The Future of Balkan Wine Starts Here!

Evangelos Beris holds a Ph.D. in Viticulture, an M.Sc. in Biology, and WSET Advanced certification. Since 2014, he has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Wine, Vine & Beverage Sciences at the University of West Attica (Uniwa), Greece. He also teaches at two wine-related MSc programs in Greek universities and participates in VET programs in institutions such as Le Monde Institute in Athens.

He is the coordinator (Greek side) of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Uniwa and Geisenheim University, overseeing projects like WinManTour and WOW, both funded by DAAD. Additionally, he serves as the scientific supervisor for the Greek sector of the Loess project, which focuses on soil health and is funded by Europe Horizon.
Beyond academia, since 2017, Evangelos Beris has been consulting and collaborating with wineries in Santorini and other regions, helping to enhance their viticultural practices. He is also an international wine judge, participating in global wine competitions and delivering presentations in various countries.

Born into the winemaking culture of Hvar Island, Ivana Carić has been a key figure in promoting the region’s wines and its reputation as the “Island of Wine.” She is the Marketing and Sales Manager at Carić Winery, a family-owned winery dedicated to producing wines that reflect Hvar’s unique terroir.

For over a decade, Ivana led the Hvar Winemakers Association, where she organized press trips, events, and collaborations to enhance the global visibility of Hvar’s wines. She is a WSET Level 3 graduate and an active participant in wine tourism initiatives, working to attract more visitors to Croatia’s diverse wine regions.
Her work showcases how wine tourism can not only support local wineries but also elevate entire wine regions, making them attractive to both casual wine lovers and serious collectors.

One of the leading voices in Balkan wine journalism, Tomislav Ivanovic is a wine writer, critic, and editor-in-chief of Vinopedia.rs, Serbia’s premier wine portal. He is dedicated to educating both professionals and consumers about the region’s wines and is a passionate advocate for indigenous Balkan grape varieties.

Tomislav is a frequent judge at national and international wine competitions. His expertise extends to wine tourism, as he continuously explores how Serbia and the Balkans can strengthen their appeal to international travelers. Through his lectures, articles, and participation in global wine forums, he actively works to position the Balkans as a world-class wine destination.

With a background in tourism and event management, Tanya Avramova has dedicated her career to promoting the Sakar wine region in Bulgaria as a must-visit wine destination. Since 2010, she has played a key role in Bratanov Winery’s marketing, events, and export activities.

Tanya is the Founder of “Winegrowers of Sakar”, an association organizing the popular “Sakar 4×4 Wine Festival,” a year-round wine tourism event that highlights the region’s rich terroir, culture, and gastronomy. The festival has attracted thousands of visitors, both local and international, proving that wine tourism can be a powerful tool for regional development.
She is also an active advocate for women in the wine industry, participating in global discussions about their growing role in winemaking, marketing, and leadership. Her efforts have contributed to increasing international awareness of Bulgarian wines and the vibrant wine tourism opportunities in the Balkans.

Mustafa Camlica is a distinguished fine wine investor representing the third generation of the Camlica family, which has been farming in Buyukkaristiran, Luleburgaz, since 1935. The family originally immigrated from Kubadin, Razgrad, in northeastern Bulgaria—a region later renamed Loznitsa in the 1930s, meaning “Vineyard Place” in Bulgarian, referencing its historical significance as the first area in Bulgaria where American rootstocks were cultivated.
Mustafa Camlica has established himself as a leading figure in the Turkish wine industry through an ambitious project named after his daughter, Irem Camlica, who also designs all the wine labels. The company’s production facilities are located in Buyukkaristiran, 120 kilometers west of Istanbul, and are dedicated to producing high-quality wines with a strong focus on innovation and excellence.

Dilyan Kolev is a specialist in wine import, distribution, and market development, focusing on wines from Central and Eastern Europe. Born in Ruse, Bulgaria, he was immersed in winemaking from a young age, assisting his family’s small vineyard with harvests and production.

