Josić Winery

Josić Winery is a family winery in Zmajevac, a village in Baranja, the corner of eastern Croatia that lies between the Danube and the Drava rivers. The winery was founded in 1999 by Damir Josić and his family, and it grew from six hectares of vineyards to about twenty-two, planted with grape varieties that include graševina, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Its distinctive label, which shows a black stork, has become a recognisable symbol in Croatian wine circles, and the stork itself is a fitting emblem for a region that shelters this bird in the wetlands of Kopački Rit Nature Park. The wines have won awards at regional and national competitions since the early 2000s.

The setting is part of the attraction. The winery is dug into the loess hills of Baranja, the soft, yellowish wind-blown soil that is easy to carve and keeps a steady cool temperature. Zmajevac is known for its wine streets, lanes of old cellars set into the hillside, and the Josić cellars follow the same pattern, with natural underground rooms that help the wines mature. Visitors can walk through the cellars, learn about the work in the vineyards and the winery, and taste wines in a tasting room near the entrance. The surrounding hills are planted with rows of vines, and the view from the terrace is wide and calm.

Food is a major part of the visit. The winery has a restaurant that is well regarded in eastern Croatia and serves traditional Slavonian and Baranja dishes, such as smoked fish, fish stew, and crna svinja, the Slavonian black pig, a hardy local breed known for its flavourful, marbled meat. The wines are paired with the food, and local brandy and desserts complete the meal. Because Baranja has a mixed history, with Croatian, Hungarian, German and Serbian influences, the cuisine is rich in paprika, smoked meats and freshwater fish.

Planning ahead is advisable. The winery is best reached by car, using local signage or navigation apps, and public transport is limited. Opening arrangements vary, so contact the winery directly to arrange a tasting or meal, and book ahead for groups. If you plan to taste several wines, arrange a driver or an overnight stay nearby. The harvest in September and October is a lively time, and spring brings green vineyards and mild weather.

The winery suits wine lovers, food enthusiasts and travellers interested in rural tourism. Combine it with a walk along the wine streets of Zmajevac and a visit to Kopački Rit for a full day in Baranja.