Vina Belje Plants New Vineyards in Baranja

Seventeen hectares of new vineyards have been planted above Belje’s winery on Banovo Brdo, adjoining twenty three hectares planted two years ago. The full forty hectare area of former old vineyards has now been renewed and returned to production.

The new plantings focus on merlot and cabernet sauvignon, internationally renowned reds that excel on Baranja’s loess soil. Existing vineyards have been in full production for twenty years. Twelve new hectares will support renewal and expansion of the red collection.

Director Suzana Zovko said: “New plantings maintain an optimal average vineyard age and support range development. Alongside more reds, we are expanding sparkling wines and blends, so five hectares of chardonnay and pinot sivi were planted. The site is beside the winery, letting grapes reach reception and processing within minutes. We expect the first harvest in three years, supporting increased production. As we use only our own grapes, wine quality is defined in the vineyard.”

Podravka Agri’s wine strategy, covering Vina Belje and Vina Vupik, plans 200 additional vineyard hectares by 2032, bringing Baranja and Vučedol plantings above 800 hectares. This year’s seventeen golds at Mundus Vini Spring Tasting, Berliner Wine Trophy and Challenge International du Vin, across every category and range, provide a strong foundation for expansion. Last week, La Belle Grand and premium Frankovka also won gold at AWC Vienna.