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Travel Guide to Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region are two of the four wine regions located in the Republic of Croatia. The Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region covers the area from the town of Virovitica and Daruvar in the west of Croatia to the Danube and Baranja in the east of the country. The Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region are characterized by large areas covered in vineyards that produce the highest volumes of wines in Croatia. The history of viticulture in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region dates back to ancient Roman times. Today, the wines produced in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region have a reputation for providing drinkers with excellent quality wines at reasonable prices.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region to enjoy if you visit the region.

Continue reading the travel guide to Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region to discover more about:

Wines from Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

Wineries to visit in Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

Places to discover in Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

Food to try in Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

Danube-Croatia
lake in Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region

The largest and easternmost winemaking regions of Croatia   

Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region make up the largest wine-making region in Croatia, not only in the area but also in the quantity of wine produced. Together, the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region is the easternmost winemaking region of Croatia, enclosed by the Danube, Drava and Sava Rivers.

The wines produced in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region are well known for their excellent quality at reasonable and affordable prices. The most notable of the Slavonia and Danube wines are produced from grapes from the areas of Venje and Mitrovac in the Kutjevo wine country. Excellent grapes are also produced in Erdut, Belje, Srijem, Daruvar, Baranja and Ilok.

For many years, Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region were best known for the production of white grape varietals but in recent times the varietals grown here have become increasingly diverse, including even international varietals such as Pinot Gris and Riesling. The red wine production in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region has increased solely but steadily over the years with the Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zweigelt varietals becoming increasingly popular.

Today, most wine lovers in Croatia and abroad associate Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region with the production of Welschriesling and it is now considered indigenous to the area. It is currently the most widespread of all of the varietals grown in Croatia and is used by winemakers to make a variety of different wines.

The proximity of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region to the Danube, Drava and Sava Rivers provides the reason for a special microclimate that is perfect for the cultivation of grapes. The climate of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region is cold and continental which lends itself to the cultivation of white grapes that are used in the production of fresh, dry and aromatic white wines. Along with this climate, the volcanic soils of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region provide the perfect terroir for the growth of vineyards.

podrumi krešić slender rows of grapevines on the vineyard near winery
Vineyards of Podrumi Kresic winery in Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region, Croatia

Grape Varieties:

Red: Frankovka, Zweigelt, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

White: Crasevina, Traminac, Chardonnay, Welschriesling

Some of the best wines in Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region make up the largest wine-producing region in Croatia. Unlike other wine-making countries, Croatia does not have a DO or AOC system which can make it slightly tricky to determine the origin of Croatian wines.

In the west of Slavonia Croatia, and depending on the terroir, Grasevina wines can be found and range from delicate and refreshing to dry and opulent, with some, even being more mature and robust. Traminac grapes are the Croatian version of the white Gewürztraminer grapes.  These grapes are grown along the Danube in Ilok which has a warm and continental climate. The vines here are protected from the heat by the surrounding mountain ranges and preserve the grapes so that they can produce wines with the perfect aromas and opulent, long finishes.

The red wines of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region is mostly home to Frankovka and Zweigelt, with smaller plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Frankovka is also referred to as Blaufrankisch in other areas but when grown in Croatia, this grape achieves the most perfect levels of ripeness and body thanks so the high levels of sunlight on the vines and the permeable rich soil, particularly in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region. Frankovka wines have a high level of acidity and fruitiness and are widely recognised as Croatia’s most charming wine.

Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

Slavonia & Croatian Danube_Wine_Region_Map
Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region Map

Wineries to visit in Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

Podrumi Kresic is a beautifully traditional Croatian winery located on the Danube Coast in Sarengrad, in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region. This winery uses traditional Croatian methods to produce wines in its old cellar. These processes are then enhanced through the use of state-of-the-art technology. The first vines were planted at Podrumi Kresic in 2006. Today the vineyards of the estate cover 18 hectares of land, with the winery producing two red and seven white wines. Podrumi Kresic offers a range of touring and tasting experiences to visitors seeking a true Croatian wine experience.

The top sites of Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region  

The National Museum of Slavonia - Experience the history of Slavonia firsthand  

The Museum of Slavonia Croatia is the largest museum in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region and one of the oldest museums in Croatia. The collections housed inside the Museum include approximately 500 000 items in over 160 separate collections of artistic, ethnological, historical, archaeological and scientific significance. The Museum of Slavonia Croatia is located in the old Baroque area of the City of Osijek – Tvrda in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region. The exhibition spaces are shared between two buildings in the Holy Trinity Square which are the Main Guard building and the Magistrates Building. The museum is open from Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and is closed for visitors on Monday, Sunday and public holidays.

Feel like royalty in the Pejacevic Castle

The Pejacevic Castle can be found in the centre of Virovitica, on the site of what was previously a medieval fortress in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region. This castle is part of a series of castles that are owned by the well-known Pejacevic family of Croatia. Pejacevic Castle was built by the Pejacevics in 1800 according to the designs of the Viennese architect N. Roth. In 2016 the castle was restored and its surrounding gardens and parks revitalised in order to attract culture and heritage tourists. Inside the castle, there is a permanent exhibition called ‘Wooden Age’ which depicts the history of both Virovitica and the castle itself. Visitors to the castle can enjoy over two hours of multimedia content, games, movies, music and much more. There is also a tourist information centre and s souvenir shop as well as a restaurant and numerous educational spaces.

