WINE CUSTOMS, a celebration of tradition and community
The fertile soils, abundant sunshine, and favourable climate conditions have made Slavonia and Baranja a key player in Croatia’s viticulture. The wine traditions here are much more than just the production and consumption of wine; they are integral to the social and cultural fabric, manifesting in the local customs.
Vincekovo, Vinceška, Vinkovo: Blessing the Vineyards
Celebrated on January 22, Vincekovo, in places called Vinceška or Vinkovo, marks the beginning of the new wine-growing season. Dedicated to St. Vincent, the patron saint of vineyards, Vincekovo is a ceremonial event where vineyard owners, their families and friends gather to bless the vineyards and pray for a fruitful harvest. The customs associated with Vincekovo include hanging cured meats like sausages or bacon on vines, symbolising a wish for the vines to "grow fat" and produce abundant grapes. Participants also pour the previous year's wine onto the roots of the vines as an offering, inviting prosperity for the upcoming season. As befits, this is followed by a feast, music, and plenty of homemade wine.

Martinje: Krštenje mladog vina
Martinje takes place on 11 November, on the feast of St. Martin of Tours, patron saint of winemakers. Martinje is a celebration of the maturation of the year’s young wine, centred around the “baptism” of young wine. It is marked by gatherings at wineries, restaurants, and homes, where people enjoy hearty meals and sample the year's new wine. And the unofficial motto of the event - jesti, piti i veseli biti, loosely translated as eat, drink, laugh - beautifully captures its essence. The festival is especially lively in Baranja, often accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and storytelling.
WineOs: Najbolje iz regije
Held annually in Osijek, WineOs is one of the most important wine fairs in the region. It brings together winemakers from across Slavonia and Baranja, as well as other Croatian wine regions, to showcase their products. The event is about tasting wine, but also serves as an educational platform. Workshops and presentations offer wine enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, terroir, and food pairings.
More information: www.wineos.biz

Winter Wine&Walk: A Scenic Journey Through the Vineyards
One of the more recent additions to the wine calendar in Baranja is the Winter Wine&Walk, a unique event that combines wine tasting with outdoor adventure. Participants embark on a scenic walk through the frosty vineyards, stopping at various wine cellars along the way to sample local wines and traditional dishes. This event is popular among both locals and tourists, offering a chance to experience the region’s winter landscape while enjoying its finest wines.
More information: www.tzbaranje.hr
Traditional wine events in 2025:
10.-11.1., WineOS 10 – wine festival and trade fair in Osijek, www.wineos.biz
15.1., Winter Wine & Walk, wine and recreation festival in Baranja (Suza, Zmajevac), www.tzbaranje.hr
Written by Katarina Anđelković