After building a career in hospitality in the UK, reaching the level of Michelin-star restaurant manager, he transitioned to the wine industry, earning WSET Advanced certification. Now, as the director of The Jolly Merchants, he works with producers to introduce Central and Eastern European wines to the UK market, organizes tastings and fairs, and helps shape successful wine and food programs. Dilyan is also a wine judge at several prestigious competitions, including Decanter World Wine Awards and the Balkans International Wine Competition.

With over two decades of experience in the global wine industry, Daniel Menacho has played a key role in developing wine markets across Latin America, the United States, and Eastern Europe. Beginning his career with Bordeaux wines, he later expanded his expertise by working with prestigious Spanish wineries to enter fast-growing international markets.

In 2007, Daniel established a subsidiary in the U.S. in partnership with one of the country’s largest wine importers, supporting more than 300 sales representatives and overseeing 35 distributors. Later, he returned to Bordeaux, managing the export department of a leading négociant, shipping wines to over 32 countries, including China, Brazil, and India. Today, Daniel works as an independent consultant and educator, teaching at esteemed wine business schools and advising wineries on global market expansion.

Will Hill is a dynamic force in the wine industry, bringing over a decade of experience in hospitality and wine buying. As the Managing Director for Novel Wines, he has dedicated his career to championing wines from emerging regions and unique grape varieties. Since settling in London in 2016, Will has been on a mission to introduce consumers to lesser-known wines, breaking traditional barriers and making wine more inclusive.

Passionate about sustainability, he actively supports wineries that adopt eco-friendly practices, recognizing the growing demand for responsible viticulture. His expertise in discovering hidden gems in the wine world has made him a sought-after wine judge and consultant. Whether exploring the potential of Eastern European wines or discussing the latest industry trends, Will is an advocate for broadening the global wine conversation.

Konstantinos Lazarakis MW is one of the most influential figures in wine education in Southeastern Europe. As the first Master of Wine in Greece and Southeastern Europe, he has played a vital role in shaping the region’s wine industry through education and professional development.

He is the Director of the Wine & Spirit Professional Center (WSPC) in Greece, which has been instrumental in training wine professionals across the Balkans. As an Honorary Chairman of BIWC, Lazarakis has been deeply involved in supporting and elevating Balkan wines on the international scene. His expertise and dedication continue to inspire new generations of wine professionals, helping the region reach new heights in quality and recognition.

Zeynep Arca Şallıel is a visionary winemaker and entrepreneur, known for her role as the founder of Arcadia Vineyards in Turkey. Coming from a background in international relations, she transitioned into the wine industry with a deep passion for viticulture and enology. Since launching Arcadia Vineyards with her father in 2002, she has trained at prestigious institutions such as UC Davis and Université du Vin, refining her expertise in vineyard management and winemaking.

Her dedication to innovation and quality has positioned Arcadia Vineyards as one of the leading wineries in the region. Last year, her winery hosted the most successful edition of the Balkans International Wine Competition to date, further cementing its reputation. Zeynep is also an advocate for wine education and tourism, teaching at Yeditepe University’s Gastronomy Department and speaking at international conferences. Her contributions to the wine industry have been recognized with numerous awards, highlighting her impact as a trailblazer in the field.

Haroula Spinthiropoulou is a renowned Greek winemaker with deep expertise in viticulture, terroir influence, and sustainable winemaking. She is the founder and winemaker at Argatia Winery, where she has dedicated her career to the preservation and promotion of indigenous Greek grape varieties.

With a strong background in agronomy and viticulture, Haroula has conducted extensive research on soil composition, climate impact, and vineyard management. Her work focuses on producing wines that authentically express the unique terroir of Naoussa, one of Greece’s most prestigious wine regions.

In addition to winemaking, she is actively engaged in educating and consulting within the wine sector, helping to shape the future of sustainable viticulture in Greece and beyond.

Dane Jovanov holds a Ph.D. in Winemaking, specializing in the oxygen impact on red wine aging. With 22 vintages of experience, he has built a distinguished career in the wine industry.

