Wine Country Getaway with Chef Richard Gruica-Plešivica and Jastrebarsko

Wine Country Getaway with Chef Richard Gruica-Plešivica and Jastrebarsko

Did you know that just a short drive from Zagreb is one of Croatia’s premier wine regions? Well, you can experience the area, the wines, the food and so much more by joining Chef Richard Gruica, the US Culinary Ambassador for Croatia, as he guides us on a perfect day in wine country. The outing will take place Saturday, January 15th, 2022. All guests will be picked up in front of Hotel Academia (Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 88) at 11 am and we will head to the areas of Plešivica and Jastrebarsko in the Samobor Hills, at the southern part of the Žumberak mountains, where there are about forty winegrowers and winemakers. It is Croatia’s smallest wine-growing region with about 2,300 hectares of vineyards, but it is one of Chef Richard’s favorites. The estates there grow everything from international varieties like the Rhein Riesling, Traminer, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, to some delicious indigenous varieties. The wines are superb, as well as being very old, with records going back to 1370, but the views are just as good, with steep slopes full of rows of vines. The area, terroir, temperature, and altitude make this micro-region an almost perfect place for wines, especially sparkling wines, which is what the area is best known for.

While in the area, we will visit a copper, who is a person that specializes in the art of cask and barrel making. He is the only copper in the area and we will get to see the production area firsthand, where we will learn about the time-honored tradition that he is still maintaining. We will also enjoy a wine tasting at one of the top wineries in the area and sample an assortment of sparkling and still wines before heading out to a rustic wooden house high in the hills for a gourmet lunch of regional specialties, with products all being sourced or produced locally. All guests will enjoy a family-style appetizer and a choice of entrée. Lunch will also be paired with wine from the area. The views from the restaurant are to die for as well.

Our day will be capped off with a short drive to the delightful little town of Samobor, which is one of the favorite excursions for those living in Zagreb, where we will check out King Tomislav Square and sample the most iconic Croatian dessert, one that Croatians flock from all over to try, the Kremšnita. This Queen of Croatian Dessert, which is light yellow custard cream made from eggs, milk, sugar, and flour, is placed between two layers of crispy sheets of puff pastry. It is so good and a perfectly fitting end to our wonderful day in wine country.

To plan things, we ask that those interested in taking part, reserve their spot by paying for the excursion ahead of time. Any cancellations 7 days or more will get a full refund. Any 6 days or less, there will be no refunds. There will be NO LAST-MINUTE participants. The cost is all-inclusive and includes

• Transportation

• Cooperage Visit and Tour

• Wine Tasting and Tour

• Gourmet Lunch with Appetizer, Choice of Entrée and Wine

• Dessert

The cost for the Wine Country Getaway is 500 Kn or 75 USD plus taxes and fees if purchasing via Eventbrite...the final cost is $81.20.

You can submit your payment here or via bank transfer to

Raiffeisen Bank IBAN HR3424840083235595369 and the cost will be $75

There are only limited spaces for this event and it is on a first pay, first come basis. We will NOT be holding any spots.