The beginning of September in Croatia's easternmost town is traditionally reserved for the celebration of the grapevine, a rich harvest, and centuries-old tradition. This year, from September 5th to 7th, the 58th edition of the famous Ilok Grape Harvest will take place, an event that transcends local boundaries and represents one of the most important eno-gastronomic events in Croatia. However, the year 2025 also holds a special historical significance for Ilok – it marks the jubilee 500th anniversary of the enactment of the Statute of the City of Ilok, a document that testifies to the rich and orderly past of this free royal city. The combination of these two major events promises a program that will provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, imbued with the tastes of premium wines, the aromas of Syrmian specialties, and the spirit of a proud history.

This unique blend of tradition and history will turn this year's event into a true celebration of the identity of the city of Ilok, its wine culture, and its deep roots. The Mayor of Ilok, Renata Banožić, proudly emphasizes the importance of this year's gathering: "On the occasion of the 58th Ilok Grape Harvest, we also celebrate with exceptional joy a magnificent jubilee – 500 years since the enactment of the Statute of the City of Ilok, which is the foundation of our long and glorious history. The central theme of this year's harvest is dedicated to the old custom of pudarina, which symbolizes the unbreakable bond between man, nature, and wine. We are proud to preserve this heritage and pass it on with love to new generations. I hereby invite all lovers of wine, culture, and socializing to join us in the celebration that will take place from September 5th to 7th, 2025, in the beautifully restored medieval core of our city." Her invitation echoes as a welcome to all who wish to discover the charms of a picturesque, wine-rich city with a rich history, and for the full experience, we recommend that you also explore the accommodation options in Ilok.

A centuries-old tradition poured into premium wines

The Ilok Grape Harvest event, which has been held continuously since 1962, holds the title of the oldest event of its kind in the area of Slavonia, Baranja, and Syrmia. Over nearly six decades of its existence, it has grown into one of the most visited and esteemed tourist and eno-gastronomic events in Croatia, attracting streams of visitors from all parts of our Beautiful Homeland, as well as from neighboring countries. The connection between Ilok and wine is unbreakable, deeply woven into every stone and every foot of Ilok's land. Generations of winegrowers and winemakers have patiently built the reputation that Ilok wines enjoy today for more than seventeen centuries.

The story of wine in this region dates far back into the past, to the time of the Roman Empire, but the modern wine history of Ilok was shaped by the noble Odescalchi family in the 17th and 18th centuries. They built the impressive Ilok Cellars beneath the castle, which still preserve the most valuable archival bottles today. When you taste the royal Traminer, a drop of which was also served at the coronation of the British Queen Elizabeth II, or the elegant and fresh Graševina, you understand why the vineyard positions on the slopes of Fruška Gora, facing the mighty Danube, are unique in the world. The specific terroir, a combination of climate and soil, gives the wines from this area a recognizable minerality, freshness, and varietal character. A visit to Ilok is an opportunity to fall in love again with flavors that are remembered, and a stay within the historic walls of this city and a tour of the wine cellars is an experience you will want to repeat. Many visitors decide to spend a few days in this region, so it is a good idea to look for the perfect accommodation in Ilok in advance.

Pudarina – a revived custom of vineyard guardians

Like every year, the event will begin with the revival of the old custom of pudarina. It is a tradition of gathering the locals before the harvest itself, with the aim of protecting the ripe grapes from birds and thieves. But pudarina was much more than mere guarding. It was a social event, a celebration of a fruitful year and a rich harvest, filled with song, dance, and, of course, good wine. The pudari, the guardians of the vineyards, would stay in temporary shelters, and their role was crucial for preserving the harvest. Today's reenactment of this custom serves as a reminder of harder times and the deep connection of the local population with the vineyard, which has always been a source of life and pride for them. This picturesque introduction to the main days of the event is the perfect way for visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of Syrmia.

A rich program for all visitors

During the three-day duration of the 58th Ilok Grape Harvest, visitors can expect a blend of top-notch enology, gastronomy, culture, and entertainment. The medieval core of the city will be transformed into a lively stage where tradition and modernity will intertwine. The organizers, led by the City of Ilok, have once again prepared a rich and varied program. All cultural, artistic, and entertainment content for visitors will be completely free, making this event accessible to everyone.

An indispensable part of the program is the wine fair, where leading Ilok winemakers will present their best wines. This is a unique opportunity for direct conversation with the winemakers, discovering the secrets of their cellars, and, of course, tasting a wide range of wines, from fresh young ones to aged archival samples. The doors of the famous Ilok wine cellars will be wide open to all who are curious. Along with wine, the gastronomic offer is also essential. Local catering establishments and stalls will offer traditional Syrmian delicacies that pair perfectly with Ilok wines – from fish paprikaš and river fish dishes to cured meat products and homemade cakes.

The cultural program will include performances by folklore groups that will depict the rich heritage of this region through song and dance. The evening hours are reserved for concerts by famous names of the Croatian music scene, which will bring the atmosphere in the heart of Ilok to a fever pitch. The blend of traditional music and modern rhythms will ensure entertainment for all generations. All program details will soon be published on the official website of the City of Ilok, www.ilok.hr, as well as on the associated social media networks.

The Ilok Grape Harvest is more than a festival; it is an experience that celebrates life, the land, and the fruits it yields. It is an opportunity to stop time for a moment and enjoy the simple, yet most valuable things – good wine, delicious food, and pleasant company. If you are planning a visit to this wine paradise, do not forget to secure your stay in time and find the ideal place to rest in Ilok, so that you can fully experience everything this city has to offer.