Krauthaker

Krauthaker spent 18 years as chief oenologist at Kutjevo Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the country, before striking out on his own in 1992 with just a single hectare of vines. Over three decades he built that into roughly 110 hectares of estate and cooperative vineyards, planting 43 different grape varieties along the way while never losing sight of the grape that made his name.

Twice named Croatia's Best Winemaker and holding the country's Wine Knight title, Krauthaker has spent his career proving that Graševina — often dismissed as a simple, everyday white — can be one of Croatia's most serious wines. Let's see how.

From One Hectare to 110: The History of Krauthaker

Vlado Krauthaker, a qualified agronomist and oenologist, spent 18 years as chief oenologist at the historic Kutjevo Winery — one of Croatia's oldest, with roots tracing back to 1232 — before deciding to build something of his own. In 1992, he founded Krauthaker Vineyards and Winery, starting with just a single hectare of vines.

What followed was three decades of steady, deliberate growth: the estate now spans roughly 110 hectares, combining 50 hectares of owned vineyard with 65 hectares of cooperative land, planted across 43 different grape varieties. Through it all, Krauthaker never stopped championing the grape he'd spent nearly two decades working with at Kutjevo — Graševina, the workhorse white of continental Croatia.

The recognition followed the work: Krauthaker has twice been named Croatia's Best Winemaker and holds the honorary title of Wine Knight, cementing his reputation as the most influential figure in modern Slavonian wine.

The Taste: Graševina Taken Seriously

Krauthaker's range spans everyday drinking wines to single-vineyard bottlings that argue for Graševina's place among Europe's serious whites:

• Graševina Mitrovac: A single-vineyard bottling from one of the estate's best sites — full-bodied, mineral, with real ageing potential, the wine most responsible for changing how critics talk about Graševina.
• Estate Graševina: A crisper, more everyday expression, still carrying real depth and honey-apple character.
• A broad varietal range: Across 43 grape varieties, Krauthaker also produces a wide selection of other continental whites and reds, though Graševina remains the estate's defining wine.

More Than Wine: Krauthaker's Place in Slavonia

• Graševina's global ambassador: More than any other single winemaker, Krauthaker is credited with proving Graševina can compete with Europe's classic white varieties.
• A genuine self-made estate: Growing from one hectare to 110 over three decades is a rare trajectory in Croatian wine, built entirely on reputation rather than inherited land.
• Continental Croatia's benchmark: While Dalmatia dominates Croatia's international wine image, Krauthaker keeps Slavonia's continental wine tradition firmly on the map.

Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Krauthaker Wines with Slavonian Food

Graševina's versatility makes it a natural match for Slavonia's hearty continental cooking:

• Graševina Mitrovac: Pairs beautifully with freshwater fish, roast poultry, or aged continental cheeses — its structure can handle richer dishes than most people expect from a white.
• Estate Graševina: A great match for lighter dishes, salads, or simply on its own as an aperitif.

Finding Krauthaker Wines

• At the source: The winery near Kutjevo offers tastings and cellar visits — check krauthaker.hr to arrange one.
• Across Croatia: Widely available at better restaurants and wine shops, especially in Zagreb and continental Croatia.
• Internationally: Krauthaker's Graševina Mitrovac in particular has found its way to specialty wine importers across Europe, thanks to its critical reputation.

Živjeli uz Krauthaker! To the winemaker who turned continental Croatia's everyday white into one of the country's most serious bottles.