Krauthaker Winery

Krauthaker Winery and Viticulture proudly upholds the rich winemaking tradition of the Kutjevo region. Founder and owner, Vlado Krauthaker, a graduate agronomist and oenologist, has been passionately building this wine story since 1992. The winery started with just one hectare of vineyards, expanding by 2020 to 45 hectares of its own plantations, with an additional 65 hectares in cooperation with private growers. Special attention is given to the indigenous Graševina variety, which consistently wins awards at international wine exhibitions. With an ecological approach to viticulture and reliance on traditional soil cultivation methods, Krauthaker vineyards are located along the prestigious 45.3° parallel, the same latitude that includes world-renowned wine regions such as Istria, Piedmont, Bordeaux, and Oregon. The vineyards are situated in the Kutjevo wine region, on the sun-drenched southern slopes of Krndija, at altitudes ranging from 200 to 300 meters above sea level. The climate, soil, and sheltered position provide ideal conditions for premium ecological viticulture. The winery emphasizes the concept of micro-locations, recognizing the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. Wine labels proudly bear the names of specific locations, such as Mitrovac and Pomale, highlighting differences in bouquet, aromas, and terroir, even within the same grape variety. Late and selective harvests are particularly notable, with grapes left on the vine to develop additional sugars and aromas. The must in selective berry harvests contains a minimum of 127° Oechsle, while the selection of dried berries reaches 154° Oechsle, resulting in exceptionally complex wines. Vlado Krauthaker also takes pride in cultivating the rare Zelenac variety, a natural cross between Traminer and Red Veltliner, best known from Austria’s Thermeregion. IIn addition to Graševina and Zelenac, the winery produces wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Yellow and White Muscat, regularly winning prestigious awards at international competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, Chardonnay du Monde, and MUNDUSvini. The winery’s cellar, located in the Kamenjača industrial zone in Kutjevo, spans 3,800 m² with a capacity of one million liters. Honoring tradition, it employs winemaking techniques over 100 years old, including the production of macerated, so-called “orange” wines, made without sulfur or enological additives. A passion for viticulture, an innovative approach, and dedication to quality make Krauthaker wines truly unique, carrying the distinct signature of the Kutjevo terroir.