For the second year in a row, the Viennese audience at the City Hall (Rathaus) in Vienna had the opportunity at the Serb Wine & Rakija Fest to taste a wide range of Serbian wines and rakijas. In addition to wineries and distilleries, exhibitors also included distributors who already offer Serbian beverages on the Austrian and German markets.
Thanks to its successful presentation last year, the Serb Wine & Rakija Fest received full support this year from the Vienna Wine Challenge, better known as AWC, which is considered one of the most demanding and prestigious international wine competitions approved by the European Union.
“In the expected large turnout, more than 30 winemakers and rakija producers presented themselves very successfully both to visitors and to representatives of the prestigious AWC wine competition, high-ranking officials, and Austrian hospitality professionals,” said Miloš Kalapiš, organizer of the Serb Wine & Rakija Fest.
He added that great praise was given to wines produced from both indigenous and international grape varieties.
“Although plum rakija remains dominant, rakijas made from other fruits were also highly praised, most often quince, apple, apricot, pear, and others. Lovers of fine spirits always enjoy a pleasant surprise, so tastings of brandy/cognac, calvados, liqueurs, and more were prepared for them. After Vienna, this year we will again visit Munich, Trieste, and Prague, because there is a strong need on one side for our producers to open up to these markets, and on the other for our diaspora to gather and, in a good atmosphere, preserve memories of their roots,” Kalapiš emphasized.
Wine, more than any other product, speaks about people — those who produced it and those for whom it is intended — and more than other products it reflects the character and taste of its creator.
A glass of wine contains the entire culture of civilized humanity. And since rakija is more than a drink — it is part of tradition and a keeper of memories — Vienna last weekend, through the Serb Wine & Rakija Fest, brought precisely a part of our culture and tradition to our diaspora, helping them preserve their memories.
Source: RTRS
