{"id":52282,"date":"2026-06-14T13:15:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T11:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/?p=52282"},"modified":"2026-07-07T11:16:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T09:16:35","slug":"plesivica-croatias-sparkling-wine-hills-just-beyond-zagreb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/?p=52282","title":{"rendered":"Ple\u0161ivica: Croatia\u2019s Sparkling Wine Hills Just Beyond Zagreb"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"photo
photo credit by IVANCIC FAMILY WINERY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just beyond Zagreb, where the rhythm of the capital softens into green hills and winding country roads, Ple\u0161ivica reveals itself quietly. It is not a region that demands attention. It invites it.<\/p>\n

Here, vineyards climb sunlit slopes, family cellars rest beneath old houses, and wine is shaped not by urgency, but by patience, climate, soil, and inherited instinct. Ple\u0161ivica is one of Croatia\u2019s most intimate and respected wine landscapes: elegant, deeply local, and still refreshingly unspoiled.<\/p>\n

A refined wine escape where family cellars, rolling vineyards, and slow travel meet<\/h2>\n

Often affectionately called the \u201cChampagne of Croatia\u201d, Ple\u0161ivica has earned this nickname through its exceptional sparkling wines and cool-climate character. Yet the comparison should be understood with sensitivity. This is not Champagne, nor does it try to be. Ple\u0161ivica has its own voice: more discreet, more rural, more personal. Its charm lies precisely in that difference.<\/p>\n

For travellers who love wine, gastronomy, nature, and slow discovery, Ple\u0161ivica offers one of the most rewarding escapes in continental Croatia \u2014 close to Zagreb, yet emotionally far from the city.<\/p>\n

A Landscape Written in Wine<\/h2>\n
\"photo
photo credit by SEMBER WINERY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ple\u0161ivica is defined by its hills. The vineyards rise and fall across limestone-rich slopes, catching sunlight by day and cool air by night. This contrast gives the wines freshness, precision, and structure, especially in varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and traditional local grapes.<\/p>\n

The region is especially known for sparkling wines made by the traditional method, aged patiently in cool cellars beneath the hills. These wines have helped place Ple\u0161ivica among Croatia\u2019s most important sparkling wine destinations.<\/p>\n

But Ple\u0161ivica is not only about bubbles. It is also a region of amber wines, amphora experiments, delicate whites, elegant reds, and small family estates where every bottle still feels connected to a person, a place, and a particular harvest.<\/p>\n

CROATIAN ATTRACTIONS curates Ple\u0161ivica not as a simple wine stop, but as a layered countryside experience: vineyard walks, cellar tastings, family stories, local food, and landscapes that unfold slowly rather than perform for the camera.<\/p>\n

Tomac Winery \u2014 Between Heritage and Experiment<\/h2>\n

Tomac<\/a> is one of Ple\u0161ivica\u2019s most influential names, a family winery with more than a century of tradition and a pioneering role in shaping Croatia\u2019s sparkling wine identity. Located near Jastrebarsko, the estate combines heritage with bold curiosity.<\/p>\n

Tomac is especially known for traditional-method sparkling wines that express Ple\u0161ivica\u2019s freshness, minerality, and cool-climate elegance. Yet the family is equally respected for its amphora wines, inspired by ancient Georgian techniques of fermentation and ageing in clay vessels.<\/p>\n

This balance between respect for the past and openness to experimentation is what makes Tomac so important. Their wines do not feel fashionable in a superficial sense. They feel thoughtful, precise, and rooted in a long conversation between land, family, and time.<\/p>\n

Korak Winery \u2014 Precision, Refinement, and a Complete Gastronomic Experience<\/h2>\n
\"Korak
Korak winery, photo credit by KORAK WINERY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Korak Winery<\/a> is one of the most refined boutique estates in Ple\u0161ivica. Managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Korak family, it has become known for wines of exceptional clarity, structure, and elegance.<\/p>\n

The vineyards are cultivated on elevated slopes, with a strong focus on quality and expression of terroir. Korak\u2019s sparkling wines are often considered among Croatia\u2019s finest, while their still wines \u2014 particularly Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah \u2014 show both finesse and depth.<\/p>\n

What makes Korak especially compelling is the way wine and gastronomy meet. The estate is also home to a fine dining restaurant led by chef Bernard Korak, where seasonal cuisine is paired with estate wines. This is Ple\u0161ivica at its most polished: sophisticated, but never detached from the land.<\/p>\n