He began as a winemaker at Bovin Winery (2005-2007) before taking on the role of Managing Director and Head of Enology at Stobi Winery (2007-2016). Following that, he joined Puklavec Family Wines Slovenia, where he served as Managing Director for Macedonia and was a Board Member of Puklavec Family Wines Holding in Ljubljana, Slovenia (2016-2023). In 2023 Dane Hermes Wine Estate was founded as a boutique winery with a capacity of 50,000 bottles and 25 hectares of vineyards.

Beyond winemaking, Dane is an experienced international wine judge, regularly participating in Mundus Vini (Germany) and esteemed competitions such as Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Selezione dei Sindaco (Italy), and Beograd Wine Fair.

 

Igor Lukovic is a well-respected wine expert, journalist, and consultant with a deep understanding of Balkan wines. As the President of the BIWC Jury, he plays a vital role in ensuring the competition maintains its high standards and continues to grow in prestige. Igor has been actively involved in the wine industry for decades, contributing to its development through his work in wine media, education, and consultancy. He is passionate about showcasing the diversity and quality of Balkan wines, helping winemakers gain international recognition. His experience as a wine judge in global competitions, combined with his extensive knowledge of regional terroirs and winemaking trends, makes him an influential voice in the industry.

“The Balkan Wine 2040 Conference continues our mission to strengthen the presence of Balkan wines globally. Bringing together experts, winemakers, and professionals from around the world, this event aims to address key challenges, drive innovation, and celebrate the uniqueness of our indigenous varieties. Naoussa, the historic heart of Xinomavro, is the perfect setting for this important dialogue. Together, I am optimistic we will shape the future of Balkan wines.”

With over 20 years of experience in the wine industry, Galina Niforou is one of the key figures driving the promotion of Balkan wines on the international stage. As the founder and managing director of the Balkans International Wine Competition, she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between regional producers and positioning Balkan wines globally.

Galina holds an MBA in Wine Marketing & Management from INSEEC, Bordeaux, and has extensive experience in consulting wineries, restaurants, and wine-related businesses through her company, OINORAMA. Her expertise in developing business strategies and branding for wineries has contributed to the success of numerous Balkan wine producers. As an international wine judge and advocate for the region’s wines, she is dedicated to increasing their recognition worldwide.

Rod Smith MW is a highly respected wine educator, consultant, and international judge. He is currently Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine (MW) and has been involved in the wine industry for over three decades. His expertise spans across multiple wine regions, but he has a strong appreciation for the evolution and quality of Balkan wines.
In this session, Rod will present some of the most exceptional wines from the Balkans, discussing the characteristics that set them apart, their potential in international markets, and how the region is gaining global recognition.

Elizabeth Gabay MW is one of the world’s leading experts on rosé wines, with a deep passion for exploring lesser-known wine regions. She became a Master of Wine in 1998 and has spent over two decades researching and writing about rosé. She has authored several books, including “Rosé, Understanding the Pink Wine Revolution” (2018) and “The Buyers Guide to the Rosés of Southern France” (2021).

Elizabeth regularly contributes to publications such as Decanter, Club Oenologique, and Quench, while also working as a consultant, judge, and educator in the global wine industry. In this session, she will guide participants through the diversity of Balkan rosé wines, showcasing their unique styles, terroirs, and winemaking techniques.

Dear guests and friends,
It is a true pleasure to welcome you all to Naoussa for the 14th Balkans International Wine Competition and its very first conference. As a city with deep-rooted wine traditions and a passion for excellence, we are excited to host this gathering of incredible winemakers, experts, and enthusiasts from across the Balkans. Naoussa’s story has always been intertwined with wine, and having such important discussions about the future of our industry here feels truly special. I am certain that this event will spark inspiration, new ideas, and meaningful connections. Welcome to Naoussa – I hope you feel as at home here as we do.

It’s truly exciting to see Naoussa becoming the gathering point for the 14th Balkans International Wine Competition and its first-ever conference. As a winemaking region with deep roots and passion for excellence, Naoussa is the perfect place to host these important conversations about the future of Balkan wine. It’s inspiring to welcome so many talented professionals here, all united by a shared dedication to quality and innovation. Looking forward to seeing how our traditions and ideas shape the next chapter for Balkan wines.