he was extremely proud that the festival had been recognised as Europe’s best wine event after only three editions.

“From the very beginning, our goal was to create a place where we could showcase the best of Herzegovina — our wines, gastronomy and the people behind them. This award belongs to all our winemakers, hospitality professionals, partners and visitors who have helped build the festival together,” Pehar said during the award ceremony.

He added that the recognition provided strong encouragement to continue developing both the festival and Herzegovina as a distinctive wine tourism destination.

HERZEGOVINA BUILDING ITS WINE TOURISM REPUTATION

The Herzegovina Wine Routes joined the Iter Vitis cultural route in September 2022, and the region began receiving international recognition within the first year of membership.

At an award ceremony in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Mostar was named the best wine city, Trebinje received recognition as the best sustainable destination, and Tvrdoš Monastery was honoured for its contribution to the promotion of historical heritage and wine.

Two years later, Vukoje Winery in Trebinje was named the provider of the best wine and gastronomy experience.

ITER VITIS CELEBRATES EUROPE’S WINE HERITAGE

Iter Vitis is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe dedicated to Europe’s wine heritage and wine tourism. The organisation has presented awards recognising excellence in the sector since 2018.

The latest accolade further strengthens Herzegovina’s international profile, highlighting the potential of its vineyards, wineries, gastronomy and cultural heritage to attract visitors seeking authentic wine tourism experiences.