Kvarner Wines

The cooperative, founded in 1904 with a cellar built in 1932, carries a ton of heavy heritage that the founder's heirs have handled extremely successfully to this day...and are rightly proud of!

Although similar in chronology to other Vrbnik wineries, where production began to flourish in the 1990s, the Cooperative and its "Zlatna Vrbnička Žlahtina" seem to truly carry an imperative of constant quality that is primarily expected of them by all small winegrowers in Vrbnik whose grapes the Cooperative purchases in full, making them the largest producer of Žlahtina.

However, as the famous Vrbnik wine enthusiasm and market development always demand something more, in addition to Zlatna Vrbnička Žlahtina, they also offer its grand cru variant (vinification and maturation in barrique barrels), a sweet dessert wine made from Žlahtina, and its sparkling wine Valomet, whose underwater variant - aging in the sea in front of Vrbnik - is still one of the biggest surprises to be presented on the Kvarner wine scene.

In addition to Valomet and Valomet submarines, Valomet rosé and Namori red wine are also produced, which is a mixture of autochthonous varieties: brajdica, sansigot, kamenina and debejan. Among the new products they offer Mendalina, the perfect summer rose wine, Zlatna Selekcija and Žlahtina Reserva (also aged in barrique barrels).

1. The historical phenomenon of Vrbnik and its wine and viticultural significance.

The connection between Vrbnik and wine and viticulture goes back far into history. And at the heart of this connection stands the PZ Vrbnik – a cooperative that dates back to 1904, when it was founded as the VRBNIK Commercial Company. That historic moment, when the 58 members of the founding assembly decided to register the company as a cooperative, marked the beginning of one of the most important institutions in the local community.

But the cooperative is not just an economic institution. It was also the socio-economic driving force of Vrbnik. Under the leadership of the distinguished lawyer and politician Dr. Dinko Vitezic, the cooperative became a catalyst for the development of the town. Dr. Vitezic, a member of the Istrian Parliament and a representative of the Croatian Parliament in Vienna, was a key protagonist in the establishment of cooperatives throughout the Croatian Littoral and Istria.

One of the most important moments in the history of the cooperative occurred in 1932 when the wine cellar was built. This cellar, which still stands today as a witness to the rich past, became the heart and soul of Vrbnik's winemaking. Grape processing continues to take place in these premises, preserving tradition and heritage.

Over the years, the cooperative has evolved and adapted to modern requirements. In the 1990s, it began purchasing modern grape processing equipment, allowing technological processes to be adapted to modern wine production standards.

However, the cooperative's peak of success was achieved with the product that became its trademark – Zlatna Vrbnička žlahtina. Through planned investments in modern technology and revitalization, Zlatna Vrbnička žlahtina has become synonymous with quality and tradition, representing Vrbnik on the national and international wine scene.

We can proudly say that the Vrbnik Cooperative, with 150 cooperative families as its foundation, has left an indelible mark on the history of Vrbnik and the entire region. Its role as a guardian of wine tradition and a driving force for economic development testifies to the strength and importance of cooperatives in rural communities.

2. PZ Vrbnik, or Golden Vrbnik žlahtina, is a ubiquitous synonym for žlahtina.

PZ Vrbnik and Zlatna Vrbnička žlahtina are truly an indispensable part of the wine world, not only locally but also beyond. The grape processing process at PZ Vrbnik reaches an impressive over a million tons, resulting in the filling of between 600,000 and 700,000 bottles of wine each year. However, what forms the core of this success is the fact that the largest share of these bottles is occupied by the famous Zlatna Vrbnička žlahtina.

Today's viticultural production of Žlahtina, which extends over the fertile Vrbnička polje and to a lesser extent in the surrounding areas outside it, is a key factor in the production of this prestigious wine. The Vrbničko field, located on the eastern side of the island of Krk, extends over the western part of the cadastral municipality of Vrbnik, with a southeast-northwest orientation.

