Belje Winery and Wine Cellar

Belje Winery and Wine Cellar, near Zmajevac, is a cornerstone of Croatia's Baranja wine region, blending centuries of tradition with state-of-the-art winemaking. Established in 1697 by Prince Eugene of Savoy, Belje's estate has a rich history, evolving through the hands of European nobility and weathering the challenges of war and industrial change. Today, the winery is the largest and most significant in Baranja, with a modern facility built in 2011 that can produce up to 8 million liters of wine from vineyards covering about 650 hectares (some 1,600 acres).

Visitors to Belje can arrange guided tours—best booked in advance—which begin in the wine boutique and continue through the impressive production halls. The tour highlights the winery's unique approach, combining traditional hand-harvesting with advanced technology. Along the way, guests learn about the special Goldberg appellation, which marks Belje's highest-quality wines, and sample award-winning varieties such as graševina, chardonnay, frankovka, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and pinot noir. Belje's wines have earned international acclaim, including Decanter regional trophies and Mundus Vini awards.

The experience offers a fascinating look at both the heritage and innovation that define Baranja's wine culture. The winery's welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Croatian wine and rural tradition.

Prince Eugene of Savoy was given the Belje estate by the Habsburg emperor after his victories against the Ottomans in the late seventeenth century, and the estate later passed to other members of the Habsburg family. It grew into one of the largest agricultural estates in the region, and its name is still known across Croatia for meat, dairy products and wine.

Zmajevac, the village around the winery, sits on the slopes of Bansko brdo, a long hill above the Danube plain, and its streets are lined with family wine cellars, many dug into the hillside. The Danube flows a few kilometres to the east, and on clear days the view from the hill reaches across the river into Serbia. Visits combine well with Kopački Rit Nature Park and the traditional village of Karanac. Booking a tour in advance is recommended, especially for groups.