Grower vs Big House: Two Worlds of Champagne

November 7th at 4:00 PM

Explore the fascinating contrast between iconic Champagne houses and independent grower-producers. Through a guided tasting of 3 Champagnes from each category, Master Sommelier Suwi Zlatić will unpack the styles, trends, philosophies, and the stories behind the bubbles. A must for anyone curious about where Champagne is headed — and what sets its worlds apart.

Suvad “Suwi” Zlatić is one of the most prominent sommeliers in the region, and a two-time winner of the Best Sommelier of Austria title (2014 and 2021). With years of experience in fine dining and global wine education, he is a recognized name in the wine industry.

A Champagne ambassador and certified Sake educator, Suwi is known for his passion for bubbles and deep expertise in wine styles from around the world.

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Master Blind Tasting: Blanc de Noirs vs Blanc de Blancs

November 7th at 5:30 PM

Step into a world of precision and perception in this exclusive blind tasting workshop led by one of the world’s top sommeliers.

You’ll taste six glasses (three Blanc de Noirs and three Blanc de Blancs) with labels hidden, diving deep into the stylistic and structural differences of these two iconic Champagne expressions. A true test of your senses and understanding of sparkling wine character.

Stefan Neumann became a Master Sommelier in 2017, when there were only 239 in history. He served as Head Sommelier at The Fat Duck (named the world’s best restaurant in 2005) and as Director of Wine at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. He is a former Krug ambassador, and today works as an international consultant and wine educator.

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Simply bubbles: styles, varieties, regions

November 8th at 2:00 PM

An ideal workshop for both beginners eager to learn more about the world of sparkling wines and professionals looking to explore a broader range of styles, grapes, and regions — all in one session.

Through guided tasting and expert commentary, you’ll discover how different winemaking methods, grape varieties, and terroirs shape the character of sparkling wines around the globe.

Antonio Gregorić is a Croatian sommelier who ranked Top 5 at the latest Best Sommelier of Croatia competition, and is known for his work in hospitality, wine education, and his passion for bubbles.

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WORKSHOP by Sandi Paris

Croatia’s Sparkling: Regions Through Bubbles

November 8th at 3:30 PM

Croatia is home to a surprisingly diverse sparkling wine scene. In this guided tasting, we’ll explore six sparkling wines from various Croatian regions – from the hills of Plešivica and Međimurje to coastal Istria – to highlight the unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking styles that define each area.

Your host, Sandi Paris, is a seasoned sommelier and a representative of the Croatian Sommelier Club, known for his long-standing contribution to Croatia’s wine culture.

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Bubbles of the World: A Master Sommelier’s Tour of 6 Sparkling Regions

November 8th at 5:00 PM

Join Tony Lecuroux, one of Europe’s most promising young sommeliers and a Master Sommelier since this year, for a tasting journey across six iconic sparkling wine regions.

In this exclusive workshop, you’ll explore:

• Champagne (France)
• England (UK)
• Franciacorta (Italy)
• Cava (Spain)
• Tasmania (Australia)
• California (USA)

Discover the differences in style, method, terroir, and philosophy — from the traditional houses of Champagne to the rising stars of the New World. A perfect session for curious wine lovers and professionals alike.

Tony Lecuroux has worked at top Michelin-starred restaurants in the Lake Geneva region, was the winner of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge UK 2018, and holds the ASI Diploma Gold – Best in Class. His expertise and enthusiasm make this tasting an unforgettable deep dive into the world of bubbles.

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• Entry to every educational workshop over both days
• Guided tastings led by top sommeliers and wine experts
•  Topics include: TBA
• Interactive setting with Q&A opportunities

Whether you’re a professional or a passionate sparkling wine lover, the SWF Workshops Pass offers the complete educational experience of the festival.

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• Full access to the festival on both days (Business + Regular Entry)
• Entry to all panels, seminars, and educational content
• All SWF workshops included, with reserved seating
• 2 nights of accommodation
• B2B lunch on both days with exhibitors and professionals
• Unlimited sparkling wine tasting + signature cocktails at the Old Pilot’s bar
• JRE & METRO Experience – a bundle of 3 signature dishes each day

The Golden Ticket is the most complete and elevated way to experience Sparkling Wine Fest Croatia – as a guest, a professional, and a true sparkling wine enthusiast.

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