New themes, exceptional wines and renowned names from the world of wine — this year’s Masterclass Programme at Wine Vision by Open Balkan brings them all together. The fifth edition takes participants on a journey from vineyards to markets, exploring indigenous grape varieties, the history of wine regions, some of the world’s most celebrated wines, and the forces shaping the global and local wine markets.
These themes will take centre stage in the professional programme of Wine Vision by Open Balkan, taking place at the Belgrade Fair from October 10–12. Over the years, the Masterclass Programme has grown into one of the fair’s defining features. This year, it continues that tradition while placing each subject within the broader context of a rapidly evolving contemporary wine industry.
From Vine to Glass
Among the most eagerly anticipated encounters is a Masterclass led by James Suckling, the renowned wine critic, and Marco Simonit, the world’s foremost authority on vineyards, dedicated to vineyard longevity and the art and science of pruning. The subject could hardly be more timely. As the long-term health of vineyards commands growing attention, the decisions made among the vines ultimately shape everything that follows in the winemaking process.
At the other end of that journey lies fermentation. Once again, James Suckling, joined by Roman Bockjo, will explore whole-cluster fermentation and its influence on the style, structure and character of wine. The aim is not to prescribe a single “right” approach, but to deepen the understanding of the choices available to winemakers today — particularly those working with traditional Bordeaux varieties.
A Region on the World Wine Map
Domestic and regional wine stories hold a special place in the programme. Caroline Gilby MW will lead a Masterclass dedicated to Serbia’s award-winning wines, including the Platinum and Gold medal winners at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards. Other sessions will turn the spotlight on Tokaj, North Macedonia, Istria, Georgia, Sardinia and a range of other European wine regions. This is, in many ways, the essence of Wine Vision: Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia, alongside Europe’s and the world’s established wine-producing countries, come together within the same professional arena. It is a space where experiences, winemaking practices and perspectives on the future of the wine industry can be shared and compared — creating dialogue across regions, traditions and generations.
Tradition and New Directions
The programme looks both to the past and to the future. Its themes span Georgia’s ancient wine traditions, the contemporary expression of Tokaj, new perspectives on Spain’s wine regions, and the emergence of new wine categories in Serbia.
Alongside the wine experts already mentioned, the programme will feature Thomas Curtius MW, as well as a distinguished line-up of wine professionals from Serbia, the wider region, Europe and around the world.
This year’s Masterclass Programme has been conceived as more than an integral part of the fair — it is a place for professional learning, the exchange of expertise and experience, and meaningful conversations about the changes shaping the future of the wine industry.
The fifth edition of Wine Vision by Open Balkan will take place from October 10–12, 2026, at the Belgrade Fair, under the slogan “One place. The World.”
The fair will be open from 12:00 to 20:00.
The full Masterclass Programme is available here.
Registration for participation is available here.