Revival of the tradition “Come digging!” – connection with ecological viticulture and boutique family production

Discover how the tradition “Come digging!” has found a new life in our vineyard, connecting us with ecological viticulture and boutique family production. Learn about the value of manual labor, the subtle balance of tradition and technology, and the passion for authentic wine taste.

Revival of the tradition “Come digging!” – connection with the past

“Come digging!” echoed through a “megaphone” in ancient times, calling on laborers to cultivate the young vineyards from hill to hill. This forgotten custom, once a part of daily life and full of symbolism, now reminds us of the foundations of our vineyard tradition in the world of viticulture and winemaking. With pride, we have revived this tradition and present it to you through the performance of our oldest family member in the winemaking team, Franjo, a retired music professor.

Connection with the past and community cohesion

With nostalgia, we recall the days when unity within a small community was more important than personal interests. Helping a neighbor was a normal part of daily duties and a deeply rooted value. If you take a stroll through our vineyard, it seems you can still feel the spirit of those times and at least imagine the scenes of cultivation, the sounds of hoes, conversations, and songs of the laborers.

Young and old together enthusiastically worked the rows of grapevines, socializing and staying informed about the happenings of village life.

Challenges of the modern era

Unfortunately, such scenes are becoming increasingly rare. In the fast pace of modern life, finding free hands for work in the vineyard is often more than challenging. Nevertheless, we do not give up on our commitment to ecological approach. Manual labor remains the core of our philosophy, and we still consider the hoe to be the true “queen” of the vineyard, and those who wield it to be honest workers and to some extent ecological champions.

It’s well known that a vineyard needs laborers, best described as servants, and sometimes even as the slaves of modern small family farms in the given circumstances.

Eco vineyard and his servant

Of course, we choose our own path and have no right to complain about the pains and sweat caused by the hoe, that cruel queen of the vineyard.

The hoe is not to blame for the injustice that follows when the wine is already produced and needs to be sold or collected, because ecological wines should be more expensive due to the considerable effort invested.

Perhaps with the help of mechanization, this might change in the future, as pesticides are expensive in conventional production, but we know what they do to our health.

Pioneers of ecological viticulture

Our ancestors were actually pioneers of the ecological approach in agriculture. Although new technologies have brought benefits, such as advancements in winemaking and a more sophisticated taste of wine, we nurture the balance between tradition and modern innovations that undoubtedly facilitate many aspects of production and enhance the quality of wine. Old tools and technology are an inseparable part of our story, both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

In our 16th-century cellar, the tradition of aging wine in centuries-old oak barrels is alive, along with the previously controlled fermentation of must in stainless steel barrels in the new cellar.

Eco wines – the result of dedication

Our eco wines are not just products – they are the result of a delicate process and commitment. Every drop of wine carries within it a lot of invested time, effort, and personal dedication. Each wine has its vintage seal and the touch of the winemaker. Wines are created without standardization and uniformity, truly reflecting the authenticity of their origin, like unique products.

Little break and cuddling

Manual labor and boutique family production

Our winery is not just a business – it’s a family passion, heritage, and some might say, a burden. Each bottle of wine carries a story of our roots and dedication to ecological viticulture. Boutique production requires careful planning of grape harvesting, personal dedication to each vine, each grape cluster, each barrel, each bottle, and every guest who visits us for personalized and educational wine tastings that we conduct by prior appointment due to the unfortunate lack of time and the complexity of the tasks in our small-scale boutique production with a limited number of hands.

The hoe, the queen of the vineyards

From the hoe to mechanization

While the call “Come digging!” no longer echoes through the vineyards, the hoe remains a symbol of the brave, or some might say, the stubborn, and it is close to rebellion, for rebels we are only for a reason.. Manual labor rewards us with the finest fruits. As the vineyard matures, mechanization comes as support, but it will never replace the passion and love we have invested in every step toward true natural, healthy, ecological wine.

No giving up, no turning back!

Preserving heritage and building the future

We proudly preserve the legacy of our ancestors as we look towards the future. Their dedication, unity, and passion for the land and vineyards remain the foundation upon which we build our story. And while the call “Come digging!” may not be heard as often, the spirit of unity and commitment to the ecological approach will guide us forward, even if through a challenging path, creating wines filled with intriguing life stories, flavor, and love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: How does the tradition “Come digging!” manifest itself today?

Answer: Although we rarely use megaphones, the tradition lives on through communal work in the vineyard, gatherings, and testimonies of past times.

Question: How do modern technologies impact ecological production?

Answer: New technologies bring advantages in winemaking and enhance the wine’s taste, but we always maintain a balance and do not neglect the traditional approach.

Question: How do our wines differ from conventional ones?

Answer: Our eco wines are the result of dedication and personal investment, with a unique vintage seal and the winemaker’s personal influence.

Conclusion:

By reviving the tradition “Come digging!” we return to the roots of ecological viticulture and boutique family production. In a world of rapid changes, we preserve the spirit of unity and passion for the land. Our eco wines are the result of dedication, respect for nature, and authenticity. Through manual labor and the delicate balance between tradition and technology, we are building a future filled with valuable knowledge and intentions, flavor, and optimism despite all the challenges and obstacles.