Mihalj Winery

The Kutjevo winery Mihalj, founded by Branko Mihalj, continues his tradition and philosophy of wine production, now led by his sons Branimir and Hrvoje Mihalj. The winery remains faithful to its original approach, particularly with its Graševina, which still undergoes a year-long aging process on its own lees before being bottled, rather than being released to the market immediately after harvest. The history of the winery began in 1953 when Ivan Mihalj, arriving in Kutjevo from Herzegovina, purchased vineyards in three locations: Mačevo Brdo-Vidim, Zaječovac, and Pod Križem. In 1990, the winery transitioned from a cooperative relationship with the Kutjevo Winery to a family-run agricultural business, and in 1996 Branko and Elizabeta Mihalj opened a family-owned business. Currently, the estate owns 4.5 hectares of vineyards on the southern slopes of Krndija, at an altitude of 200-350 meters, with an average age of the vines being 14 years. The planting density is 5000 vines per hectare, and the grapes are grown using 100% organic manure. Harvesting is done manually, and a distinctive feature of the winery is the green harvest in July, which reduces the amount of grapes per vine to achieve the highest quality of grapes and wine. Mihalj Winery produces high-quality white and red wines. White and rosé varieties ferment in stainless steel vessels at low temperatures, while red wines ferment in open vats with daily cap punching. The wines age in stainless steel containers and oak barrels, with red wines aging for up to 24 months. Mihalj’s Graševina stands out, having won numerous gold medals over the years. In addition to Graševina, the winery produces Traminac, Riesling, as well as red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Portugieser. At the prestigious Croatian wine fair Vinovita in 2010, the Graševina 2008 vintage was awarded the Studec prize and crowned Champion of Vinovita as the best white wine.