GinIstra 2026 in Rovinj: gin tastings, workshops and concerts
Ex tvornica duhana - Saturday, 24.10. - Saturday, 24.10.2026.
GinIstra takes place at Rovinj’s Old Tobacco Factory on 23 and 24 October. Gin tastings and workshops lead into live concerts each evening.
At the fifth edition, you can taste gins from Croatian and international producers and talk to exhibitors about their products. Friday’s programme listed talks, a panel discussion and a workshop. Saturday features a pub quiz and a cocktail competition, followed by Maja Šuput’s concert at 22:00.
Friday, 23 October: talks, a workshop and Opća opasnost
- 15:00: doors open.
- 16:00: official opening.
- 16:15: GinIstra Awards 2026 ceremony.
- 17:30: panel discussion on tourism beyond the summer season and authenticity in the visitor offer.
- 18:30: Kristijan Damijanić gives a talk on gin styles and their differences.
- 19:00: “Mediteran u čaši” workshop with Bar Mediterraneo, exploring Mediterranean flavours in drinks.
- 20:00: music programme begins.
- 22:00: Opća opasnost concert.
The expert jury has assessed 32 gin samples from 21 producers in five countries. At the festival opening on 23 October, the Aura distillery received the Best Gin in Show 2026 title and the only platinum medal in this year’s judging for Aura Gin Karbun Navy Strength.
The announced speakers for Friday’s panel on tourism beyond the summer season were Denis Ivošević, director of the Istria Tourist Board, Jelena Đugum, head of the Agriculture Department at the Croatian Chamber of Economy, and Mišel Sirotić, owner of the Aura distillery.
Saturday, 24 October: cocktails and Maja Šuput
- 15:00: doors open.
- 16:00: Pub kviz by Saša, a pub quiz.
- 18:30: GinIstra Cocktail Challenge, a cocktail-making competition.
- 20:00: Ivan Licul i Bend.
- 22:00: Maja Šuput concert.
In the first GinIstra Cocktail Challenge, festival exhibitors will compete with original cocktails made using their own gins. Singer Maja Šuput will also sit on the jury, judging the cocktails on creativity, presentation and taste.
Teams for Saturday’s quiz, hosted by Saša Runko, gather from 15:30. You can enter a team of up to five people for €15 per team. Quiz participants receive free admission to the festival, and the organisers will award prizes to the top three teams. Places are limited.
What the ticket includes
The ticket covers festival entry and concerts, two tastings of selected gins, participation in panels, talks and workshops, and a gift glass. Tickets are sold through Eventim.
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