Local Wineries & Vineyards

Sveti Martin na Muri is a small municipality in the north of Međimurje, the tiny region of northern Croatia wedged between the Mura and Drava rivers, close to the borders with Slovenia and Hungary. The landscape is gentle, with vineyards on the hills, cornfields and orchards on the plain, and the floodplain forests of the Mura river to the north. Wine is the main attraction for visitors, and the area is dotted with small family wineries, known locally as vinske kuće, that welcome guests for tastings.

Međimurje has one of the strongest wine traditions in Croatia, and it belongs to the continental wine region, which has cool nights, warm summers and a long ripening season. The vines are grown on gentle slopes, and white varieties dominate, which tend to be fresh and aromatic. Local specialities include Pušipel, the regional name for Furmint, along with Rhine Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Muscat and others. Sparkling wines are also made in some cellars. Most wineries are small, and the owner will often pour the wine himself and talk about his vines, which makes the visit more personal than a commercial tour.

A tasting typically takes one to two hours and is often combined with a plate of local food, such as cured meats, cheeses and bread. The local cuisine is hearty and varied, with dishes such as the layered cake called Međimurska gibanica, made with poppy seed, walnuts, apple and curd cheese, and with pumpkin seed oil, which is produced in the region and used in salads and soups. One winery that is well regarded in the area is Vinska kuća Hažić, which visitors often mention, although there are several others, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed and welcoming for couples, families and groups of friends.

Other attractions in the area complement the wine. The Mura river is known for its traditional floating mills, ship-like mills anchored in the current that once ground grain for the surrounding villages, and a restored example is a sight in the area. The Labyrinth of Love, a landscaped feature that is listed in this guide, adds a playful note. The countryside is excellent for cycling, with flat roads and marked routes through vineyards and villages, and the thermal springs of the region are also within reach.

Practical tips: visit by appointment for best results, particularly in the quieter seasons, and ask about prices before you begin. If you plan to taste, arrange a designated driver, since roads are winding and the wines are often stronger than expected. Autumn, around the grape harvest and the new wine, is a lively time. The area suits wine lovers, cyclists and visitors who want a taste of the quiet northern countryside.