This weekend, Sljeme became the center of a unique Ski & Wine event for the first time, combining sport, nature, top wines and humanitarianism in an unforgettable winter experience. The event brought together lovers of skiing, top wines and local delicacies, and promoted sustainable tourism, local producers and a noble cause – helping children from the Special Hospital for Chronic Diseases of Children in Gornja Bistra.
With this event, Sljeme has confirmed itself as an ideal backdrop for the promotion of wine and gastronomy and sustainable tourism, and such events open up new opportunities for revitalizing its offer throughout the year.
The event was organized for the first time and was further enriched with a humanitarian character with the support of the Croatian Skiing Association (HULJS), which actively participated in the organization and fundraising for SB Bistra. The association members, through their engagement, ensured additional visibility of this noble cause and motivated numerous participants to make their contribution.
Participants enjoyed tastings of top-quality wines from local winemakers alongside the winter idyll of Medvednica and occasional gastronomic snacks that complemented this unique experience. Part of the funds raised during the event are intended to support the work of SB Bistra and improve the treatment conditions of the youngest patients.
Six renowned wineries from the Zagreb County area participated in this event: Philipecz, Tomac, Šember, Kos, Dobra berba and Jagunić.
– On Sljeme today we saw not only a passion for winter sports, but also top-notch wines. The combination of skiing, top-notch sparkling wines and a humanitarian cause made this festival truly special, said the president of the Croatian Association of Skiing and Snowboarding Enthusiasts (HULJS Ski) Nino Staničić VidračHis words perfectly describe the spirit of the event, in which sport and culture met to create a unique story together.
Special support for Plešivica winemakers was provided this year by Petra Masnec, director of the Jastrebarsko Tourist Board, who continuously works to promote the Plešivica vineyards and its winemakers. Her support further strengthened the presence of Plešivica wines at the event and confirmed the importance of local cooperation in the development of eno-gastro tourism.
The wine tastings were expertly led by renowned sommelier Darko Lugarić, who introduced the guests to the characteristics of each wine and the perfect combinations with local dishes. A special experience was also provided by Monika Antolović, who presented a combination of indigenous products through the presentation of homemade bread from the Robić family farm, served with traditional lard, allowing visitors to taste the true tradition of the region.
– For the first time, Sljeme has hosted such an event concept that perfectly connects sport, nature, eno-gastronomy and humanitarianism. Sljeme has enormous potential that goes beyond the winter months, and such events are exactly what it needs to attract a wider audience throughout the year. 'Ski & Wine' not only promotes sustainable tourism and local producers, but also carries a strong message of togetherness and solidarity. We are proud to be part of an initiative that creates value for the community and helps those who need it most, like the children from SB Bistra, she said Ivana Alilović, director Zagreb County Tourist Board which emphasized the importance of such facilities for the sustainability and development of Sljeme's tourist offer.
The event attracted numerous visitors and once again confirmed the importance of connecting nature, sports, food and wine, and social responsibility in creating attractive and significant tourist attractions.
