From all sides surrounded by fertile mountain hillsides, vast wine-estates make much of Požega countryside’s scenery. Wines made by the local wineries, especially those from the town of Kutjevo are considered to be some of the best in Central and Southeast Europe.

Wine production has been a part of the local economy ever since ancient Roman times but the wine culture as we know it today originated and grew since the 13th century. It was in 1232 when the first wine cellar opened next to the nearby Castle of Kutjevo and is still in use today.

Most wine producers are known for their white wines with Graševina (Italian Riesling) being their pride and joy as wine made of this sort of grapes is so much more than your “regular” bottle of Riesling. Italian or Welsch Riesling is typical for Central Europe but in Croatia, under the name of Graševina it has the best growing conditions so the wines are of the best quality ranging even into Premium wines. 

Graševina wines from the late-harvest and ice-harvest and especially those made according to the Champagne method will also be a great present to your loved ones or perfect as a gift to impress your business partners.

Other white sorts in Požega’s wine yards include Pinot Gray, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Rhein Riesling and Green Silvaner. Amongst red sorts, most common are Blue Frankish, Pinot Red, Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. 

Many tourist events in Požega are inspired by wine. Best known are the two main vine-makers ’ holidays – St. Martin’s celebration of young wine in November and St. Vincent’s blessing of the wine yards in January. Various entertainment programs organized on those occasions attract many visitors to Požega and the surrounding wine country.

Although Požega is surrounded by vineyards, the fertile fields of wheat made it possible for the locals to make their own beer. In the past, because home-made beer was cheaper than wine and today because of the new craft-beer renaissance which swept through Croatia and put Požega on the map as the regional “beer-central”.