Croatia’s far eastern region has been crowned the country’s hottest new wine destination, and we can’t help but agree! Move over the coastline, it’s time for the wine region dubbed as the “Mother of Wine” to take center stage!

Wine lovers head on east

Baranja, the far eastern region of Croatia, located in the Slavonia and Danube wine region, is the newest must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Referred to as “Wine Mother” or “The Mother of Wine,” a translation of the Hungarian word Boranya (bor – wine, anya – mother), is rightly famed for the most important things in life – preserved nature and wildlife biodiversity, the local hospitality, the cultural heritage, the wine, and the food.

With its rolling hills and fertile plains, to the meandering rivers, lush forests, and charming old, traditional villages, Baranja is a place where time decided to slow down. With countless winemakers to choose from, it requires more than a day’s stay to truly immerse your senses in the essence of their winemaking tradition. And enjoyment in the preserved natural surrounding of this slow-paced region!

If you’re looking for an authentic experience, Baranja’s famed wine cellars are the spot you can’t miss! Some of the most unique wine cellars in Croatia, called – gatori, can be found there and preserved in all of their authentic charms! 

Baranja surduci, through the hill-cut streets and roads, contain houses better known as “gators,” in which the ideal temperature for wine aging does not change throughout the year. Buried in the ground, often brick-walled, gators represent a true architectural heritage of Baranja winemaking culture. Built more than a century ago, these wine cellars are carved deep into the hill, some stretching up to a whopping 50 meters.

The region is known for its numerous festivals, held throughout the year, which feature open wine cellars, concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, and workshops. A perfect getaway!

The wines are produced from both native and international varieties, and we suggest that you visit these winemakers to experience both firsthand.

• Josić winery

Josić’s Graševina, also known as Welschriesling, is a wine that would make an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of Croatian white wines. Its distinct green apple flavor is complemented by a full-bodied, harmonious, and slightly bitter aftertaste. 

In addition to its white, Josić also produces a delightful Rosé and a ruby-colored, elegant Josić Cuvée made from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This Cuvée is a perfectly unusual Bordeaux-Burgundian blend with a soft but rich flavor profile sure to please any discerning wine lover. Read more about Josić winery and their amazing restaurant in one of the gators – here. 

• Kalazić winery

If you are a fan of whites, consider tasting Chardonnay BQ. Wine crafted to create a sophisticated and intricate white. It’s the kind of wine where you can discover something new with every bottle you uncork.

For a true treat, taste Kalazić Cabernet Sauvignon Late Harvest, an extraordinary wine made only in exceptional vintages when the harvest of healthy berries and dehydrated grapes. The wine is on the border between semi-dry and semi-sweet, with delightful aromas of plum, ripe red, and blackberries—a wine for special occasions and special dishes. Read more about Kalazić winery here.

• Belje winery

The oldest wine cellar in Baranja belongs to one of the biggest Croatian wine producers. You may be interested to know that the foundations of this estate were laid by Prince Eugene of Savoy back in 1697. Try their Goldberg-labeled wines. These wines are meticulously crafted from the selected grapes grown in unique positions, harvested at a specific time, and produced as either dry or semi-dry wines. Wines have a high density, concentrated dry matter, pleasant acidity, and present a harmonious blend of primary, secondary, tertiary aromas and flavors that will delight any wine enthusiast eager to uncover new wine regions. 

Foodies paradise

But wine is not the only thing that makes Baranja a must-visit destination. Baranja is a place for foodies too. Want to know the secret behind every mouth-watering dish in Baranja? Well, it’s none other than the fiery red pepper that adds a unique touch to both sweet and savory meals. 

You won’t be able to resist the tempting aroma of Baranja cuisine that’s perfectly intertwined with its natural environment – lush soil, pristine water, and preserved wild animal life.

Now, let’s dive into the top must-try dishes while in Baranja:

• Baranja kulen, is the spiciest and tastiest sausage you’ll ever come across; it even has the EU Protected Geographical Indication;
• Smoke-dried bacon, sausages, ham, čvarci (cracklings), and dairy products, all homemade and delicious;
• You cannot leave Baranja without trying the hot and fiery fish stew, Fiš-paprikaš, cooked to perfection on an open fire;
• Another must-try dish is Šaran u rašljama, where carp is fixed to forked branches and roasted over an open fire, giving it a smoky flavor that’ll leave you wanting more;
• Don’t miss out on the famous Perkelt – a hearty fish or meat stew served with pasta, cottage cheese, and fried bacon;
• Savor the unique taste of venison specialties;
• And end your gastronomic journey with a clay pot of beans cooked to perfection.

Meet the locals

One of the best ways to truly experience the charm of this region is to meet the locals, and there’s no better place to do so than in one of the local wine cellars or čardas (taverns, in translation). Here, you’ll find a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where you can sample some delicious local cuisines and enjoy a drink with the locals. 

So whether you’re a wine aficionado, a foodie, or someone who loves exploring new places, Baranja is a destination that should be on your travel bucket list.

With its combination of excellent wines, amazing food, hospitable locals, and beautiful nature, it’s no wonder this wine-growing region has gained the recognition it deserves and has become one of Croatia’s best new wine destinations.

Check out our carefully curated selection of amazing wines from Slavonia and the Danube region. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience what the region offers!

Feeling overwhelmed with the choices? Let us guide you!

Our expert team has thoughtfully curated a selection of mixed special cases to showcase our collection’s finest wines. Experience the perfect balance of flavors and aromas, and indulge in a world of premium wines.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your wine game.

Order now, and let us take care of the rest!

Cheers!