The 26th Jaska Wine Festivities are being held this year from 7 to 10 September, offering an entertainment programme with a rich gastronomy offer of domestic specialties and superior wines by Jaska winemakers
The traditional September wine feast and most known manifestation of the Jaska region was ceremoniously opened by Deputy Parliament Speaker Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, Zagreb County Prefect Stjepan Kožić and Jastrebarsko Mayor Zvonimir Novosel.
“They say Jastrebarsko is a wine oasis within reach of Zagreb. Why? Every part of Croatia has something special, but the magic of the Jaska region is far-reaching. Only some 30 kilometres from Zagreb is a town whose name will evoke notions of green hills, sun-kissed grapes and the most delicate wines in the region. Jaska is talked about for hundreds of kilometres away from her cellars and vineyards, as the more than 40 winemakers turned Jaska into an area with recognisable wines competing on the global market. The Plešivica wine road not only runs through vineyards, but is a road of friendship and unforgettable memories. The harvest in Jaska is an event that brings together family and friends just like the holidays, far from stress and worries, creating new golden drops of our most wanted souvenir – wine,” it was said at the opening held on Thursday.
Mayor Zvonimir Novosel also added: “My dear friends, this is the last year that the Jaska Wine Festivities are held here at the Fairgrounds, as soon we will begin building a school in its place. Tis is also an opportunity for this feast to gain a new and more modern look, in order to promote our winemakers even better, who spend the entire year creating a brand they are known for. I wish this place be the centre of pleasant company, new friendships and good fun for the next four days. Welcome to Jastrebarsko!”
The patchwork of wonderful folk costumes and uniforms of cultural society members, firemen, hunters and brass band greeted the attendees. Many officials participated in the event, thus paying their respect to the hardworking Jaska winemakers, but also the town of Jastrebarsko which has cherished the winemaking tradition for centuries. The wealth provided by the land, hills and sun in every drop of Jaska’s liquid gold can compare to nothing else in town, and can be tasted each year in September at the Jaska Wine Festivities.
The festivities were opened by Deputy Parliament Speaker Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, who wished upon the hosts many more of such successful wine events, with the current wine queen Lucija Šember and the Zagreb County Prefect Stjepan Kožić also addressing the audience: “Congratulations to winemakers and organisers. Congratulations on everything you do year-round to prepare an excellent drink in September and increase the quality of your wines.”
Visitors will again be introduced to a rich eno and gastro, cultural, touristic and entertainment offer, with a special mention of the Craftsmen Tourism fair presenting producers of ecological products, souvenirs and traditional crafts from Jastrebarsko and the area.
After the opening, special guests toured all winemakers and greeted members of the brass band VZG Jastrebarsko, majorettes from Sveta Jana, Klinča Sela and Krašić, hunting associations of Jaska, firemen, flintlock association Okić, craftsmen of Jaska, AD Hoc choir, vocal ensemble Gourien, as well as folklore ensembles Lipa Slavetić, Okić Cherry, Desinec, Cvijet Cvetković, Sveta Jana and others, presenting themselves through dance and song.
Musical entertainment came from O.S.D.S. and Begini on Thursday and Friday, while Psihomodo Pop and Gazde will play on Saturday and Sunday. All in all, plenty of reason to stop by Jastrebarsko this weekend!
For the original and more from the G.E.T. Report, click here.
