From the southern slopes of Dilj Mountain there is a wide view of the town Slavonski Brod, the river Sava and Bosanska Posavina. We are looking into the distance from Bukovlje, a proud municipality that has been developing successfully lately. Due to population inflows, the population has doubled since 1991. They enjoy the rural idyll, where many of the townsfolk have their vineyards and cottages. The winemaking of this region is the reason why the Vinovita Wine Show has been

After Christmas and New Year, the first important oeno-gastronomic enjoyment comes with the day of St. Vincent on January 22. St. Vincent is the saint protector of vineyards, wine and wine makers. It is celebrated especially in Slavonia and the Central Croatia, so every day out for St. Vincent Day is excellent way to learn more about the viticulture and traditions. Wine makers from Northern or Continental Croatia share a common custom of going to the vineyards for St Vincent,

On St. Martin's Day young wine is baptised. “Your are not must anymore, but wine” said the “bishop” surrounded by altar boys, godfathers and tamburica players. This is a jolly St. Martin tradition in Hrvatsko Zagorje, Prigorje, Međimurje and Slovenia, but now it becomes popular in Slavonia too. In Red Wine Bar in Zagreb and in Stari podrum in Feričanci, the Slavonian wine producer Feravino celebrated St Martin’s Day and announced its wines in 2019. “We are happy to announce w

Dukat is tightly tied to the Slavonian soul. These are golden coins that people wear as a necklace, as part of the Slavonian folk costume. It is passed on though generations, making it one of the most valuable family heritages. Dukat is thus a name that preserves Slavonian culture and habits, and is regarded as very special. And when looking for a very classic and traditional Slavonian homemade cooking in Nova Gradiška, the Restaurant Dukat is prime spot. Situated on the outs

Just north from Nova Gradiška, mere ten minutes drive from the city centre, lies a village Cernik. It is a lot older settlement than Nova Gradiška and boasts with historical and religious monuments. In 1525 the noble family Dežević gets permission to rule the baroque castle Cernik. Just some ten years afterwards the castle together with strongholds of Šag, Gračanica, and Podvrška falls into the Turkish hands. Turks used the castle for their regional political, military, econo

When one crosses the river Ilova and comes from the Central Croatia to Slavonia everything seems quite wide. On one side there are reach valleys of Sava River, while on the other low mountains dot the horizon. This is the region where Christianity defended itself in history from the Turkish invasions, and many people still regard themselves as border guards (graničari). First bigger city on the way is Nova Gradiška, a cosy town with specific Slavonian charm and beautiful natu