There are wines that are drunk and wines that are remembered. Trnjak belongs to the latter group. That is precisely why Trnjak Fest 2026 once again gathers winemakers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, wine professionals and wine lovers at a unique event dedicated to a variety that has grown from a local curiosity into one of the most exciting wine stories in south-east Europe.
In Ljubuški, where Trnjak has found its distinctive expression, the festival will once again show just how much potential this indigenous variety carries. Visitors will have the chance to taste different styles of Trnjak, meet the people behind the wines and discover first-hand how tradition and modern winemaking together create new wine experiences.
Trnjak Fest is not merely a wine event, but a place that connects wine, gastronomy, tourism and culture. Alongside a rich tasting programme, visitors can look forward to expert workshops, tastings and conversations about the future of a variety that draws ever more attention from domestic and foreign wine experts each year.
Particular value comes from the meeting of top wines and authentic gastronomy. Trnjak pairs beautifully with the dishes of the Herzegovinian and Dalmatian climate, and that connection between local flavours and wine will be a special focus.
Trnjak has shown that it can give wines of strong character, rich structure and exceptional elegance. A growing number of accolades at international competitions confirms that this variety has the potential to become one of the region’s most important wine ambassadors.
The rich programme begins on Friday 19 June, when a tour of wineries producing Trnjak across Herzegovina and the Dalmatian hinterland is organised for media representatives. This unique cross-border journey, titled “Through Trnjak Country”, ends at the Aldi restaurant in Mostar, where a gala evening of pairing local delicacies with Trnjak wines will be led by the esteemed sommelier Mario Meštrović.
The central festival day takes place on Saturday, 20 June, in Ljubuški.
The programme opens with a panel discussion from 1 to 3 p.m. titled “A Scientific View of Trnjak and Its Tourism Potential”, held at the Ljubuški Cultural Centre. The panel brings together prominent experts: Prof. Dr. Davor Romić, Kristina Nuić, Prof. Dr. Željko Andabaka and Davor Šestanović, with Marina Vranješ moderating.
From 3:30 p.m. at Hotel Bigeste, an educational tasting workshop, the “Trnjak Masterclass”, will be led by Master Sommelier Stefan Neumann. Participants will taste selected wines and get to know the characteristics of one of the most promising indigenous varieties of this part of Europe.
The evening programme from 7 p.m. moves to the fairy-tale setting of Ljubuški’s town park, which for one night becomes the centre of the country’s wine, gastronomy and music scene. Visitors can expect more than 30 exhibiting wineries, over 45 wine labels and 21 exhibitors in the gastro corner, presenting the best of Herzegovinian and Dalmatian cuisine.
Ana Opačak and her trio will provide the musical mood, and during the evening this year’s Trnjak Fest ambassadors will be announced, continuing to promote this increasingly prized wine variety.
