MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting
Numerous gold medals, Best White Wine from Croatia titles for Graševina Premium and the Best Wine Producer from Croatia award at MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting, Germany.
Our Story
Vina Belje
Croatia’s Most Awarded Winery — Vina Belje
Exceptional to the Very Last Drop
ABOUT US
The Vina Belje Story Through Time
From Roman times, through Prince Eugene of Savoy and the Habsburgs, to a modern 21st century winery, we continue an authentic story of land, people and wines with a distinctive character. Vines have been grown in Baranja since Roman times. The earliest records of winemaking in our area date back to the 3rd century, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus.
After his death, the estate passed to the Habsburgs. During the 19th century, the imperial family developed winegrowing by expanding the vineyards, introducing new European grape varieties and adopting a modern approach to production. Belje became one of the region’s most important winegrowing areas.
Today, Vina Belje carries forward Eugene of Savoy’s vision: only the best is good enough.
In golden Baranja, where fertile soil meets an ideal climate for growing vines, we create wines with character.
In golden Baranja, where fertile soil meets an ideal climate for growing vines, we create wines with character.
OUR HISTORY
A Journey Through Time
The milestones that shaped our heritage
The First Written Record
he first written mention of the historic cellar in Kneževi Vinogradi, one of Croatia’s oldest historically documented wine cellars. It marks the beginning of almost five centuries of continuous winemaking tradition at this site.
The Belje Story Begins
Following his victory at the Battle of Zenta, Prince Eugene of Savoy is granted the Belje estate and begins the organised development of winegrowing and winemaking. His vision lays the foundations of Belje as we know it today.
Modernising Winegrowing
A period of intensive development and vineyard renewal. More modern methods of grape cultivation and winemaking are introduced, strengthening Belje’s position among the region’s leading winegrowing areas.
A New Phase of Development
After the Second World War, work begins to restore the vineyards and cellars and develop a modern agricultural and winemaking operation that will shape the second half of the 20th century.
Rebuilding After the Croatian War of Independence
The Croatian War of Independence disrupts production and causes extensive destruction. Following the peaceful reintegration of Croatia’s Danube region, the vineyards, cellars and production facilities are restored, beginning a new period of development.
A New Era for Vina Belje
A new winery equipped with the most advanced technology opens in the heart of the vineyards on Banovo Brdo, ushering in a new era of premium winemaking. Modern technology meets almost 500 years of tradition.
Our First Sparkling Wines
Vina Belje begins producing its own sparkling wines with the installation of a new production line and introduces La Belle Grand, the first sparkling wine made at the new winery. Sparkling wines become an important part of our portfolio.
A New Chapter
Vina Belje joins Podravka, beginning a new period of investment and development focused on further strengthening quality, innovation and our international presence.
A Historic Year for the Winery
Vina Belje achieves the greatest success in its history, winning a record number of international awards. These include Best Wine Producer from Croatia titles at Mundus Vini and Berliner Wine Trophy, alongside a series of gold medals at the world’s most prestigious wine competitions.
Our premium Graševina from the 2024 vintage wins the title of Best White Wine, once again proving it is exceptional to the very last drop.
Our premium Graševina from the 2024 vintage wins the title of Best White Wine, once again proving it is exceptional to the very last drop.
TERROIR
The Land Climate and Vineyard Sites That Shape Vina Belje
A unique combination of natural conditions gives Belje wines their distinctive character and aromas. Our favourable microclimate allows grapes to ripen evenly while retaining their natural freshness.
Our vineyards extend across 564 hectares along the southern slopes of Banovo Brdo. The vines enjoy sunshine throughout the day. The hills shelter them from cold northerly winds, while the nearby Danube moderates temperature changes.
The secret of Belje’s terroir lies in its soil. Loess deposited over centuries by winds from the Danube gives our wines pronounced minerality and finesse, while chernozem, one of Europe’s most fertile soils, provides the vines with abundant nutrients and the strength to thrive.
Distinctive natural conditions, carefully chosen vineyard sites, experience and expertise come together in wines with a unique flavour, aroma and freshness. Every bottle carries the authentic signature of Baranja.
Our Values
What Guides Us
Tradition
We honour the legacy of those who came before us and uphold a tradition of excellence. Centuries of knowledge and experience are woven into every drop.
Quality
From vineyard to bottle, every step of our production process meets the highest standards of excellence.
Passion
In Baranja, wine is a way of life. Our dedication, passion and love of wine can be tasted in every sip of Vina Belje.
RECOGNITION
Awards and Accolades
Behind every award lie years of dedication, expertise and a love of wine. Our accolades reflect the passion, experience and excellence nurtured for generations in the vineyards and cellars of Vina Belje.
Challenge International du Vin
Gold awards at Challenge International du Vin, France.
Berliner Wine Trophy
Gold medals and recognition as the best winery from Croatia at Berliner Wine Trophy.
AWC VIENNA
Gold medals in successive years for La Belle Grand sparkling wine at AWC VIENNA.
DECANTER World Wine Awards
Gold medals and regional trophies at the DECANTER World Wine Awards, London.
International Wine Challenge
A trophy for our premium Graševina from the 2006 vintage at the International Wine Challenge, London.
Be Part of Our Story
Explore Vina Belje and Discover the Traditions and Flavours of Baranja
Visit our winery and discover the secrets of our winemaking. Enjoy a tasting of premium wines in the authentic setting of our historic cellar.
From vine to glass, from vineyard to table, we look forward to welcoming you.
From vine to glass, from vineyard to table, we look forward to welcoming you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything to Know Before Your First Sip
Vina Belje wines are made in Baranja, in Croatia’s Danube region. Our vineyards lie on the slopes of Banovo Brdo, where the distinctive terroir gives our wines their recognisable character. The region’s most advanced winery stands at the heart of these vineyards.
The Vina Belje tradition stretches back more than 300 years. Prince Eugene of Savoy laid the foundations of organised winegrowing on the Belje estate in the late 17th century.
Our best known labels include the award winning Graševina Goldberg, Graševina Premium and Graševina Select, alongside premium red wines Frankovka, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Premium. Our wider collection also features the distinctive La Belle Grand sparkling wine and the special harvest wines Jade and Ruby, which embody the quality and craft behind our exceptional wines.
Yes. Vina Belje offers organised tours of the winery, vineyards and wine cellar, with tastings of our wines and traditional Baranja specialities.