Wine & gastro trip
Spoil your senses as well as palates and get a taste of Međimurje via its culinary specialities and tastings of premium wine, honey and pumpkin seed oil. Get the full culinary and gustatory experience of Međimurje by participating in a culinary workshop where you will learn how to make a healthy traditional Međimurje lunch.
True believer that wherever you go, you should go with all your heart
Fill out a few details and get a detailed itinerary with all inclusions and trip details - we can customize them together
Are you a passionate hedonist who wants to get to know the destination he or she is visiting better by sampling the local delicacies? Located in the immediate vicinity of the borders with Slovenia and Hungary, in the north of Croatia is Međimurje, a wine & gastro realm whose distinctive traditional cuisine has a strong Austro-Hungarian influence characterised by wild game stews, fresh peppers, and rich sauces. Wine growing, production, and nurturing has been practiced in Međimurje since antiquity. The Međimurje wine route consists of 30 or so tastefully decorated wine cellars and tasting rooms where you can savour the finest wines from Međimurje. The wine quality and tasting rooms design place this wine road to the very top of Croatian enological offer. As a result, in 2007 it was proclaimed the best product of continental Croatia.
Wine growing, production, and nurturing has been practiced in Međimurje since antiquity
Before you visit Međimurje, here are a few things to learn.
Međimurje wine route
Međimurje wine route is the cream of the crop of the oenological offer in Croatia due to the superior quality of the wine and service provided, which is why it should come as no surprise that it was named the best tourism product of Continental Croatia in 2007.
Wine grapes were planted on the hills of Međimurje as early as the Roman era. Here you can try and buy exquisite white wines (the autochthonous “Pušipel”, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, “Traminac”, “Moscato Giallo”, “Graševina”, “Rheinriesling”, “White and Grey Pinot”, “Green Sylvaner”) as well as a few red and rose wines. The assortment of wine ranges from excellent homemade coupage and varietal wines to premium predicates – selected harvests or ice wines. Restaurants offering traditional specialities, viewpoints, bike trails and walkways all make up an integral part of the wine route. There are numerous wine festivals held on the wine route throughout the year: January – “Vincekovo” (Feast of St. Vincent), May – “Urbanovo” (Feast of St. Urban), September – “Rokovo” (Feast of St. Rocco), November – “Martinje” (Feast of St. Martin)
Alternative agriculture
Biodynamic agriculture is a form of alternative agriculture based on the ideas of the Austrian philosopher, scientist, and writer Rudolf Steiner, who was born in Međimurje, Croatia. Biodynamics is more advanced than ecoagriculture because biodynamicists sow, replant, and pick the grapes by strictly adhering to a calendar that follows the sidereal year and the orbit of the Moon. This form of agriculture requires the use of natural preparations made for the specific purpose of increasing soil fertility as well as microbiological activity.
Sveti Martin na Muri
The village of Sveti Martin na Muri has gained renown for its large quantities of mineral-rich thermal water, which was discovered in 1911 when the English-Hungarian company London Budapest was looking for oil, but found thermal water instead.
Welcome to Sveti Martin na Muri, where relaxation meets nature's tranquility. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel Terme Sveti Martin, nestled amidst lush vegetation and serene landscapes. Take a moment to settle in and unwind.
Step outside for a refreshing walk and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Međimurje. The picturesque hills, fresh air, and overwhelming sense of tranquility will captivate you. For those seeking relaxation, indulge in the hotel's wellness center, particularly the "Temple of Life" swimming pool complex, renowned for its mineral-rich thermal waters.
Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel in the evening, featuring a wide array of traditional and international specialties. Overnight at Hotel Terme Sveti Martin.
The mill on the Mura River is the only operational watermill in Croatia and has a mechanism that dates back to 1902
Start your day with a healthy and hearty breakfast, featuring local dishes. Your guide will greet you at the hotel entrance to explore the renowned Međimurje wine route today.
Your first stop is the village of St. Urban, where you'll visit one of the oldest wine houses and cellars in the region. Tour the 300-year-old cellar, once used by the noble Zrinski family, and explore the ethnographic collection that showcases the history of winegrowing and winemaking. Savor the experience of tasting eight different wine varieties and receive a special bottle chosen by your host as a gift.
Next, visit another beautiful winery where the hospitable hosts will guide you through their wine house and cellar. Enjoy tasting four varieties of premium wine. Following the wine tasting, delight in a traditional 4-course Međimurje lunch at a renowned local restaurant, epitomizing true hedonism.
Return to the hotel by late afternoon, and we suggest taking a stroll amidst the stunning nature of Međimurje. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
During the fun culinary workshop, you'll learn how to make authentic dishes from Međimurje
After breakfast, meet your driver for another enchanting adventure in Međimurje, designed to satisfy your inner hedonist and awaken all your senses.
In the village of Črečan, you'll be welcomed by a creative hostess at her family farm, "Medeni Vrt" (Honey Garden). Taste various types of honey and enjoy the serene surroundings of the garden.
Next, visit a state-of-the-art pumpkin oil mill to sample several kinds of “Črno” (Black) pumpkin seed oil and chocolate treats made from pumpkin seeds.
Continue to the village of Lopatinec to explore Dragutin Senčar’s biodynamic garden. Here, you’ll find vegetables grown using biodynamic principles and Rudolf Steiner's ideas, which will also be featured in our culinary workshop.
Participate in a fun and educational culinary workshop at a well-known local restaurant. Under the guidance of a moderator, learn to prepare a traditional Međimurje lunch (“obed”), including “pretepena juha” (cream soup), “tenfana piletina s trgancima” (chicken with noodles), and desserts like “međimurska trepa” or “zlevanjka.” All dishes will be accompanied by salad from the biodynamic garden.
End your day with a visit to a famous wine house to taste four different wine varieties, homemade apple juice, and delicious apple chips.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and immerse yourself in the luxury and relaxation of the World of Sauna. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay.
When was the last time you visited a 300-year-old wine cellar?
After a leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel. If time permits, visit the educational and fascinating watermill on the bank of the Mura River near the village of Žabnik, the northernmost point of Croatia. Here, discover the traditional milling techniques used since the 18th century and admire the mill’s historical architecture, dating back to 1902.
We hope this journey through Međimurje has unveiled the secrets of its renowned cuisine and provided you with unforgettable oenological experiences. May the unique flavors and premium local wines beckon you to return for more delightful adventures. Safe travels!
We will double-check availability and make reservations for your rooms, restaurants, guides etc.
With reservations confirmed, we will prepare the best offer possible in regard to your arrival date & party size
You will get the offer via e-mail, along with the payment options. Feel free to request further customisations!
5 DAYS
4 DAYS
7 DAYS
