Plavinci (Indigo Hills) is located on the gentle sloping hills over the river Danube, some 25 km East from the Belgrade center. In the 19th century, as sailors coming up the Danube passed these hills at dawn, vines sprayed with Bordeaux mixture (copper sulfate) would shine brilliant indigo color in the morning sun, so they named the place Plavinci, “the place that shines blue”.
Land in Plavinci has been worked organically since 2008, and current vineyards were planted in 2010 and 2013. Winery was established in 2014, when first wines were offered for sale. About 1.25 ha (3 ac) of vineyards produce about 4500 bottles of wine per year.
Vineyards are worked by the owners themselves, with additional labor engaged at the time of harvest. Land is not tilled and cover crop is maintained throughout the year. Fertilization is by green manure only. Organic and sustainable practices have always been applied.
Uncommon grape varieties were planted, for both practical and commercial reasons. Panonia, Regent and Marselan are resistant to fungal diseases making organic practices much easier to implement. On the other hand, wines offered are unique and have no competition from other wineries.
Practices in the winemaking go beyond organic certification standards. Grapes harvested by hand are fermented on wild yeast and wine is matured sur lies. No additives other than a small amount of sulfur are added just before bottling. Wines are unfiltered. In some years, when protein instability is exceptionally high, white and rose wines are clarified with bentonite. Since no animal products are used in the winemaking, wines are vegan-safe.