January Celebrates St. Vincent’s Day (Vincekovo) in Zagreb County

Winter is usually a time of pause. In the vineyard, however, January marks a moment when everything begins again. This moment is Vincekovo, the feast of St. Vincent, traditionally celebrated on 22 January and for centuries regarded as the symbolic start of the new winegrowing year. In the wine-producing areas of Zagreb County, Vincekovo is a living tradition, passed down through generations and celebrated through gatherings in vineyards and wineries, accompanied by wine, local delicacies, and a strong sense of community.

In the winegrowers’ calendar, it is often said that St. Martin’s Day symbolically closes the wine year, while Vincekovo opens a new one. After the winter dormancy, winegrowers return to their vineyards for the first pruning of the vines. The vine is traditionally doused with wine, vineyards are often blessed, and symbolic gestures are performed to wish for a bountiful harvest. Vines may be adorned with cured meat products, while wine from the previous harvest is ceremonially shared with the vine as a hopeful sign of what is yet to come. Vincekovo marks the first symbolic step of the year, followed by everything the vineyard demands throughout the seasons ahead.

Vincekovo is celebrated in numerous locations across Zagreb County, including Brdovec, Marija Gorica, Samobor, Velika Gorica, Kravarsko, Kloštar Ivanić, Dugo Selo, Vrbovec, and Sveti Ivan Zelina, where hosts invite visitors to enjoy wine tastings and convivial gatherings.

Highlighted Events:

• 22 January, 14:00–17:00 – Vincekovo in Samobor, Marije Magdalene Street, Mala Gorica (near the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene); blessing at 15:00
• 22 January, 16:00 – Vincekovo celebration by the “Trsek” Winemakers and Cellar Masters Association, Branko Dujmović family vineyard, Gornji Laduč, Brdovec
• 23 January, 15:00 – Vincekovo celebration by the “Trilikum” Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers of the Zaprešić area, Žnidarić family estate and winery, Ante Kovačića 26, Hrastina, Marija Gorica
• 23. siječnja u 16:00 – Vincekovo Kravarskog kraja, vinograd obitelji Matušin, Trg Stjepana Radića 10, Kravarsko
• 24 January, 14:00 – Vincekovo organised by the Grozd Winemakers and Winegrowers Association, Kostanjevec, Mikulčić family vineyard, Velika Gorica
• 24 January – Vincekovo celebration at the Kluković family, Kluković Wine Hut, Topolovec 2z, Vrbovec
• 24 January, 12:00 – Vincekovo in the City Vineyard on Martin Breg, Dugo Selo, organised by the Terra Sancti Martini Winegrowers and Winemakers Association
• 24 January, 12:00 – Vincekovo at the Borivoj Blagaj family vineyard, Kloštar Ivanić, Ulica Sv. Duha, 3rd Vineyard Alley
• 25 January, 11:00 – Vincekovo in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Vrtače, plateau of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit

“January is an ideal time to discover Zagreb County in its calmer yet exceptionally rich form. Through a series of cultural, traditional, and artistic events, we invite visitors to plan and experience our destination authentically,” said Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.

Planning a day trip makes it easier to create a meaningful itinerary. Vincekovo can serve as the starting point, followed by lunch, a walk, or visits to nearby cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and exhibitions. Zagreb County offers ample choice, allowing every visitor to find a rhythm that suits them best.