Winners of the Mayor's Wine of Nova Gorica 2026 Competition Announced

The Municipality of Nova Gorica (MONG), in cooperation with the Tourism Board Nova Gorica and Vipava Valley and the Vipava Valley Wine Consortium, has officially announced the results of the public tender for the Mayor's Wine of Nova Gorica 2026.

This year's evaluation featured 8 local winemakers who submitted a total of 25 wine samples:

• 12 white wines

• 10 red wines

• 3 sparkling wines

The evaluation process took place in two stages. The initial round was conducted by an expert commission led by Dr. Dejan Bavčar from the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS), alongside experts Dr. Klemen Lisjak and Dr. Andreja Vanzo (KIS), local winemakers Tadej Kavčič and Matej Žabar, and external taster Barbi Močivnik from Revija Vino.

The top-rated wines advanced to the final tasting, evaluated by a 10-member jury. The final panel included Nova Gorica Mayor Samo Turel, GO! 2025 Public Institute Director Mija Lorbek, Director of RRA Severne Primorske mag. Matija Ukmar, Deputy Mayor Marko Trebušon, a representative from the Vipava Valley Tourism Board, as well as enologists and winemakers.

Official Results for 2026:

1. Mayor's Sparkling Wine 2026:

   • Penina Carmi – Colja Wines

2. Mayor's White Wine 2026:

   • Malvazija 2025 – Čebron Family Estate

3. Mayor's Selection of Autochthonous Variety 2026:

   • Pinela 2025 – Winemaking Lisjak

4. Mayor's Red Wine 2026:

   • Cabernet Franc 2022 – Barkola Farm

5. Mayor's Red Selection 2026:

   • Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 – Tourist Farm Kraljič

Congratulations to all winemakers for their remarkable dedication and high quality, continuing to represent the viticultural excellence of the Vipava Valley!