Our Story
It all began in MGMT4240, a global business MBA course offered through the Daniel’s College of Business at the University of Denver. The cohort voted to focus on the country of Croatia for their capstone project, drawn to the stunning landscape, sloping hills, Mediterranean climate, enchanting Adriatic Sea, and the food and ancient culture.
It just so happens that, located across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, Croatia’s grape growing conditions are absolutely ideal. Croatia’s indigenous vines and wines have a rich history dating back to the bronze age, and they were very sought after throughout the Roman empire. (Ever heard of Crljenak Kaštelanski?)
In the late 1800s, the phylloxera pandemic destroyed most of Europe’s vines. War and communism followed in Croatia, and the focus greatly shifted from quality winemaking to volume production. When Croatians gained their independence in 1995, they reclaimed their vineyards and became determined to restore quality wine production in the country, honoring tradition, cultivating Croatia’s indigenous grapes over other European varieties, and focusing on organic and sustainable farming practices.
For Team 4240, exploring Croatia and asking lots of questions has resulted in incredible friendships and partnerships, most notably Win & Mirena of Croatian Premium Wine Imports. Mirena herself is Croatian, and is dedicated to facilitating awareness, education, and connection between her home country and her current country of residence, the United States.
In February 2022, we received our first two pallets of superb Croatian varietal wines, carefully hand-selected with several of Denver’s wine geeks and sommeliers. These Croatian wines are an absolute treasure, and we’re so excited to share them with our fellow Coloradoans!
