From millions of bottles to sunset in the vineyard: Puklavec Family Wines

Puklavec Family Wines is located in the picturesque hills of the Jeruzalem–Ormož wine region in eastern Slovenia, in the Štajerska region, just a few kilometers from the Croatian border with Međimurje. From Zagreb, you will travel to this wine empire in less than two hours, which makes it ideal for a day trip. The winery is located in the heart of an area often called the “Slovenian Tuscany”, surrounded by hills at an altitude of 200 to 300 meters above sea level. The microclimate, sunny slopes and manual grape harvesting give this region a reputation as one of the best wine locations in Central Europe.

For those who want to experience an eno-gastronomic experience during their trip that combines technology, tradition and a landscape that seems unreal, all roads lead to Puklavec Family Wines, one of the most impressive wine tours in the region. This winery is not just a wine producer, but a real small “wine town” where modern oenology and centuries-old tradition meet in one place.

The tour of the winery begins in the huge cellars and breathtaking stainless steel halls where you will hear very interesting information - the production capacity reaches 4.7 million liters of wine, which places Puklavec among the largest wine systems in Slovenia. During the visit, you will pass through impressive cellars where you can see how modern technology is used to preserve the quality of grapes and wine. One of the key innovations is precisely controlled fermentation, where the temperature in the tanks is maintained with a deviation of only 0.2 degrees. Thanks to such control, the wines retain freshness, aromas and purity of taste, which is especially important for the white varieties that dominate this region.

One of the most fascinating parts of the tour is the wine archive. As many as 250,000 bottles are kept here, and some vintages date back decades. The oldest official bottles date back to 1959, and during the tour of the winery you will learn that one of the best vintages is the legendary Šipon from 1971. Every year, the winery sells between five and ten thousand archive bottles, and the rarest wines, when stocks fall below 50 pieces, are withdrawn from sale and remain part of a private collection. Prices for archive wines range from around 100 to as much as 800 euros per bottle, depending on the year and rarity.

At the Puklavec Family Wines winery, the key role in creating a recognizable wine style is played by the head oenologist Luka Radiček, an expert whose work has strongly marked the modern identity of the Jeruzalem–Ormož region.

Radiček was educated at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb, majoring in viticulture and winemaking, and gained experience in several wineries in Croatia and Slovenia. His approach is based on precise oenology and the idea that wine must be clean, fresh and highly varietal recognizable, especially when it comes to the white varieties that dominate this area. At the Puklavec winery, Radiček participates in the creation of wine styles that are produced in millions of quantities, but still maintain controlled quality and a recognizable character. He places special focus on varieties such as Sauvignon, Šipon and Traminer, which in the Jerusalem terroir produce aromatic, fresh and elegant wines. His work also includes the application of modern technological solutions in the cellar – from precise fermentation control to the protection of wine with inert gases, which allows the freshness of the grapes to be preserved.

In recent years, Puklavec Family Wines has increasingly adapted its production to modern trends. The focus is on fresh white wines such as Sauvignon, Traminer and Šipon, which have become a kind of trademark of the region. Due to climate change and increasingly warmer summers, the winery is gradually turning to organic production, including PIWI varieties such as Muscaris and Solaris. This positions Jerusalem as a modern wine destination that follows global trends, but does not give up on tradition.

After a tour of the winery, the perfect end to the day is just a fifteen-minute drive away – at Zidanica Malek. This traditional wine house, once used as a shelter for winegrowers, has today been transformed into one of the most charming places in the region. Situated in the middle of vineyards, the cottage offers a complete escape from everyday life and the feeling of entering a slower, more peaceful world.

The interior exudes wood, warmth and simplicity, while the exterior offers a panoramic view of the vineyards that descend down the hills of Jerusalem. It is here that wine takes on a completely new dimension – not as a product, but as part of the landscape. The most beautiful moment of the day occurs at sunset. A glass of Šipon or Sauvignon in hand, vineyards in golden tones and complete silence create an atmosphere that is difficult to describe, but easy to remember.

foto: Nikola Zoko