Croatian Vintners Transform Zagorje Hills Into a Burgeoning ‘Little Tuscany’ Wine Destination

Explore the romantic hills of Zagorje, Croatia, where family vineyards and historic castles define a burgeoning wine scene transformed by climate and tradition.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 4:27 AM EDT

Source: National Geographic Traveller

A Renaissance in the ‘Back Hills’ of Croatia

Located just an hour north of the capital city of Zagreb, the Zagorje region—whose name literally translates to "beyond the hills"—is undergoing a significant viticultural shift. Long characterized by small-scale farming and what was once dismissively labeled "farmers' wine," the area is now gaining recognition for its high-quality sparkling and still wines. Modern vintners, such as Jasminka Šaško at the Vuglec Breg wine hotel, are utilizing traditional methods like the champagne fermentation process within century-old red-brick cellars to produce professional-grade vintages.

Climate Change and the Shift in Quality

The transformation of Zagorje’s reputation is largely attributed to changing environmental conditions. Historically, the region’s cooler climate resulted in grapes with higher acidity and lower sugar content. However, local producers note that over the last two decades, rising temperatures have led to sweeter harvests, allowing varieties like Graševina to reach peak complexity. Experts point to the 2025 vintage as a significant milestone for the region, characterized by citrus and mineral profiles that rival more established European wine territories.

Strategic Preservation of Family Heritage

Unlike the vast, industrial-scale vineyards found in major global wine hubs, Zagorje is defined by its "jigsaw" landscape of half-acre plots. This fragmentation is a result of historical inheritance laws where families divided estates between siblings rather than selling to outside interests. Today, this heritage is preserved through the "klet"—traditional vineyard cabins used for tool storage and social gatherings. Only about 15 professional vineyards currently operate commercially in the area, maintaining a sense of exclusivity and authentic rural charm that distinguishes it from the more commercialized regions of Dalmatia or Istria.