It’s a region where "farm-to-table" isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life cherished and nurtured by the people who call this place home. Here, every meal and every sip of wine tells a story, creating a tapestry of flavors that connects you to the land and the hands that cultivate it.
At the heart of this story is the Šember Winery, a family-run vineyard nestled in the scenic hills of Plešivica. This winery is more than a place; it’s a legacy, lovingly tended by three generations of the Šember family, each generation pouring its soul into the vines. Since its first bottles in 1991, Šember has captured the heart of the region through its dedication to craft, innovation, and tradition. Every wine carries the essence of this family’s journey—a journey filled with hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to honor their heritage. Each drop of Šember wine reflects this labor of love, and when you taste it, you’re tasting decades of care and devotion.
Šember’s approach is both deeply traditional and boldly experimental. Their wines, crafted using Georgian amphorae techniques and the classic Champagne method, tell a story of place and passion. The family’s sparkling wines, aged patiently on yeast for years, carry a richness that speaks to their pursuit of perfection. These vineyards, with soils rich in lime and minerals, are not just fields but cherished land where vines as old as 90 years thrive under their careful watch.
The region’s spirit of sustainable, heartfelt cuisine also shines at Mon Ami, a restaurant in Velika Gorica that captures the essence of Zagreb County’s dedication to local flavors. With chef Goran Marko Beus guiding the kitchen, Mon Ami serves dishes that reflect the soul of the county. It’s a place where the Adriatic’s bounty meets the land’s seasonal produce, bringing together dishes infused with the earthiness of black truffles foraged from nearby Turopoljski Lug forests. Dining here is an experience of connection—to the land, to tradition, and to flavors crafted with care. From the delicate cuttlefish ink risotto and Adriatic squid to sea bream fried in olive oil, each dish bursts with freshness and local character.
With a glass of Chardonnay Graševina from Vukomeričke Gorica, you can taste the harmony of the county’s terroir—a gentle, refined balance that pairs perfectly with Mon Ami’s thoughtfully crafted dishes. Here, the textures and flavors of locally sourced ingredients invite you to linger and savor each bite, capturing the essence of farm-to-table dining at its best.
In Zagreb County, meals are more than nourishment; they’re heartfelt experiences, an invitation to connect with the land and the people who lovingly nurture it. From the Šember family’s lovingly crafted wines to Mon Ami’s seasonal dishes, every experience is infused with a sense of belonging, a warmth, and a genuine respect for the natural world. It’s a destination where sustainable living isn’t just embraced—it’s celebrated with passion, in every meal, every vineyard, and every story shared.
Hero image: Mario Žilec - Mon Ami
