Istrian wine: Bujština the first region to get protected origin status

A protected designation of origin is an important prerequisite for becoming a top international wine-growing region. Recognizing this, Luciano Visintin of the Veralda winery founded the Bujština Winegrowers' Association in 2021, setting in motion a visionary project to secure PDO status for wines from Croatia's Bujštine region.

"The national recognition of the Bujština terroir marks a historic first for Istria and affirms our collective dedication to quality," Visintin explains. "From the very beginning, we believed that Buje deserved this protected status – on par with other prestigious European wine regions. It honors our land, our commitment and our heritage."

The PDO status certifies that the wine originates exclusively from the well-defined geographical area of Bujština and faithfully expresses its unique terroir. More than a seal of quality, the designation also strengthens the identity and authenticity of local products, elevating their standing in both domestic and international markets.

With national recognition now secured, the next crucial step is clear: registering Buje-Buie at the European Union level – a move that would place this Istrian wine region firmly on the global map.

Looking ahead, the Kaštanjari - Castagnari growing region near Buje is also slated for official registration. This area holds deep historical wine heritage, having been marked on maps dating back to the Austro-Hungarian and Italian periods in the 19th and 20th centuries.