The 17th Edition of Sauvignon Selection by CMB to Be Held in Varaždin
The 17th edition of the prestigious Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles will be held from 7 to 9 in Varaždin, capital of Varaždin County marking the first time in the competition’s history that this prestigious international event dedicated exclusively to Sauvignon wines is hosted in Croatia.
The Sauvignon Selection by CMB is widely recognized as the most specialized and rigorous wine competitions focused on a single grape variety. Wines are evaluated through strict blind-tasting protocols by international jury panels made up of experienced sommeliers, wine journalists, buyers, educators, and certified wine experts from around the world. Each entry is judged according to precise international standards, ensuring credibility and strong global recognition for awarded wines.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most widely planted and commercially important white grape varieties in the world, with more than 120,000 hectares under vine globally and continued growth across both established and emerging wine regions. From the Loire Valley and New Zealand to Central Europe and South America, the grape expresses a broad stylistic range, from crisp and mineral to aromatic and tropical, making it especially attractive to modern consumers. In Croatia and the wider Central European region, vineyard surfaces planted with Sauvignon have steadily expanded over the past decade, driven by demand for fresh, aromatic white wines and climate-suitable terroirs.
Hosting this competition represents an important international acknowledgment for Varaždin and its surrounding wine-growing areas. Known for its baroque heritage, strong cultural identity, and developing gastronomy scene, the city provides a fitting backdrop for an event celebrating precision, diversity, and innovation in winemaking. The competition is expected to significantly increase international visibility for local producers and strengthen the region’s positioning in wine tourism and export markets.
In addition to the official judging sessions, the program will include professional workshops, producer presentations, and curated cultural and gastronomic experiences designed to introduce visiting experts and media to regional wines, cuisine, and hospitality.
Organizers highlight that the selection of Varaždin as host city reflects both its proven event infrastructure and the rising reputation of the broader region within the international wine community.
Over the past decade, the competition has been organized in prominent wine regions across Europe, highlighting top Sauvignon terroirs and production zones. Croatia’s selection as host reflects the country’s continued growth in quality wine production and its rising reputation on the international stage.
Croatia cultivates vineyards across diverse continental and coastal regions, with a strong focus on white varieties. Sauvignon Blanc achieves particularly expressive results in cooler continental vineyard areas, where fresh acidity, aromatic precision, and varietal character are emphasized. Croatian producers are increasingly recognized for modern, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc styles, from fresh and mineral-driven wines to more complex, structured expressions.
The national wine sector combines long tradition with modern technology, protected appellations, and diverse microclimates. This combination supports consistent quality and stylistic diversity, with Sauvignon Blanc playing a growing role in premium production and export markets.
As a traveling competition, Sauvignon Selection promotes not only excellence in Sauvignon production but also the gastronomy, culture, and tourism of each host region. The Varaždin edition will include professional tastings and regional presentations, offering international guests direct insight into Croatia’s wine heritage and contemporary winemaking achievements.
About the Competition
Founded in 2010, the Sauvignon Selection by CMB is the world’s largest international competition exclusively dedicated to Sauvignon wines. The event is hosted in a different wine region each year, showcasing outstanding terroirs and production areas. After editions held in France, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, and Bulgaria, the competition is now making its first stop in Croatia. Recognized as a true international benchmark for Sauvignon wines, the competition is renowned for its high standards and rigorous evaluation process, making it a must-attend event for producers seeking credibility and global recognition.
Producer Registration
Registration for Sauvignon producers is open via the official competition platform : sauvignonselection.com
Press Contact:
Anne de Bidlot