Pejacevic Castle_Croatia
Castle Pejačević in Virovitica - Wineries to visit in Slavonia & Croatian Danube Wine Region

The town of Dakovo - Experience the local town of the Bishops 

Djakovo in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region, Croatia is also known as the Bishops Town as it has been the centre for the country’s bishops since 1239. One of the most notable attractions in Djakovo is the Dakovo Cathedral or the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter. This imposing cathedral is one of the most important religious landmarks of Croatia. The church was constructed in the mid-19th century and its interior is a wonder of fresco paintings from both the New and Old Testaments. The cathedral took 4 years to build and a further 12 years to decorate, using over 7 million bricks! Leading up to the church are 15 steps, three for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and the remaining 12 for the apostles. Pope John XXII described the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter as the most beautiful cathedral between Venice and Istanbul – a must-see for all who visit Djakovo.

The Lipizzaner Horses and the Dakovo Stud Farm

Lippizzaner horses are a particular breed of horses that date back to 16th century Vienna when they were bred for the local nobility. Today, they are the flagship horse of Southeastern Europe. In Slovenia, Lippizzaner horses have been bred for over 500 years – the best of which have come from the Dakovo Stud Farm. This farm was established in 1506 and is one of Europe’s oldest operating stud farms. Visitors are welcome to the farm to see the work of the trainers and to watch the horses galloping through the meadows. There are also exhibits to learn more about the farm and the horses. This attraction provides fun for every family member.


The diverse and wonderful natural world of Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region

Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region are located in one of the most naturally beautiful regions of Croatia. The natural beauty of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region is thanks to the closeness of the Dabune, Drava and Sava rivers. The endless plains, rolling hills and beautiful riverbanks provide the perfect destination for all nature lovers.

Golden Thread Road - Take the road less travelled into nature

The Golden Thread Road is a nature-infused drive through the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region that links the town of Zupanja with the surrounding areas. This is a relatively new and therefore uncrowded tourist route although the road itself has been in existence for centuries. The Golden Thread Road takes visitors on a scenic route through the natural wonders of the area. Along the way, take the time to visit the numerous sites including The Bosniak Forest.

Spacva Forest - Croatia’s largest oak forest

The Spacva Forest is the largest oak forest in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region, Croatia. This forest is located near the town of Zupanja and is home to over 40 000 hectares of oak trees. For those tired of walking, there is an electric car ride through the forest. The team at the Spacva Forest are always happy to welcome visitors and take them on a family-friendly drive along a specially marked route through the forest. For the lucky ones, you might even be able to spot some wildlife including local deer. Other activities to enjoy in the forest include visiting the forest’s streams and rivers and going on scenic bike rides along the many marked trails.

Papuk Nature Park - The mountain of Slavonia and Danube  

The Papuk Nature Park is built around the Papuk Mountain, the only mountain in the Pozeg Valley area. This park lies in Pannonia, a low-lying area of Slovenia which is also the location of the Slovenian Highlands in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region. The Papuk Nature Park is home to a wonderful landscape of forests, lakes and rivers. This is a very popular destination for outdoor lovers, hikers and adventure travellers. The park has many experienced guides who are reading and willing to answer any questions and teach visitors more about the local area. The total area of Papuk Nature Park is 336 square kilometres which means that all areas of the park are not accessible to visitors. The attractions inside the park which should not be missed are the Jankovac Forest Park and the Skakavac Waterfall.


The tastes and treats of Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region  

The location of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region means that this area has the most fertile land in Croatia. This land is home to extensive farmlands, vineyards, orchards and wheatfields. Thanks to this, the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region is often referred to as the breadbasket of Croatia as so much of the land’s food is produced here.

Slavonia Kulen - The most iconic food of Slavonia  

Slavonia Kulen is arguably one of the most iconic foods of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region and certainly the region’s most sought-after meat product. Slavonia Kulen is a large pork sausage that is flavoured with paprika – a spice that is included in most Slavonian local dishes. Those who make Kulen use only the very best local pork in their sausage. The sausage mixture is stuffed into a pig intestine casing, salted, smoked and air-dried for a minimum of 1 month. When ready, the sausage is cut into slices and enjoyed either on its own or as an accompaniment to another dish.

Slavonian Kulen
Traditional Kulen from Slavonia - Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region

Cvarci - Croatian pork rinds

Cvarci are traditional Slavonian pork rinds that are most often served with different local cheeses on a platter. Cvarci pork rinds are made with the skin of a pig and are fried and roasted, much like crisps. These delicious snacks will have you struggling to stop once you get started!

Fis Paprikas - Traditional spiced fish stew

Fis Paprikas is a traditional Slavonian spiced freshwater fish stew. The location of the Slavonia & Croatian Danube wine region means that freshwater fish is a staple on the local menus. The most commonly used fish in this dish are pike, perch, catfish or carp. The fish or fish selection is cooked with white wine and cooked for 1.5 hours. The best Fis Paprikas with the richest flavours are cooked over an open fire and paired perfectly with a glass of crisp, local Slavonian white wine.

Where is the Slavonia & Croatian Danube?

The Slavonia and Croatian Danube wine region, one of the four wine regions in Croatia, runs from Virovitica and Daruvar in western Croatia to the Danube and Baranja in eastern Croatia. It offers an amazing variety of local wines that can rival any international brand.

What are the main grape varieties in the Slavonia & Croatian Danube?

Slavonia & Croatian Danube's vineyards are particularly known for the abundance of Red grape varieties such as Frankovka, Zweigelt, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; and White varieties like Crasevina, Traminac, Chardonnay & Welschriesling.

What is the best time to visit Slavonia & Croatian Danube?

The best time to visit Slavonia and the Croatian Danube is from mid-May through early October, with peak season in early August.

Map of Wineries in Slavonia & Croatian Danube

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