Croatian wineries have once again proven their excellence on the global stage, achieving outstanding results at the prestigious TEXAS Awards 2025. This year, Croatian wines secured an impressive total of 21 medals, reaffirming their growing reputation in the international wine community. The highlight of the competition was the triumph of Marko Fakin, whose wine won the coveted Best of Show award, while Ivan Damjanić's Malvazija secured a platinum medal.

A Record-Breaking Year for Croatia

A total of 13 Croatian wineries participated in the TEXAS Awards 2025, held in the United States, competing against some of the finest wines from around the world. The results were nothing short of spectacular, with Croatian winemakers securing top honors and reinforcing the country's position as a rising star in the wine industry.

Among the standout winners, Marko Fakin from Motovun achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning the prestigious Best of Show award for his Rosé. This recognition marks a shift in how American judges perceive Croatian wines, particularly in the category of rosé, which is often dominated by more established wine regions.

Fakin's success didn't stop there. His Teran Il Primo earned a gold medal, while his Malvazija La Prima secured silver. These accolades solidify Fakin's reputation as a top-tier winemaker and demonstrate the remarkable potential of indigenous Croatian grape varieties.

Another major highlight came from Ivan Damjanić, whose 2022 Malvazija won a platinum medal, one of the highest honors at the competition. Additionally, his 2021 Borgonja received a gold medal, showcasing the diversity and quality of Istrian wines.

Other Croatian Winners at TEXAS 2025

Beyond Fakin and Damjanić, several other Croatian wineries achieved remarkable success at TEXAS this year. Some of the key winners include:

Crvik Winery: Gold medal for the 2021 Blasius, an amber Malvasija Dubrovačka.

Iločki Podrumi: Gold for the 2023 Graševina, one of Croatia's most beloved white wines.

Terra Madre: Gold for their 2018 Plavac Mali, further proving the strength of Croatia's red wines.

Several wineries also took home silver medals, including Bibich (2019 R6 red blend), Black Island Winery (Pošip Merga Victa and Dalmatian Dog), Stina (2022 Cuvee Red), Testament (Dalmatian Dog Babić), Volarević (Plavac Syrtis), and Zure (Grk Defora).

Bronze medals were awarded to Damjanić (2019 Duoro Istriano red blend), Iločki Podrumi (2023 Chardonnay and Pinot Gris), Volarević (Chic Rosé), and Matuško (Plavac Mali).

What This Means for Croatian Wine

The TEXAS Awards, one of the most respected wine competitions in the United States, are known for their rigorous judging process. With over 3,400 wine samples evaluated by Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and top industry experts, securing a medal is a testament to quality and craftsmanship.

For Croatian winemakers, these results bring well-deserved recognition and open doors to new opportunities, particularly in the competitive U.S. market. While exports to the United States remain challenging due to various logistical and regulatory hurdles, the growing appreciation for Croatian wines signals a bright future for the industry.

This success also highlights the increasing global appeal of indigenous Croatian grape varieties such as Plavac Mali, Malvazija, Teran, and Graševina. With continued dedication to quality and innovation, Croatian wineries are well on their way to becoming a dominant force in the international wine scene.

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The TEXAS Awards 2025 have once again showcased the brilliance of Croatian wines. With 21 medals, including a Best of Show and a platinum award, Croatia has demonstrated that it can compete with the world's finest wine regions. As Croatian winemakers continue to gain recognition, the future of the country's wine industry looks more promising than ever. Cheers to another fantastic year of success for Croatian wine!

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