Silent heroes of Zagorje's vineyards

The launch of the book Wine Stories: Hrvatsko Zagorje took place on 23 February 2025 at the Hotel Matija Gubec. The project was initiated by Krapina-Zagorje County, which commissioned wine writer Željko Garmaz to document the stories of the region’s most renowned winemakers. The event brought together winemakers featured in the book, as well as representatives of local wine and viticulture associations. The gathering was opened with welcome remarks by County Prefect Željko Kolar and the Mayor of Stubičke Toplice, Josip Beljak. The book was presented by its author, Željko Garmaz, and the writer of the foreword, Radovan Marčić.

“Zagorje has always known that the true value of wine lies not only in its taste, but also in the stories it carries. Thanks to Željko Garmaz, those stories have now been told—honestly, with soul and with love,” emphasised Prefect Kolar, adding that Zagorje’s winemakers are now recognised far beyond the borders of the county. “Their wines have been winning gold medals at prestigious international competitions, such as Decanter World Wine Awards in London, and rightfully stand alongside the best in the world. Every award is a testament not only to quality, but also to the enduring spirit of Zagorje—a spirit that never gives up.”

Mayor Beljak highlighted the demanding nature of winemaking in the region: “One could say that whoever succeeds in Zagorje can succeed anywhere—in Slavonia or Dalmatia—but it would be difficult for them to succeed here. Congratulations to all of you featured in this book, and I wish you continued success.” He also stressed the importance of passing on a love of viticulture to younger generations despite the challenges of the terrain.

Željko Garmaz, a journalist, travel writer, and humanitarian, has become one of Croatia’s most recognisable chroniclers of wine and winemakers. He is the author of the multi-volume Wine Stories series, which has previously covered Dalmatia, Slavonia and the Croatian Danube region, Istria and Kvarner, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and now Hrvatsko Zagorje. The book is published by Vinske priče from Osijek, with photography by Emica Elveđi, cover design by Vedran Klemens, and printed by Službeni glasnik.

“It was only a matter of time before Hrvatsko Zagorje came into focus. I have been drawn to this region since my first visits some 15 years ago,” said Garmaz, noting how impressed he was by the remarkable progress in wine quality. “This is not a dry compilation of facts, but a collection of life stories—stories of people who have entered a demanding and serious profession. Increasingly, entrepreneurs are turning to winemaking, initially as a form of identity, but later recognising it as a serious business that contributes to the development of the entire region.”

The president of the Vino Zagorje Association, Jasminka Šaško, underlined the importance of the book for promoting the regional wine scene. “Viticulture in our region has been keeping pace with global trends for years, and we are now highly positioned on the wine map,” she said, adding that the book presents nearly all the key winemakers of Hrvatsko Zagorje, their beginnings, development, and the awards that confirm their dedication and hard work.

The book features the stories of 18 winemakers and winemaking families, including Tomislav Bolfan, Dragutin and Darko Bratković, Boris and Ervin Drenški, Josip and Nikola Grozaj, Valentino Herceg, Filip Hren, Igor Jambrešić, Tihomir Kota, Mladen Micak, Ivan and Filip Petrišić, Tomislav Petrovečki, Nenad Posavec, Milivoj Prekratić, the Sever family (Zvonko, Filip, and Jakov), Boris Vuglec, Robert Zdolc, and Siniša Znika.