PELJEŠAC WINEMAKERS ON ALERT: These are the “abandoned rural areas” where a road is planned?!
Pelješac winemakers have risen against a planned road that would destroy over 80% of their vineyards—the main source of income for local families. Maja Čalić of Križ Winery warns that the environmental impact study completely ignores people and valuable agricultural land. Local winemakers are demanding sustainable solutions that protect Pelješac’s cultural and natural heritage while allowing residents to continue living and working in the area.
Pelješac winemakers have voiced strong opposition to the proposed road project from the Orebić bypass to the Brijesta junction, arguing that the current route threatens high-value vineyards and long-established agricultural land. In an interview for Dubrovniknet, Dr. Marijeta “Maja” Čalić of Križ Winery explains that some families could lose more than 80% of their permanent vineyards, their primary source of income.
Following a public discussion in Orebić regarding the Environmental Impact Study commissioned by Hrvatske Ceste, numerous vineyard owners submitted formal objections, arguing that the study insufficiently addresses socio-economic consequences and describes valuable agricultural land as “abandoned rural areas.” Local residents across several Pelješac communities expressed concerns about vineyard fragmentation, landscape degradation, and long-term impacts on agritourism and cultural heritage.
Despite supporting infrastructure development in principle, the winemakers are calling for a revised route that protects agricultural land and aligns with sustainable spatial planning practices.
For the full interview and detailed statements from Pelješac winemakers, read the original article on Dubrovniknet:
👉 https://www.dubrovniknet.hr/peljeski-vinari-na-nogama-ovo-su-zapustena-ruralna-podrucja-kuda-je-planirana-gradnja-ceste/