Visitors can sample the wines and munch on local delicacies and snacks from 20 top chefs, including those who work at Domačija Butul, Domačija Novak, Skaručna, Kendov dvorec, Pri Lojzetu (Zemono), Fonda, Rizibizi and Arkade-Cigoj. The festival is set to begin on Friday at 13:30 when the wine will be blessed at the Church of St. Mary of Haliaetum. The festival arena at Manzioli Square will be open until 9 PM. The Orange Wine Festival, which specializes in macerated wines, put the town of Izola on the map.

The festival has grown steadily over the years, and it seems to attract an increasing number of visitors. “It’s the only festival of its kind in this part of Europe. We’re honoured that it’s based in our little town of Izola,” said Bruno Zaro, the president of Vinaria, the organization that manages the festival. Izola mayor Igor Kolenc said the festival had developed into an innovative initiative, infusing the town with new life. It also helped revive the old City Hall on the town’s main square (Veliki trg) – one of the venues hosting the Orange Wine Festival, the other two being Manzioli Square and Manzioli Palace.

Orange, how I want you orange
So what exactly are orange wines? Orange wines are white wines that are fermented on the grape skins, which means they are made in the same way as red wines. Therefore, they are richer in tannins and more intense in colour. This traditional method of winemaking has been practiced primarily in the northern Adriatic region, but it is also widespread in the Republic of Georgia and other European countries, as well as in New Zealand and the USA.

K. S.; translated by D. V.