Visiting the Old Vineyard in Croatia

June, 2012

The highlight of my trip to Europe in June was a visit to my family’s vineyard in Karlovac Province in Croatia. The old vineyard has been there for well over 100 years and the new one, recently planted with Pinot Noir and Reisling, is thriving and looks a lot like our vineyard, since they are using the same trellising patterns. My grandson, who works in the vineyard at Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, was also able to see the grave of his great great great grandmother, as well as the church where she was married. The past seems very much alive in Croatia, both in the city of Zagreb and the surrounding countryside.

The vineyards are thriving in Croatia, which is fitting, since it was probably the first European country that had vines and wine. We are going back to the Phoenicians now, whose wine growing techniques pre-dated the Romans and the Roman remains of cities and coliseums that dot the coastal areas of Croatia. Zinfandel was also said to be originated in Croatia. I tasted a lot of wine there and was most impressed with their Chardonnay and Reisling. We just planted a field of Merlot at Twin Oaks this spring and, after this trip, I know my next grape (if I can find the space) will be Reisling.

So far we have had a good summer and are looking forward to a bountiful harvest this fall, depending on how Mother Nature treats us and how much rain we have in August and September.

Best Wishes to all our friends of Twin Oaks Tavern Winery and Top of the Mountain to You,

Donna Evers