\u0160ember Winery \u2014 Time as a Winemaking Tool<\/h2>\n
\"photo
photo credit by SEMBER WINERY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u0160ember<\/a> is a historic family estate with more than 150 years of tradition, today recognised as one of Croatia\u2019s leading names in sparkling wine. Situated on limestone-rich hills, the vineyards offer ideal conditions for wines with freshness, structure, and ageing potential.<\/p>\n

The winery is known for low-intervention methods, indigenous yeasts, and long ageing on lees. Their sparkling wines carry quiet complexity, while still wines such as Riesling and Pinot Noir reveal the depth of the region.<\/p>\n

\u0160ember also produces rare amphora-aged wines, including limited qvevri Riesling expressions. These wines reflect the estate\u2019s experimental spirit, but never in a way that feels disconnected from tradition. Here, innovation grows from roots, not from trend.<\/p>\n

Ivan\u010di\u0107 Family Winery\u00a0\u2013 the soul of Ple\u0161ivica in a bottle<\/h2>\n
\"photo
photo credit by IVANCIC FAMILY WINERY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rooted in the rolling hills of\u00a0Ple\u0161ivica<\/strong>,\u00a0Ivan\u010di\u0107 Family Winery<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0embodies the quiet authenticity that defines the region. For generations, the family has cultivated vineyards with a deep respect for\u00a0nature, tradition, and the rhythm of the land<\/strong>, creating wines that express both\u00a0precision and emotion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Their portfolio moves gracefully between\u00a0fresh whites, elegant sparkling wines<\/strong>, and more complex, character-driven expressions shaped by Ple\u0161ivica\u2019s\u00a0limestone soils<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0cool continental climate<\/strong>. Every bottle reflects a philosophy of balance: where\u00a0craftsmanship<\/strong>\u00a0is never separated from\u00a0hospitality<\/strong>, and where wine remains closely tied to\u00a0family life<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0local identity<\/strong>. A visit to Ivan\u010di\u0107 is not simply a tasting, but an immersion into the atmosphere of Ple\u0161ivica itself:\u00a0panoramic vineyards, warm conversations<\/strong>, and wines that carry the landscape within them.<\/p>\n

Jaguni\u0107 Winery \u2014 Sparkling Wines and a New Ple\u0161ivica Energy<\/h2>\n
\"Jagunic
Jagunic Winery, photo by JAGUNIC WINERY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Set within the beautiful vineyard amphitheatres of Ple\u0161ivica, the family-run Jaguni\u0107 Winery<\/a> has been creating wines for generations, each bottle carrying a story of passion, dedication, and deep respect for the land. Today, this tradition is proudly continued and thoughtfully modernised by brothers Dominik and Martin Jaguni\u0107, who successfully unite rich family heritage with a sustainable, forward-looking vision.<\/p>\n

Recognised as one of the leading addresses for lovers of premium sparkling wines made by the traditional method, the brothers have also taken an important step further: a complete transition towards organic cultivation. Their belief is clear and beautifully simple \u2014 the purest expression of terroir can only be born in a healthy, carefully preserved vineyard.<\/p>\n

Every bottle bearing the Jaguni\u0107 family name, from elegant and characterful sparkling wines to refined still wines, is the result of shared work, precision in the cellar, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. A visit to their modern tasting room offers a memorable eno-gastronomic experience and a warm, authentic encounter with a young generation of winemakers who truly live for their vineyards.<\/p>\n

For travellers seeking exceptional wine created in harmony with nature, Jaguni\u0107 Winery is an essential stop on Croatia\u2019s wine map.<\/p>\n

Braje Winery \u2014 Wine, Home-Cooked Food and Ple\u0161ivica Warmth<\/h2>\n

Located in Loko\u0161in Dol, in the heart of the Ple\u0161ivica-Oki\u0107 wine-growing area, Braje Winery<\/a> is a family estate where wine and hospitality are deeply connected. Surrounded by the hills of Ple\u0161ivica, the estate invites visitors to experience the region not only through the glass, but also through homemade food, nature, and a welcoming rural atmosphere.<\/p>\n

The Braje family carries a long tradition of viticulture and winemaking, with vineyards spread across several hillside locations near the estate. Their production includes awarded wines and sparkling wines, shaped by the freshness and character of Ple\u0161ivica\u2019s terroir. Among their distinctive expressions is Veltlinac red, a rare variety that gives the winery a special place within the region.<\/p>\n

