Plešivica Wine Travel Guide (Croatian Uplands, Croatia)

Exploring Plešivica: Croatia’s Hidden Wine Gem

Nestled in the Croatian Uplands, Plešivica is a picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills and exceptional wines. This area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and viticultural excellence, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Towns and Villages

The Plešivica wine region is dotted with charming small towns and villages. Jastrebarsko serves as the main hub for the area, offering a mix of historical sites and modern amenities.

  • Plešivica village: The namesake village, known for its panoramic views and traditional architecture
  • Sveta Jana: A quaint village famous for its church and local wineries
  • Mladina: Home to several family-run wineries and scenic vineyards

Wine Producers

Plešivica boasts a variety of boutique wineries and family-owned estates. Many offer tastings and cellar tours, providing an intimate look into Croatian winemaking traditions.

  • Tomac Winery: Renowned for their sparkling wines and use of amphora
  • Korak Winery: Produces exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
  • Šember Winery: Known for their innovative approach to winemaking
  • Ivančić Griffin: Specializes in high-quality sparkling wines

Accommodations

While accommodations in Pleāivica are limited, visitors can find charming guesthouses and small hotels in the surrounding area.

  • Villa Magnolia: A boutique hotel in Jastrebarsko with a wine cellar
  • Guesthouse Ivančić: Offers rooms on a family-run winery estate
  • Hotel Princess: A larger option in nearby Jastrebarsko with modern amenities

Dining

The region’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines, featuring local specialties and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

  • Karlo Restaurant: Offers traditional Croatian dishes with a modern twist
  • Ivančić Restaurant: Farm-to-table dining experience at a winery
  • Šember Wine Bar: Casual dining with an extensive local wine list

Wine Shops & Bars

Plešivica offers intimate wine tasting experiences at local shops and bars. These venues showcase the region’s best wines and provide opportunities to interact with knowledgeable locals.

  • Vinarija Jagunić: A family-run wine shop offering tastings and local wine sales
  • Vinotoč Mladina: A rustic wine bar featuring a rotating selection of regional wines
  • Plešivica Wine House: Centrally located shop with a wide variety of local wines and spirits

Other Shops

While wine is the main attraction, Plešivica also boasts charming local shops selling regional specialties and crafts.

  • OPG Pavlaković: Farm shop selling homemade jams, honey, and other local products
  • Eko-etno Rodić: Artisanal shop featuring handmade crafts and organic food products
  • Jastrebarsko Market: Weekly farmer’s market offering fresh produce and local goods

Attractions

Beyond its wineries, Plešivica offers scenic beauty and cultural sites that complement the wine experience.

  • Japetić: The highest peak in the region, offering panoramic views of the vineyards
  • Erdödy Castle: A 16th-century castle in Jastrebarsko with beautiful gardens
  • Plešivica Bike Trail: A 35km cycling route winding through vineyards and forests

Events

Plešivica hosts several wine-centric events throughout the year, celebrating local culture and viticulture.

  • Plešivica Wine Spring (May): A festival showcasing new vintages from local wineries
  • St. John’s Day Celebration (June): Traditional festival in Sveta Jana with wine tastings
  • Jastrebarsko Wine Days (September): Annual event featuring wine tastings, food, and music

Appellations

The Plešivica wine region falls under the Croatian Uplands wine-growing hills appellation, known for its cool climate wines.

  • Plešivica-Okić: A sub-appellation known for its sparkling wines and white varieties
  • Jastrebarsko: Recognized for producing high-quality still wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
  • Sveta Jana: A small appellation celebrated for its aromatic white wines

Grape Varieties

The Plešivica region is known for its diverse grape varieties. Graševina (Welschriesling) is the most widely planted white grape, producing crisp, aromatic wines.

Other important white varieties include:

  • Chardonnay
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Riesling
  • Pinot Gris

For red wines, Portugieser and Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) are common. Pinot Noir is gaining popularity due to the region’s cool climate.

Main Wine Styles

Plešivica wines are characterized by their freshness and elegance. The cool climate results in wines with higher acidity and lower alcohol content.

Key wine styles include:

  • Crisp, aromatic white wines
  • Light to medium-bodied red wines
  • Sparkling wines, particularly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Food Specialties

The cuisine of Plešivica pairs perfectly with local wines. Zagorski štrukli, a cheese-filled pastry, is a regional specialty.

Other local dishes to try:

  • Purica s mlincima (turkey with flatbread)
  • Strukli (cottage cheese dumplings)
  • Zagorska juha (Zagorje soup)

Drives & Walks

The Plešivica Wine Road offers a scenic drive through vineyards and charming villages. Stop at family-owned wineries for tastings and panoramic views.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Japetić Nature Park provides trails with stunning vistas of the surrounding wine country.

Itineraries

One-Day Wine Tour

Start in Jastrebarsko, visit 2-3 wineries, and enjoy lunch at a local konoba. End the day with a sunset wine tasting at a hilltop vineyard.

Weekend Getaway

Day 1: Wine tasting and local cuisine

Day 2: Hiking in Japetić Nature Park, followed by a spa treatment at a wine-themed resort

Getting There & Around

The nearest major airport is Zagreb International Airport, about 50 km from Plešivica. Rent a car for easy access to wineries and scenic drives.

Public transportation options:

  • Trains from Zagreb to Jastrebarsko (30-40 minutes)
  • Local buses connect major towns

Best Time to Visit

September to October is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the harvest season. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Key considerations:

  • Summer (June-August): Warmer temperatures, busier with tourists
  • Winter (November-March): Some wineries may have limited hours

Sustainability Efforts

Many Plešivica wineries embrace eco-friendly practices. Look for organic and biodynamic wine producers during your visit.

Sustainable initiatives:

  • Solar-powered wineries
  • Water conservation methods
  • Local, seasonal ingredients in restaurants

Language Tips

Croatian is the primary language. Learn these wine-related phrases:

  • “Živjeli!” (Cheers!) – pronounced “ZHEE-vye-lee”
  • “Vino” (Wine) – pronounced “VEE-no”
  • “Hvala” (Thank you) – pronounced “HVAH-lah”

Further Resources

Expand your Plešivica wine knowledge with these resources: