INTRO
Despotika Winery is opening their doors for us. 5th October 2025.
If you’ve hiked, sipped, and laughed with us before — this is your chance for an epic sequel. And yes, it’s going to be worth every single step (and sip).
First-timers, get ready — because Despotika isn’t just a winery, it’s a full-scale adventure! Rolling vineyards, bold flavors, and views that could make poets weep.
So lace up, show up, and raise a glass with us among the vines. Together, we’ll craft memories that outshine even the autumn sun.
GENERAL INFO
The event will take place at Vinarija Despotika and the surrounding landscapes of Smederevsko vinogorje, nestled in the rolling hills of Smederevska Palanka. It’s a full-day adventure.
- Event name: DESPOTIKA Experience 2025
- Region: Smederevsko vinogorje
- Date: Sunday, 5th October 2025
- Time: 09:00 — 19:00
- Location: Vinarija Despotika, Smederevska Palanka (Google map)
- Address: Smederevski put 10, Vlaški Do
THE SPORT
The Hike is a 11 km long trail that allows for beautiful hike, bike or run.
Difficulty Level
DIONYSUS Experience isn’t a competition, so you won’t be chasing medals or trophies. Still, don’t expect a casual Sunday stroll either. The dirt paths twist across hilly terrain, and depending on the weather — sunny heat or a splash of autumn rain — you’ll need focus, stamina, and a bit of grit. If you’re not used to physical activity, it might feel like quite a challenge. But for those who exercise once or twice a week, the route should be comfortably doable.
Sports enthusiasts can take it up a notch: run the trail (approx. 90 minutes to 2 hours), walk at a steady pace with or without nordic poles (3 to 4 hours), or cycle through on a mountain bike (2 to 3 hours).
Refreshment Points
Along the way, you’ll find refreshment stops to top up your water bottle, grab a small bite, and — most importantly — enjoy a sip of Despotika wine. The portions are tasting sizes, carefully measured so you can finish the route steady on your feet. (Tipsy is allowed, drunk is not 😉).
What to Bring
We recommend that every participant has:
- A refillable water bottle
- Bug spray
- A mobile phone
- Sportswear and proper walking/running shoes
- Sun-shading hat
If you’re biking, helmets are mandatory.
For a slower, more laid-back experience, pack a picnic blanket and stretch out in the field when the mood strikes.
THE MATINEE
The matinee begins with the return from the morning trek and a well-deserved lunch — a spread of delicious dishes catering to different tastes, paired with a selection of Despotika’s signature wines.
Afterwards, guests step into the story of Vinarija Despotika. The experience includes a tour of the Museum of Winemaking, a one-of-a-kind museum that celebrates Serbia’s centuries-old winemaking tradition through artifacts, tools, and stories of the craft that shaped the region. From there, the journey continues across the estate — from scenic viewpoints to the production area where Despotika’s wines are brought to life.
The highlight is the descent into the atmospheric wine cellar — where modern design meets timeless tradition. Here, wines quietly age, including in the specially designed barrique room that reflects Despotika’s pursuit of excellence. The full tour lasts around 45 minutes, offering an inspiring glimpse into both the past and present of winemaking.
As the afternoon unfolds, the vibe shifts to leisure and play. Optional activities such as table tennis, badminton, speedminton, or volleyball will be on hand for anyone with energy to spare. Meanwhile, live music will set the mood — from easygoing tunes during lunch to more upbeat rhythms as the sun goes down — creating a warm, celebratory atmosphere among the vines.
TIMELINE
9:00 — Event Start
- Participant Registration
- Distribution of participant packages
- Welcome drink
- Morning coffee
- Greeting by organizers
10:00-15:00 — Sport (walk, run or bike)
- Participants start hiking and riding
- Picnic breaks at the designated refreshment points
- Serving of wine tastings, delicacies…
14:00-18:00 — Matinee
- Return from the track
- Participants change in a temporary dressing room (tent)
- Lunch service
- Wine service
- Dessert service
- Winery tour
- Wine-education class
- Optional leisure and sports activities
19:00 — Event End
- Departure of shuttle buses (optional service)
- Wine service after the end at the participant’s expense or by arrangement with the host
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
You will get your event pass (usually a screaming color wrist-band) at the reception desk, once we verify your registration details. The pass allows you to the event.
Besides the pass, here is the rest of the precious moments waiting for you:
- Welcome drinks
- Shots of Loza
- Coffee
- Bottle of water
- Merch and materials
- Branded backpack
- Branded wine glass
- Brunch Menu (at refreshment points)
- Food bites
- Wine selection (tasting portions)
- Znamen, semi-dry white wine from the Rhine Riesling variety,
- Beskraj, white dry wine from the Sauvignon blanc variety
- Soft and isotonic drinks
- Lunch Menu
- Goulash TBD
- Vegan option TBD
- Lunch Wine Card (3 glasses)
- Morava – dry white wine from the Morava variety,
- Nemir – dry pink from the Prokupac variety,
- Dokaz – dry red wine from the Cabernet Sauvignon variety
- Despotika Winery Tour
- Educative Wine Class
- Winery technologist Miloš Nikolić and assistant technologist and sommelier Katarina Vučković will take you to learn how Despotika wines are to be produced and enjoyed
- DJ vibes
- Soul-soothing sounds at matinee
HOW TO PREPARE
As it’s the whole day experience, it’s good idea to set yourself well.
Travel by car
If you come by your car, make sure to know exact location of the reception at the starting point. Plan your trip according to the event schedule, you should get to the location on time.
Parking
There is allocated parking for participants at the event location, within walking distance from the reception. Please make sure not to leave your car blocking others on the parking.
Where to stay overnight
It’s a good idea is to stay overnight or plan the whole weekend trip so you don’t need to drive back home while being tipsy. Plan your stay in nearby places. There is plenty of accommodation in Mala Remeta, Jazak or Vrdnik.
Hiking equipment
Please bring water with you, and dress appropriately for the time. Hats, sunglasses, suncream in the sun, and a shell jacket in the rain. All participants should have hiking or trail running shoes.
A wardrobe and separate changing rooms for men and women are available at the start. They will be open from the start till the end of the event.
Get the map on our phone
Make sure you have a Komoot app installed on your phone. It will help you find your way on the track in case you get lost (like it might happen eh?). If you are a paid Komoot user, you can easily use it to navigate your way and get back on track.
Upon arrival
You go directly to the reception desk to pick up your pass and welcome pack.
PRICES
The price of your ticket is determined by the moment you register for the event.
| Tier | Price | Starts on | Valid until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early | €89 | September 1, 2025 | September 8, 2025 |
| Regular | €99 | September 9, 2025 | September 29, 2025 |
| Late | €119 | September 30, 2025 | October 4, 2025 |
* The event is limited to 100 participants
GET TICKETS
Individual or small group tickets
To register and pay as individual participant or a small group, go to our online registration page hosted at Njuko.net. The process asks for participant details followed by payment details. Payment is done online using credit or debit cards. Once your payment is successfully processed, you will receive digital tickets in your inbox, but more importantly — your spot on the event will be reserved.
Need invoice for your organization?
Contact us to enroll your team or organization and pay as enterprise.
DISCOUNTS
“4+1 FREE” group discount
The fifth in group goes for free. Discount is applied during online registration by adding your friends to take advantage of this discount. The discount applies to the least expensive entry in your cart
Watch this video tutorial on how to apply for group discount.
FAQ
Are kids allowed?
No, we think you need a break. Dionysus Experience events are 18+.
Transfer
The shuttle bus transfer from Belgrade to the event location will be organized at additional cost. Make sure you mark I want shuttle bus transfer when registering for the event.
Accommodation
There are many bed and breakfast places around the event location, so feel free to book on your own. Reach out to us over email or social networks if you need support.
Are there other places to visit nearby?
Of course. We choose places that sit in wonderful nature, surrounded by numerous soul-soothing spots. It’s easy to just google around the location and you will find many of them waiting for you to spot them.
Is the event dog friendly?
Surely. Dionysus loves dogs. We will ask you to put your dogs on a strap during lunch, while the lunch is served in a picnic-like atmosphere.
Is there a shop where we can get wine to bring home?
It’s debatable how this question is frequent, but we were obliged to put it here due to the terms we have with the host. But yes, there will be a shop at the event location where you can fill your bags with bottles. The wine prices are usually more popular at the source.
What happens if weather gets bad?
Small rain and wind are no problem, but heavy rains that last for several days will change the experience a lot. Your hiking experience could be transformed into mud swimming and no Instagram photos with that gold vineyard picnic will be taken. We as organizers have a right to postpone the event to one week later, but we will know that half of you won’t come. You as a participant can buy insurance for the event which will grant you 80% of the ticket price for whatever reason you want to cancel your participation.
