Croatian Wine Festival 2025

Nikola Estate
The annual Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce (WACCC) Croatian Wine Festival celebrates the achievements of Croatian-heritage winemakers and grape growers in the Swan Valley of Western Australia.
The Long Table Lunch this year was held at Nikola Estate, Middle Swan, Swan Valley, on Sunday October 12, 2025.
It was a privilege for the WACCC to host at this special lunch, Mr Frank Paolini MLA, Member for MT Lawley representing the Hon Tony Buti the Attorney General; Minister for Commerce; Tertiary and International Education; & Multicultural Interests, whom provided insights into the historic Croatian roots of the Swan Valley Wine Region in Perth’s east.
Vjeran Duplancic performed both the Australian and Croatian national anthems at the lunch to open the event.

President of the WACCC Luke Jurcevic invited Phil Walleystack to deliver a Welcome to Country on behalf of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation – a moving experience for all in attendance with his sister Helen. Phil is also the CEO of Indigenous Arts Foundation, who recently sent the Kaya Dancers to perform in Zagreb and Split, Croatia, at the International Folk Festival, joining performers from around the world. Their tour was named ‘Kaya Croatia’ – at one point both the Australian and Aboriginal flags were projected onto the famous Zagreb fountain as Isaiah Walley-Stack performed with the didgeridoo; the dancers also performed for the Australian Ambassador to Croatia Richard Rodgers in Zagreb.

The venue, Nikola Estate, has been growing vines since 1929, making it the ideal backdrop for the announcement of the 2025 Croatian Master Winemaker of the Year. The winner is . . .

The Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce Master Winemaker of the year for 2025 is Tony Cobanov of Windy Creek Estate.

Being, a third-generation vigneron, he grew up working on the family vineyard. After school, he earned a Trade Certificate in body building and welding, skills that supported his weekend jobs to supplement the family income while maintaining the vineyard and winery with his father.

In 1988, a part-time role at Sandalford introduced him to Tony Roe, a mentor who inspired him to pursue premium winemaking and launch his own label.

Since 2001, he has earned numerous medals and awards. When asked about his success, He attributes it to his passion for his craft.

About the trophy:

A unique artwork designed and crafted by Ron Gomboc, base made from a 100 year old oak barrel from the original Houghton winery. The design represents a wine glass and wine.

The second award, for Croatian Master Vigneron of the Year 2025, went to Graeme Roscic,

In 1926, their grandfather arrived from Podgora, followed by his wife and first child in 1930. The family established roots in Western Australia's wine industry when their grandfather purchased a vineyard in West Swan in 1942. In 1957, their father acquired a vineyard in Henley Brook. In 1973, they took over half of the Henley Brook vineyard and leased two additional vineyards. By 2002, they expanded their operations, becoming a packhouse and agent with eight growers, and began selling directly to Woolworths. They have also served on the committee of the WA Table Grape Growers and Horticulture Produce Commission, contributing significantly to the region's horticultural community.

About the trophy:

A unique artwork designed and crafted by Ron Gomboc,

with the base from a 100 year old jarrah strainer post from the original Hougton winery.

The design represents a grapevine and grapes growing up from the soil.

"Families of Croatian heritage have been in the winemaking business in the Swan Valley for more than a hundred years. Some of the vineyards even started with vines from the Croatian Island of Vis, where winemaking began some 2500 years ago. A great celebration at Nikola Estate for what was a fabulous afternoon of Croatian culture, fantastic food and wine" said WACCC President, Luke Jurcevic.

WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce President Luke Jurcevic used the occasion to announce the Arts, Crafts and Creative Awards initiative for 2025, while awarding Ron Gomboc from Gomboc Gallery for his 50 years of sculpting excellence, inspiring creativity and significantly enriching our community. Ron has created sculptures in Cottesloe and Bondi Beach for the past 21 years for the Sculptures By The Sea events, as well as producing hundreds of pieces for galleries and clients around the world. As well as designing and making of the Australian Arts Cinema and Television Awards (AACTA) actual award given to winners over the past 12 years.

Luke also congratulated the talented Vjeran Duplancic with an award for enriching the Croatian community for over 37 years with song, music and dedicated service. Vjeran performed both the Australian and Croatian national anthems at the lunch and sang Croatian songs to entertain all the guests. But also in winning the award from the city of Split for his contributions to music and the community.

Kim Yukich from Nikola Estate took us on journey of his family's efforts for us to all enjoy this amazing venue. The Yukich family and staff provided us with such a perfect experience and it was, again a joyful event at Nikola Estate.

Also present was Zoran Sangut, the consul of Croatia in Perth, the Lord Mayor Logan Howlett City of Cockburn and Sister City of Split, Croatia, Be Botanics – beautiful floral presentations – Jasmin Biagioni - leading floral arranger, Foundation President and life member for WACCC, Dennis Yagmich – Life member of the Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce and wife Sally Yagmich and Pia Turcinov AM, FundWA.

Leaders of Western Australia: Laura and Jure Denona – Gwelup Croatia Soccer Club and Hrvatski Dom – Croatia House, Dean Zlendic - Western Knights Soccer Club, the WA Croatian Community Centre - Anthony Sumich, President Antoni Ukalovic – Hrvatska Folklorna Groupa – Zagreb and Ian Powell, Anthony Radich and Darlene Gianoli from The Lado Croatian Folkloric Ensemble of Western Australia. As well as Vice-President of the WA Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Martin Cop.

“It was a privilege to honour and celebrate our community and the contributions of Croatian heritage Australians here in Perth”, said Luke Jurcevic, WACCC President. “The day was simply joyful and Perthect!”

Folklore group

Thank you to Hrvatska Folklorna Groupa – Zagreb amazing performance.