What makes Braje especially memorable is the complete experience around the wine. Tastings can be paired with traditional homemade dishes, creating a warm and generous introduction to local flavours. It is a place where Ple\u0161ivica feels close and personal: through family work, sincere hospitality, and the simple pleasure of sharing good wine at the table.<\/p>\n

Gregori\u0107 Winery \u2014 A Small Estate with a Deep Family Bond<\/h2>\n
\"LaPjen,
LaPjen, photo by Vino Gregori\u0107 Winery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gregori\u0107 Winery<\/a> is rooted in generations of family viticulture near Vla\u0161kovec, where winemaking remains personal, modest, and closely tied to the land. The estate\u2019s vineyards lie on the southern slopes of Ple\u0161ivica, benefiting from the region\u2019s cool climate and expressive terrain.<\/p>\n

Their wines include fresh whites, structured reds, and elegant sparkling wines from the LaPjen collection. A special highlight is their Pinot Gris orange wine, made through extended skin contact. In simple terms, this means using a red-wine-making approach on white grapes, resulting in a wine with amber colour, deeper texture, and a more layered aromatic profile.<\/p>\n

A visit to Gregori\u0107 feels intimate rather than staged. It is the kind of place where wine is not only tasted, but explained through family memory, everyday work, and quiet pride.<\/p>\n

Beyond the Vineyards<\/h2>\n
\"Jagunic
Jagunic Winery, photo by JAGUNIC WINERY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ple\u0161ivica is more than a wine region. It is a landscape of slow discovery.<\/p>\n

Nearby forest paths lead toward the \u017dumberak hills, while the historic town of Samobor offers cobbled streets, local traditions, and one of Croatia\u2019s most beloved dessert rituals. Small villages, panoramic viewpoints, rural roads, and family estates create a sense of place that is gentle but memorable.<\/p>\n

This is where Ple\u0161ivica differs most beautifully from louder wine destinations. It does not overwhelm. It lingers.<\/p>\n

Wine may be the reason travellers arrive, but the true pleasure lies in everything around it: the stillness between tastings, the family stories, the changing light over the hills, the long lunch that refuses to be rushed.<\/p>\n

For Croatia2Go readers and guests of CROATIAN ATTRACTIONS, Ple\u0161ivica is an invitation to discover a more intimate side of Croatia \u2014 refined, authentic, and quietly sparkling. Not a copy of anywhere else, not a performance, but a wine region with its own elegant pulse.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Just beyond Zagreb, where the rhythm of the capital softens into green hills and winding country roads, Ple\u0161ivica reveals itself quietly. It is not a region that demands attention. It invites it. Here, vineyards climb sunlit slopes, family cellars rest beneath old houses, and wine is shaped not by urgency, but by patience, climate, soil, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":52334,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,466],"tags":[4560,4933,4930,4914,4927,4909,4891,4899,4907,66,4065,2701,4908,4919,4916,4912,4918,4913,4928,4360,4921,4925,4926,4923,4932,4917,3587,4906,4929,4935,4934,4924,4734,4892,4922,4915,4931,4920,4910,4911],"class_list":["post-52282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-croatia2day","category-food-wine","tag-authentic-croatia-experiences","tag-bespoke-croatia-travel","tag-best-wineries-in-plesivica","tag-boutique-wineries-croatia","tag-braje-winery","tag-champagne-of-croatia","tag-croatia-dmc","tag-croatia-wine-tours","tag-croatia-wine-travel","tag-croatian-attractions","tag-croatian-attractions-dmc","tag-croatian-attractions-travel-agency","tag-croatian-sparkling-wine","tag-croatian-wine-and-food","tag-croatian-wine-country","tag-croatian-wineries","tag-eno-gastronomy-croatia","tag-family-wineries-croatia","tag-gregoric-winery","tag-hidden-gems-croatia","tag-inland-croatia-travel","tag-ivancic-family-winery","tag-jagunic-winery","tag-korak-winery","tag-luxury-croatia-dmc","tag-luxury-wine-travel-croatia","tag-plesivica","tag-plesivica-wine-region","tag-plesivica-wineries","tag-premium-croatia-travel","tag-private-wine-tours-croatia","tag-sember-winery","tag-slow-travel-croatia","tag-tailor-made-croatia-tours","tag-tomac-winery","tag-traditional-method-sparkling-wine","tag-wine-estates-near-zagreb","tag-wine-lovers-croatia","tag-wine-tasting-near-zagreb","tag-zagreb-wine-escape"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52282"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52282\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52353,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52282\/revisions\/52353"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/52334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}