The grape harvest has officially begun in Central Hilly Croatia (Bregovita Hrvatska), with both viticulturalists and winemakers in agreement: 2025 marks the region’s best harvest of the decade.
Favorable weather, healthy vineyards, and exceptional grape quality have set the stage for an outstanding vintage that is expected to shine in both traditional wines and new projects.
Early Start in Plešivica
The first vineyards to welcome pickers were in Plešivica, where grape picking began last week for varieties destined for sparkling wine production. For wineries like Šember, the outlook is exceptionally bright.
“Unlike several previous years, we have had a good winegrowing year. We were not affected by the rains or vine diseases. The result is a good harvest. The parameters of the grapes are good, so we believe that everything will be as it should be in the cellar,” said Nikola Šember of Šember Winery.
A Breakthrough for Organic Producers
Even ecological producers, who often face the greatest challenges from nature’s unpredictability, are celebrating. For Mladina Cellar, this harvest is a milestone.
“This year's harvest is our first with an organic certificate! After two years that were challenging for us in protecting and preserving the vineyards healthy, this summer brought us an excellent harvest. The health of the grapes, their quantity, parameters, and quality are excellent. I believe that such a harvest is a wind at our backs for us and everyone else involved in organic wine production,” said Danijel Šarušić, director of the cellar.
A Larger Harvest in Hrvatsko Zagorje
The optimism extends to Hrvatsko Zagorje, where grape picking began earlier this week. Prekratić vino winery is experiencing both growth in quantity and a leap in quality.
“The beautiful summer brought us a larger harvest than in previous years. The quality of the grapes is also showing good results. In our winery, we will also remember this harvest for the improvement of primary processing. We have a new press and a processing line connected to it, which will improve the quality of the wine,” shared Josip Prekratić.
Anticipation in Other Vineyards
Other winemakers are still making final preparations, but confidence is high. At Štampar Winery, work in the cellar and vineyard is nearly complete ahead of the September harvest.
“We are sterilizing the cellar, cleaning the tanks and machines, and the vineyards are mowing the grass. We will start harvesting at the beginning of September. In addition to the wines we have been producing for years, we are also preparing something new. For the first time, we will be making a pušipel for aging,” said David Štampar.
Looking Ahead: BregFest 2025
Following the harvest, winemakers from across Central Hilly Croatia will gather for the fourth edition of BregFest, the region’s leading wine festival. Hosted in Zagreb’s Lauba on Friday, October 24, 2025, the event will showcase the wines of this exceptional year and highlight the innovative spirit driving the region forward.
With healthy grapes, expanded organic production, modernized winemaking technology, and exciting new varietal projects, Central Hilly Croatia is poised to deliver some of its most memorable wines yet.
Source: Bregovita Hrvatska Winemakers' Association