Zagreb Gets an Elegant Wine Hub – diWine at Palmotićeva 32

For more than ten years now, diWine_project has been active in Zagreb – a platform dedicated to promoting wine and wine culture. A cool spot where, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, you can learn about wine and wine etiquette or take part in programs that connect wine with important social topics such as mental health and lifelong learning. Regular networking events, wine presentations, and promotions are also held here, but what keeps delighting us time and again is the fact that the owner, Irena Lučić, manages to come up with something new and exciting each season – which is why we always love coming back to diWine.

For the 2025/2026 season, diWine has stepped into a new, elegantly designed space at Palmotićeva 32. It is a classroom with a capacity of 16 to 18 people, ready to welcome both new and returning wine lovers eager for fresh knowledge, pleasant socializing, and afterwork gatherings that perfectly blend usefulness and enjoyment.

One of the highlights of the season is a new program with the unusual name “Optimizacija” (Optimization). “At diWine, we like to say we’re an institution for optimists only – because our glass is always half full!” Irena explains with a smile, adding: “The name Optimizacija came as a fusion of optimism and going out. It’s an optimal wine combination that brings together nano-education and fun, with plenty of time for conversation and connection. It’s not as intense as a classic wine workshop – more of a laid-back, inspiring experience.”

Along with the new address, diWine is also bringing several novelties. The most important one is that tickets for workshops and programs can now be purchased online at diWine.com.hr. In addition to a wide range of new workshops for Zagreb’s wine lovers, there are also guided tastings for tourists. These are designed to highlight Croatian indigenous grape varieties and the country’s four wine regions, while at the same time offering newcomers a vivid introduction to Croatia’s rich wine tradition, heritage, and history.

At a recent media gathering in this lovely new space, we also had the chance to taste some exciting novelties from Iločki Podrumi (Ilok Cellars). The evening began with Traminac No. 10, a sparkling wine premiered in June this year. Produced in a limited trial batch of just over 1,000 bottles, it thrilled us with its rarity – and its taste won us over immediately. The name “No. 10” refers to the fact that it is the tenth Traminac-based product from Ilok Cellars – the winery that put Croatia on the global wine map when their 1947 Traminac was served at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

We also tasted three still wines from the new Sofija line – Graševina, a white cuvée, and Cabernet Sauvignon – crafted from grapes grown on the vineyard named after Countess Sofija Odescalchi, the woman credited with planting the first Traminac vine in Ilok. Thanks to its low altitude of just 135 meters and proximity to the Danube, these wines carry a remarkable minerality that makes each sip irresistibly enjoyable and invites you back for more.

“Unlike our classic and well-known green labels, the Sofija wines were created primarily for the HoReCa sector and represent a step forward for the Ilok Cellars brand. Their high quality and style of vinification make them gastronomically versatile – pairing beautifully with a wide range of both local and international dishes. We are confident that Sofija will be recognized by restaurateurs who want to offer their guests true value for money, as well as by all wine lovers who appreciate quality,” explained Antonia Glavan Petanjek from Ilok Cellars’ marketing team.

We had a wonderful time at diWine, and our advice is simple: visit the website soon and explore the many exciting things on offer. Keep in mind that due to the limited number of seats, tickets for events often sell out within just a few days – so don’t hesitate! Gather your friends and join the best afterwork experience in town, at Palmotićeva 32.

---

Photo credit: Irena Lučić, diWine Travel&Taste