PLEŠIVICA
The closest and smallest wine region to Zagreb in Croatia is experiencing its great wine renaissance. The mountain slopes offer spectacular views of the amphitheatrical vineyards crowned with picturesque villages and cottages. The best sparkling wines of traditional style and fresh white and elegant red wines from classic and local varieties come from there. Plešivica is characterized by the production of characteristic and fragrant amber wines. Ecology and sustainability are imperative for local winemakers.
Some of the last artisan coopers work there, defying industrial production with the skill of their hands and preserving a valuable collection of old cooperage tools. This popular excursion destination for Zagreb residents is a gastronomic oasis of traditional rustic cuisine, as well as fine dining restaurants crowned with stars and caps.
On this tour, we will visit the last cooperage craft of this region. You will meet Croatian wine legends, as well as promising young winemakers in their family wineries. You will experience an expertly guided tasting of their specially selected wines and a tour of the vineyards. They will offer us typical specialties of this region at almost every opportunity, and we will treat ourselves to them for lunch before the end of this interesting and educational tour.
ITINERARY:
We depart from Zagreb in the morning by van. During the drive, a short education about Croatian wines and wine regions with an emphasis on Bregovita Hrvatska and especially Plešivica. After about 45 minutes of driving, we arrive at a small family cooperage whose top-quality products are exported from Italy to the USA. There, we will find out what is behind this ancient skill, essential for top-quality winemaking.
Early morning is also the time for the first bubbles. We arrive at one of the most prestigious wineries in this region, where a member of the producer's family guides us through 5 carefully selected labels of sparkling wines, as well as excellent still wines. Along with the wine, we will also taste cold plates of local cured meats and cheeses.
Pleasantly refreshed and full of desire for new knowledge (and a few sips and bites), we continue our journey to another winery where an absolute treat awaits us – a homemade lunch made exclusively from local ingredients, in three courses. And here, of course, we enjoy a premium wine tasting led by the winery owner himself.
Return to Zagreb is planned for late afternoon.
