The beginning of May brings a unique opportunity for all lovers of nature, recreation, and premium wines to explore the magical landscapes of Croatia's easternmost town. Specifically, on May 3, 2025, the third edition of the popular food and wine event Ilok Walk&Wine will take place, an event that uniquely combines the enjoyment of walking, tasting the noble drop, and discovering the rich flavors of Srijem. This event has become an unmissable point in the calendar for lovers of active holidays and wine culture, offering an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Srijem wine region.

The event was designed with the aim of further revitalizing Ilok as a tourist destination, making its beauties and oenological richness more accessible to a wider audience. At the same time, Ilok Walk&Wine creates a valuable platform for connecting hardworking Ilok winemakers with visitors from all parts of Croatia, as well as from abroad, allowing them to present firsthand the fruits of their labor and the tradition that has been nurtured in this region for centuries.

Two Routes Through the Heart of Wine Srijem

Participants of this year's edition can expect a carefully designed program that includes two different walking trails. Each route stretches approximately nine kilometers, leading walkers through some of the most picturesque parts of Ilok and the surrounding vineyards. One of the special features of the third Ilok Walk&Wine is the introduction of a completely new 'city route'. This refreshment in the program is designed to provide participants with deeper insight into the wine production process itself. Walking this route will include tours of wineries and wine cellars located within the town of Ilok itself, revealing the secrets hidden behind the walls of historic buildings where premium wines are made.

The second route traditionally leads through the rolling hills of the Srijem wine region, offering spectacular views of endless rows of vines bathed in the spring sun. Regardless of which route they choose, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being in the fresh air, light recreation, and, of course, the premium wines that will await them at the tasting points.

Tasting Stations: A Meeting of Wine and Tradition

Eight tasting stations will be distributed along both trails. At each of them, the hosts – Ilok winemakers – will proudly present their best wines. This will be an opportunity to taste indigenous varieties that have made this region famous, such as Traminac, Graševina, but also other premium white and red wines that thrive on the fertile Srijem soil. Winemakers will gladly share stories about their vineyards, production methods, and the specifics of each harvest, providing visitors with an authentic experience.

However, Ilok Walk&Wine is not just a story about wine. To make the experience complete, visitors will also be able to enjoy the tastes of traditional Srijem cuisine at the tasting points. Local delicacies that perfectly complement the offered wines will be prepared – delicious scones with cracklings, irresistible bread with lard and red paprika, and fragrant homemade rolls are just part of the rich gastronomic offer that will refresh the walkers and further enrich their experience of Ilok.

Grand Finale in a Historical Setting

The end of both walking routes is planned at one of the most impressive locations in Ilok – in the magnificent atrium of the Odescalchi Castle. This historical gem, which dominates the town's skyline and testifies to its rich past, will provide the perfect backdrop for the grand finale of the event. Upon arrival at the finish line, participants can expect a relaxed after-party. With musical background provided by a DJ, visitors will be able to continue socializing, exchanging impressions, and, of course, further enjoy a glass of their favorite Ilok wine. The atmosphere of community, good fun, and celebration of local culture and products will be the culmination of this unforgettable day.

Ilok: City of Wine, History, and the Danube

Holding an event like Ilok Walk&Wine further emphasizes the importance of Ilok as an unmissable destination on the wine map of Croatia and Europe. Situated on the slopes of Fruška gora, overlooking the mighty Danube, Ilok is a city with a rich history whose roots go deep into the past. Known as the "kingdom of wine," Ilok prides itself on a centuries-old tradition of viticulture and winemaking. It is precisely the Ilok winemakers and their wines, especially Traminac, that have spread the word about this region throughout the world. It is known that Ilok Traminac was also served at the coronation of the British Queen Elizabeth II.

Besides the wine story, Ilok offers numerous other attractions. The imposing Odescalchi Castle, which houses the Ilok Town Museum, the medieval walls surrounding the old town center, the church of St. John of Capistrano are just part of the rich cultural and historical heritage. A walk through the town reveals the charm of times past, and the proximity of the Danube provides additional opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of natural beauty.

Srijem Wine Region: Terroir of Excellence

Ilok Walk&Wine is not only a promotion of the town but also of the entire Srijem wine region, one of the most important and esteemed wine areas in Croatia. Specific microclimatic conditions, fertile loess plateau soil, and a tradition of grapevine cultivation passed down through generations result in wines of exceptional quality and character. Dominant varieties such as Graševina and Traminac reach their full potential here, yielding wines that win awards at domestic and international competitions. An event like this provides visitors with the opportunity to feel the unique terroir firsthand and understand why the wines from Ilok and Srijem are so special.

The third edition of Ilok Walk&Wine, scheduled for May 3, 2025, promises to be another successful step in promoting this beautiful region. By combining recreation, nature, top-notch food and wine, and socializing, this event offers a complete experience that will surely attract numerous visitors and encourage them to discover all the charms that Ilok and the Srijem wine region offer.