Discovering Slavonia - wine cellars of Ilok

• published: 20 Apr 2015
• views: 13

While travelling through Slavonia, our exquisite taste for wines took us to Ilok as it is recognized as one of the centers of wine production. This wine growing region is rich in cultural herritage which is a blend of historical influences and its traditional culture. But we are not here to talk about culture, not yet, at least. The most famous wine cellars are the ones standing in front of us - Iločki podrumi dating back from 15 th and 18th ct. We had the privilege to enter both - you can smell the special environment these wines mature in, and impressive wine barrels almost leave you breathless. Only by standing next to one , you get the feeling how enormous they really are. But the most striking moment is when you realize we are standing next to the precious wine archive, filled with extremely old and expensive wines, maybe too exclusive for regular folks like us but suitable for royal elite - it is said that queen Elisabeth orders regularly. The older the wine, the better it gets but you have to be prepared to pay a significant amount (of money) to indulge in such pleasures. All this wine can make people hungry, but with home made food made in old cellar restaurant problem is solved. Interesting surrounding of the former winery gives you a cozy and warm atmosphere. After endulging your hedonistic urges, we strongly suggest to go outside and take a walk through nature - discovering the magical presence of the ancient ages when great battles were fought. The walls of the Ilok Fort take us to the 15th ct. when the castle was originally built. Situated on a hill above the town center, offering views on the Danube and the Pannonian Plain the history reveals itself. Having changed many owners, the castle witnessed time passing by . This rich area was a strategic point for Romans since it was an eastern border of Roman Empire and a boundary (dividing line) between a civilization and barbaric world. Later on, after the Castle was built, the Ottomans conquered Ilok in 16th Ct but haven't stayed very long since the Europeans wan it back. After restoration in 1945. It was opened for visitors in 2010. The look on the impressive width of the Danube river makes you think that time does not pass by, just like the river, it continues. Visiting other places, gathering new experiences, it always keeps moving. Don't miss to visit this interesting place. _______________________________________________ Guide: Igor Kolaric Camera and editing: Slaven Petric Story and narration: Marija Capan Mare Music: Johann Strauss - "The Beautiful Blue Danube " Copyright: Video Guide Croatia 2015. www.videoguide-croatia.com f: facebook.com/videoguidecroatia t: twitter.com/videocroatia p: pinterest.com/videoguidecroat