In an attempt to promote some of the best products coming from their region, the Tourist Board of the town of Jastrebarsko has started a new spring-time event taking place in their town: a Strawberry and Sparkling Wine Festival, to be held for the first time next weekend, on May 11th and 12th in Jastrebarsko.
Some of the best wines in Croatia are the sparkling wines made in the Plešivica region (we’ve written about them previously, and they’ve received numerous awards and medal in international competitions over the years. At the same time, it’s almost impossible to spend any time in Zagreb in May and early June without realizing that region around Zagreb is a major hub of strawberry production, as numerous producers sell their scented red bites of sweetness all over the town, often under the brand “Strawberry Ring” (Jagodni Prsten; the reference to the fact that Zagreb County, where most strawberry producers are located, is basically a ring-like structure around the City of Zagreb).
And everyone knows that strawberries and sparkling wine go well together, if for no other reason because Edward from the Pretty Woman taught us so when he ordered the pair to their room back when he was trying to impress Vivian (and us!) with his bon vivant ways! So, celebrating the two together during the prime season for one of them, in a place where both are created – and not just made, but made in such a way to win awards! – really is a no-brainer.
So, if you like strawberries and sparkling wine, on May 11th and 12th find some time to get to Jastrebarsko, where the event will take place in front of the Erdödy castle (in the park in the centre of the town). On the Saturday at 6 pm a workshop on sparkling wines, moderated by Ivo Kozarčanin will take place (number of attendees limited, apply for it at [email protected] if you wish to attend), and on Sunday around 50 oldtimer cars will make their appearance at the park as well.
As for the winemakers, you won’t be disappointed with those bringing their wines to the festival: Ivančić, Jagunić, Kolarić, Korak, Kurtalj, Kunović, Režek, Tomac and Šember. Numerous strawberry growers from the Jagodni prsten association will also be there, and in addition to strawberries themselves, there will be different types of the dessert made with strawberries. Don’t miss this perfect combination!
