Record yields and top quality grapes

ZAGREB, 17 September 2025 (Hina) – After years of extreme weather conditions and early harvests, Croatia’s leading winemakers say 2025 could bring a vintage to remember.

With plentiful yields, excellent grape quality and a return to “normal” conditions, optimism is running high across the country’s wine regions.

Slavonian winemaker Vlado Krauthaker, one of Croatia’s most respected names, recalls last year’s harvest as particularly difficult due to drought and disease. This year, however, he says the situation is much more favourable.

“We can say that this is a standard harvest, in normal conditions,” Krauthaker told Hina. “The yields are high, much better than in recent seasons, and the grape quality is excellent.”

Krauthaker expects the harvest to finish around 1 October, a timeframe he describes as “normal” after last year’s unusually early finish on 6 September. Alcohol levels are slightly lower, between 12–13 percent, which suits market demand for lighter wines.

“The grapes are excellent, but now the biggest job begins in the cellars. If all procedures are respected, the wines could be outstanding,” he added.

Despite the positive outlook, both Krauthaker and others stress that labour shortages continue to be a challenge. “Every year it is increasingly difficult to find pickers. Many now come from Nepal and India,” said Krauthaker, noting he pays around €9 per hour.

Miroslav Polovanec, president of the Bregovita Hrvatska Association, which represents winemakers from north-western Croatia, echoed these concerns. “Those with more friends harvest faster. There are always too few workers, and more often they come from third countries, many doing this job for the first time,” he said.

Across Croatia: quality and optimism

Polovanec emphasised that this year’s balance of sugar and acidity could make 2025 memorable for its wines. “Values in the must are excellent. If work in the cellars is done properly, this could be a year to remember.”

At Badel 1862, one of Croatia’s largest wine producers, chief oenologist Dubravko Ćuk also confirmed strong prospects. “We expect a regular harvest of very good quality. The parameters are excellent, and the situation much more stable compared to the last four years of extremes,” he said.

In Dalmatia, the harvest in Benkovac is nearly complete, while in continental vineyards it continues. Badel relies partly on local workers but also employs pickers from abroad, particularly from Nepal, who Ćuk says perform their tasks well.

Istria slowed by rain

In Istria, however, heavy rains have stretched out the harvest. Winemaker Ivica Matošević explained: “Every week we have heavy rainfall, which delays the harvest. The quality is still good, though it would have been even better without so much rain. Malvazija copes well, but other varieties suffer more.”

Matošević expects to complete the harvest of white grapes this week and finish with reds by the end of next. He too believes the 2025 wines will be excellent, with yields significantly higher than last year.

While local labour is scarce, Matošević works with agencies to source seasonal pickers, while relying on his established cellar team for the crucial winemaking stage.

A promising vintage

After years of unpredictability, 2025 is shaping up as a much-needed return to normality for Croatian vineyards. With large yields, lower alcohol levels, and excellent grape quality, the country’s winemakers are hopeful this vintage could be remembered for years to come.