Winemaking in the area Požega-Slavonia County has a long and successful tradition. This is not surprising, because Golden Slavonia, due to its position, has produced many top wines, recognizable in Croatia and the world.
The wine region, which stretches from Virovitica and Daruvar to the Danube and Baranja in the west, is characterized by large areas covered with vineyards that produce the largest amount of wine in the country, and the tradition of growing vines dates back to Roman times.
Planted with vines, surrounded and fused with nature, the southern exposures of Papuk, Krndija and Psunj, as well as numerous hills and hilly areas of the Golden Valley are proud of their vineyards. Their location, sun exposure, microclimatic conditions and soil affect the quality of the fruit, and thus the droplets that are happy to be on the table of Slavonians.
Wine roads - a paradise for wine lovers
The Požega-Pleternica Wine Road, the Kutjevo Wine Road and the Pakrac Wine Road are three wine roads that are worth visiting and tasting the wine story. At the same time, enjoy the selected drop of top wines and the hospitality of Slavonian winemakers and the view of the magnificent Slavonian vineyards.
There are more than 30 wineries on three wine roads. If you let them lead you in their direction, you will find a recognizable quality of Slavonian vineyards poured into bottles, signed by the names of famous Slavonian wineries, some of which continue the tradition of several family generations, and some innovatively print new wine lines. Dare on an adventure, walk through the vineyards, try local wines and bring a souvenir in a bottle.
The Croatian Empire of White Varieties is well known, and numerous international varieties popular in the world still grow in Slavonian vineyards. Graševina as the flagship of Požega-Slavonia County, Rhine Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Silvanac, Chardonnay or Muscat of the Whites; merlot, zweigelt, frankovka, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc made of black and some rosé will help you relax in Slavonian vineyards like the rays of the setting sun. This will be joined by sparkling wines, which are increasingly offered by wineries and restaurants.
But Graševina has been sitting on the throne for years. Although it is actually another international white variety, the production of Graševina in this wine region has been brought to such levels that many identify it with Slavonia and perceive it as indigenous. It is the most widespread and most popular of the wine varieties that grow on our soil, and winemakers produce a whole range of different styles of wine for every occasion.
The oldest wine cellar in Croatia
The restored Turković Castle belongs to the most beautiful monuments of the rich cultural heritage of Slavonia. It was built on the remains of the Cistercian abbey and contains a wine cellar from 1232, one of the oldest cellars in Croatia.
A special feature of this cellar is almost 800 years of uninterrupted wine production. According to legend, Empress Maria Theresa and Baron Francis Trenk stayed in it for seven days, enjoying the love power of his wines. Their adventure is still witnessed by the recess in the center of the stone table, which fulfills all your love wishes with one touch.
The Kutjevo vineyards are connected to the most famous wine-growing regions of the world
You can still experience stories about wine, love and viticulture in the Golden Valley, which is best known for its wine due to all the above. But there are some other facts that give a special charm to this Slavonian wine story, which many do not know. For example, do you know that there is a geographical connection of this wine-growing region with some of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world?
A lesser-known curiosity is connected with the Kutjevo vineyards, which are located on the 45,3 parallel. It is the same parallel that runs through world-famous wine-growing areas such as Piedmont, Val du Rhone, Bordeaux and Oregon. This is an area where mostly white varieties are grown, and Graševina is in the first place. Obviously Graševina loves this parallel, and Graševina is loved by all wine lovers.
Graševina Festival in Kutjevo
The most famous wine of this area, as we have already said, is Graševina, which originates from the grape variety of the same name, and which is especially suitable for its positions on the slopes of the Golden Valley. In her honor, the Graševina Festival is held every year in Kutjevo, and in the same town, even the main square is called Graševina Square. Kutjevo lives in the rhythm of vineyards, and is located in the Golden Valley, at the foot of Krndija, the oldest mountain in Croatia and part of the Papuk Nature Park.
The program of this year's Festival has already started on May 20, 2022 in the Kutjevački podrum Restaurant by evaluating Graševina wines, and a day later the Open Cellars Days were held. But the richest part of the program is yet to come.
Namely, on Friday, June 3, the Wine Queen's Choice will be held at the Kutjevo cinema, starting at 19 p.m. The next day, workshops were organized in the Kutjevo castle from 10 am to 14 pm, and from 14 pm to 17 pm, the Salon of Rated Wines will be held at the same location.
From 17 pm, stands of exhibitors will be set up on Graševina Square - from winemakers, local producers, family farms to handicraft exhibitors. The Wine Marathon will start at the same time, and an hour later an activity for the youngest - the Children's Tractor Race.
There is also a music part of the Graševina Festival program. This year, for the first time, a great music star of our region is coming to Kutjevo - Željko Samardžić, who will undoubtedly attract a large number of visitors. The concert starts at 21 pm at the central venue, Graševina Square.
Given the fact that Golden Slavonia is an increasingly visited wine destination, the Tourist Board of Požega-Slavonia County organizes thematic workshops and trainings, and continues to invest in the improvement and further development of eno-gastronomic offer and services.
Photos: Borna Subota, source: Požega-Slavonia County Tourist Board
