ArrayBrežice once again proved that the rich culinary and winemaking tradition of the area continues to develop at an exceptionally high level. At the traditional ceremony dedicated to homemade baking and fine wine, awards were presented to the best bread and potica makers, and the holders of the prestigious title Mayor’s Wine 2026 were announced.
The event, which each year brings together dedicated lovers of homemade cuisine, winegrowers, associations, and numerous visitors, once again demonstrated the knowledge, dedication, and respect for heritage that the local community possesses.
On this occasion, Katja Čanžar, Director of ZPTM Brežice, emphasised: “Tonight is a tribute to the hardworking, resilient, calloused, sometimes even bloodied, yet at the same time gentle hands of all those who ensure that Brežice places products and produce of the highest quality on the table. Today’s tourist no longer comes merely to see a place, but to feel it – through homemade bread, potica, a glass of fine wine, local cured meats, and genuine hospitality. This is precisely why the future of Brežice tourism largely lies in the hands of our producers, winegrowers, homemakers, associations, and their descendants.”
Ivan Molan, Mayor of the Municipality of Brežice, added: “In Brežice, we know how to appreciate people who, with their knowledge, work, and perseverance, preserve what makes our town special. Such events are important not only because of the awards, but because they connect the community, preserve tradition, and give space to quality of which we can be sincerely proud.”
Masters of Bread and Potica Preserve the Heritage of Everyday Life
This year’s bread and potica competition once again brought together products of very high quality, giving the judging committee a demanding task. In the various bread categories, awards were presented to many excellent bakers, with the following winners standing out in individual categories:
- Anica Črnelič – wheat bread
- Dragica Zagmajster – mixed bread
- Majda Jurše – special types of bread and bread made with alternative raising agents
- Marija Hotko – festive bread
The competition among poticas was also strong. The titles for the best poticas went to:
- Primož Pavlič – savoury potica and sweet walnut or poppy seed potica
- Majda Jurše – poticas made from other grains
Mayor’s Wine 2026 Remains in the Hands of Top Winemakers
A special part of the event was the announcement of Mayor’s Wine 2026, a project that has for many years encouraged the quality and recognition of local wines while connecting all six winegrowing associations in the Municipality of Brežice.
This year, the expert committee evaluated Cviček PTP, Beli Bizeljčan PTP, and Yellow Muscat as this year’s selected Mayor’s Wine.
The title of best wine in the Cviček PTP category was awarded to Roman Kvartuh from the Gadova Peč Winegrowing, Tourism and Cultural Association.
In the Beli Bizeljčan PTP category, Klet Nujec from the Bizeljsko Winegrowers’ Association took first place. Klet Nujec also impressed in the Yellow Muscat category and received the title of Selected Mayor’s Wine 2026.
Roman Baškovč, a member of the expert committee, emphasised that the level of this year’s samples was exceptionally high, reflecting the continuous progress of local winemaking and the serious commitment of producers to raising quality.
From Awards to Socialising
The event was accompanied by a cultural programme performed by teachers of the Brežice Music School, adding a festive note and warmth to the evening.
On this occasion, the organisers also invited visitors to the traditional Day of Bread, Wine and Salami, which will take place on 19 June, when visitors will once again be able to taste the very best that the local environment has to offer.
Source: ZPTM Brežice