The total area of Vrbnički polje is 175 hectares, with an altitude varying from 85 to 164 meters. Of this total area, 130 hectares are under vineyards, of which 110 hectares are in the Vrbnički polje itself and an additional 20 hectares in the surrounding areas such as Paprat, Vrh, Garica, Kampelje, Sunčin, Krasica, Mestinjak, Melinč and Tohoraj.

In addition, it is important to mention that members of the Vrbnik Agricultural Cooperative cultivate 80 hectares of vineyards out of a total of 130 hectares planted with vines, which further confirms the community's engagement in the preservation and development of viticulture in this area.

3. Recently, you have also ventured into expanding your wine range.

Not only have we expanded our wine range, but we have also created real gems that enchant the palates of wine lovers around the world. Zlatna Selekcija, a high-quality dry white wine made from the Žlahtina grape variety, is the highlight of our offer. This luxurious wine is created with special care and respect for tradition, where the grapes are harvested exclusively by hand. After long-term fermentation in oak barrels and several years of maturation, Zlatna Selekcija gains its characteristic mark, and recently won a gold medal at the prestigious Vinistra competition, confirming its exceptional quality.

Žlahtina Rezerva also holds a special place in the hearts of wine lovers.
Every stage in the process of creating this precious drink, from the careful processing of grapes in pneumatic presses to the delicate vinification in barrique barrels, is carried out with special care to achieve top quality and fullness of flavor.

In addition to these gems, we are also proud of Mendalina, our rosé wine that captivates with its fruity aromas and delicate freshness. This refreshing wine, with a crystal clear tone and shades of light pink, perfectly reflects the characteristics of the variety and the sophisticated production technology.

In addition to wine, we also produce premium brandies such as komovica, travarica, medica, walnut and fig, which are the result of dedication and skill in processing the purest fruits of the vine and careful selection of the highest quality ingredients.

4. You were the first in the world to age sparkling wine under the sea.

That's right, back in 2006. This innovative idea was born from the desire to create a unique product that would stand out with its character and quality. We decided to place the sparkling wine bottles in steel lattice crates at a depth of approximately 30 meters, not far from the Vrbnik coast. This area is characterized by a constant temperature of 12 °C, darkness and silence, which are ideal conditions for the fermentation of sparkling wine. In addition, the mystery of the underwater environment provided an additional dimension to the development of the taste and aroma of our sparkling wine.

The bottles of our Valomet sparkling wine did not need labels because the marine inhabitants “decorated” them themselves, creating a unique visual identity. The only thing that marks the bottles is a small, handmade plaque that speaks of the specificity of this sparkling wine.

Valomet, as a refined drink, carries the varietal character of Žlahtina, enriched with a slight dominance of fragrant nuances created by aging on yeasts. With its lightness, drinkability and mild acidity, Valomet delights as an aperitif or in a solo combination, making it a valuable addition to any gastronomic experience.

In recent years, sales of this unique sparkling wine have been an extraordinary success. 200 bottles are sold annually, and Valomet has become an indispensable symbol of quality and innovation in the world of wine. It is important to emphasize that this project was the result of the joint work and dedication of 150 families who participated in the cultivation of grapes and the production of this special sparkling wine.

5. The future of the functioning of an agricultural cooperative with 150 families

We see our future as very bright and promising, considering all the achievements and innovative approaches that have marked our history.

Our commitment to tradition, but also to innovation, are key elements that will ensure our competitiveness on the market.

In addition, continuous investment in technology and education of cooperative members allows us to stay abreast of modern trends and market demands, and cooperation with the local community and the tourism sector provides us with additional opportunities for product promotion and placement.

It is important to emphasize that the Vrbnik Agricultural Cooperative is made up of 150 families who are deeply connected to this area and the tradition of viticulture and winemaking. Their dedication and enthusiasm are key factors for the cooperative's continued success. Through mutual support and joint work, as before, we believe that this cooperative community will achieve extraordinary results and continue to build its success story in the future.