The city of Vodnjan in Istria, Croatia, will be hosting the 10th edition of the “New Olive Oil Days” (10. Dani Mladog Maslinog Ulja) from November 14 to 16, 2014. This annual three-day international gastronomic event celebrating new olive oil brings together olive oil growers and producers from across the Adriatic region.
Croatia produces some of the world’s best olive oils. At the 2014 New York International Olive Oil Competition, Croatia took home nine awards, with just 13 entries — a higher rate of success than any other country with 10 or more entries.
Klaudio Vitasović, the mayor of Vodnjan, which is the center of an olive-producing region of South Istria, said that interest in the festival grows with each edition. First held in 2005, this unique gastronomic event attracts thousands of visitors.
For the 10th edition of “New Olive Oil Days,” over 90 exhibitors will be taking part. Visitors can attend tasting sessions where they can sample over 200 high-quality olive oils produced in the Adriatic region, while at the “Oil Bar” they can learn how to appraise the quality of olive oil by experiencing a tasting session guided by professionals. There will also be lectures and presentations on a variety of topics related to olive growing and agriculture.
A highlight of the event is cooking demonstrations by some of the best chefs of the Istrian region. Following the success of culinary workshops introduced last year featuring local celebrity chef and chocolatier Robert Perić, the renowned chef will be back at this year’s edition offering visitors the chance to learn how to cook a four-course meal prepared with high quality Istrian olive oil.
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