This year’s Grožđebal (Grape Ball) in Sremski Karlovci took place from the 28th till the 30th of September. Manifestation “Karlovac grape vintage” is an event that followed the tradition of a folk ceremony that celebrated the beginning of the grape harvest.
During Grape ball the wine capital had a festive atmosphere in honor of this year’s grape harvest. Along the central street, exhibitors presented their best wines on wooden stands, all ready for the moment of truth when wine-lovers would pass their judgment – whose wine tastes best and is most fragrant.
Visitors had the opportunity to buy all sorts of grapes, wines and authentic souvenirs, as well as enjoy the rich cultural and entertaining program.
Gathered around stands, experienced wine admirers and some who are yet to get acquainted with exquisite tastes of wines by old masters from Sremski Karlovci sampled Merlot, Cabernet, Riesling and young Portuguiser.
Nevertheless, Bermet, pride and joy of local winemakers, the authentic desert wine of this region, dominated.
And as Bermet goes best with kuglof (Gugelhupf or Bundt cake), local women all dressed in old Vojvodinnian dresses displayed a variety of cakes with different tastes just next to the wine stands. Some were red with cherries, others were two-colored with chocolate, but they were all covered with sugar powder and wrapped in transparent cellophane.
Beside wine and kuglof, visitors could find also rakija, ajvar, souvenirs, jewelry, and sellers bragged with great sales.
This beautiful little town simply charmed us. Patriarchate, Catholic and Orthodox Church side by side, the first Serbian gymnasium and the famous drinking fountain are all located in the very city center.
According to a legend a girl who drinks from a fountain in Sremski Karlovci will return to this city and will get married to a local, but if one drinks Bermet especially at the Grape Ball, he will surely return more than once to this famous town in Srem.
So don’t miss the opportunity to visit this picturesque Vojvodinian town and enjoy in the festive atmosphere during Grape ball.
