The road that leads from Iriški venac to Irig is full of reasons to stop and turn to new experiences and pleasures. Krstašica Winery (Vinarija Krstašica) is precisely such an occasion which, when you overcome a short, bad, but well-marked road, offers an experience that you missed. The first thing you will notice is the order that reigns on the large property rich in vineyards and fruit, on both sides of Budakovački potok, on the stretch of Tatarski breg.
The primordial beauty of nature, which in fine weather offers a view of Avala and man-made impeccably arranged pear, plum, quince and grape plantations in this place, lies on the layers of the historical story of the heroic death of “ober-kapetan” Adam Monasterlija who stopped thirty times more numerous Turks with three hundred border guards. His body rests in the nearby monastery of Novo Hopovo, and the legend says it was the reason for Joseph II of Habsburg to visit the place, admiring the feat of the brave Serbs and the Irig abundance of grapes and fruits.
It is therefore not surprising that this is the place where Obren Mučibabić, a Herzegovinian by origin, planted orchards and grapevines in 2009, and in 2018 he founded a winery and distillery with the intention to make wines and brandies that will cruise around the world. Here, on the stretches of Budakovac and Tursko brdo, the following grape assortment[1] is carefully nurtured: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Slankamenka.
The offer includes the following wines: Krstašica Merlot, Krstašica Sauvignon Blanc, Krstašica Chardonnay, Krstašica Rose (Merlot and Slankamenka). A blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc will soon be on offer, but only after a name is found for the new wine. These are top wines obtained from their own orchards with the use of the highest quality oenological products, all with the verification of the oenologist Tanja Đuričić.
The winery has excellent conditions for wine processing and aging, which with the knowledge and dedication of winemakers results in the quality that has been awarded domestically and internationally: International Wine Fair BeoWine 2019 (gold for Krstašica Sauvignon Blanc 2018); Decanter Word Wine Awards London, 2021 (bronze for Krstašica Merlot 2018 and Krstašica Sauvignon Blanc 2019); at the Grand Wine Evaluation of Serbia 2021 in the category of “White still wines from international non-aromatic varieties”, Krstašica Sauvignon Blanc 2019 was awarded a bronze medal, and in the category of “Red still wines from international non-aromatic varieties” Krstašica Merlot 2018 was awarded a silver medal. Krstašica Merlot 2019 was declared the best red wine at the GoodFood Belgrade 2021 Festival.
Wines of the Krstašica Winery as well as brandies – Krstašica 300 Plum Brandy, Krstašica Quince Brandy, Krstašica Apricot Brandy, Krstašica Pear Brandy, Krstašica Grape Brandy and Krstašica Monasterlija Fruit Brandy – celebrate life and they perfectly math the family motto of the Mučibabićs “For eternal life – Cheers!”.
The tourist programme includes a tour of the winery, orchards, vineyards, production part, presentation of wines with tasting and purchase, snacks for the separation of wine (Herzegovinian cheese, fruits and nuts). The wine tasting area is an open and nicely decorated corner in front of the entrance to the impressive wine cellar. The plan is to expand the space for visitors, but in the summer half of the year, the slopes of Budakovac and Turski breg are the most beautiful tasting space, which remains an unforgettable experience.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 07:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. Announcement is mandatory on weekends.
Tursko brdo bb, Irig
Phone: +381 (0)64 709 3943
E-mail: vesna.bаjic@krstasica.com
Website: www.krstacica.com
Text: Gordana Stojaković
Photographs: Aleksandar Milutinović
Tourism Organisation of the City of Novi Sad is not responsible for changes in information and services.
The text posted in: October 2021
[1] Transcription of the grape assortment names is given according to: Cindrić, Petar and Vladimir Kovač (2007) “Vinogradarstvo i vina“ (“Viticulture and Wines“) Fruška Gora. Ed. Nebojša Jovanović and Jelica Nedić. Pg. 498. Beograd: Zavod za udžbenike
