Wine Month of OBŽ: an example of connecting winemakers, tourism and the local community

This year, Osijek-Baranja County confirms its position as one of the leading wine and gastronomy regions of Croatia through the seventh edition of the Wine Month, which is held from May 2 to July 11It is a concept that goes beyond classic events and is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a strategic destination product.

The program brings together a series of events in the Slavonia and Baranja region, connecting winemakers, tourist boards and local stakeholders into a single story. It is this integration of different sectors that shows the direction in which modern tourism is developing - towards a holistic destination experience.

Continuity of events as the key to competitiveness

One of the key values ​​of Wine Month is its extended format. Instead of concentrating events in a short period of time, the program is spread over more than two months, encouraging guests to stay longer and return.

The program begins on May 2nd in Erdut with the Wine & Picnic event, while events such as the Cheese and Wine Festival in Valpovo, the Wine and Art Evening in Osijek, and Vinolina in Zmajevac are held throughout May. The end of the month is marked by the Vinathlon, which successfully combines wine, sports, and entertainment.

June continues in a similar rhythm, with events such as Baranja Wine & Walk, the Open Wine Cellar Days of the Đakovo Vineyard and Bonavita in Trnava, while July brings the finale with the Evening of Wine and Art in Osijek.

"Through Wine Month, we connect our winegrowers with urban culture, traditional music and active vacations. This is why guests don't just come here for one day, but return throughout the summer.", the county prefect emphasized Nataša Tramišak.

"Wine Month is a platform that celebrates the authenticity of our four wine regions. Our goal is to provide the visitor with a complete experience - from the first sip of Graševina in the wine cellar to the unique ambiance of Tvrđa or Baranja's surduk", He said Mislav Matisic from the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board.

Stakeholder synergy as an example of good practice

The project is being implemented through cooperation between the regional tourist board and the local tourist boards of Valpovo, Osijek, Draž, Baranja, Našice, Erdut and Đakovo. This coordination enables an even distribution of events and the inclusion of a wider area in the tourism product.

Such a model contributes to the development of destinations outside of major urban centers and encourages the decentralization of tourist traffic, which is one of the key goals of sustainable tourism.

More than an event: a strategic tourism product

The Osijek-Baranja County Wine Month shows how eno-gastro events can become a powerful tool for destination branding. Through a combination of wine, gastronomy, culture and active holidays, the region is positioning itself as a year-round tourist destination.

The special value lies in authenticity - from vineyards and cellars to local producers and traditional events. It is this combination that allows for the creation of an experience that goes beyond the classic tourist offer.

For the tourism sector, this project represents an example of how an integrated approach, continuity and cooperation can generate added value and increase the competitiveness of a destination in the market.