Left : O . A . T . travelers assist with the harvesting of fresh produce for lunch at the Botaro Winery in Drvenik . winery . Yet beyond the tranquil , idyllic landscape , you will discover vibrant , modern people behind the doors of each home — balancing their traditional way of life with the fast-paced expectations of today .
This dichotomy is perfectly embodied by Marijana , an energetic woman who left behind a career in retail management to work on the family winery here in Drvenik with her husband , Ivo . In many ways , Marijana ’ s story is atypical of this region — it is rare for women to be the heads of their household in Konavle , especially one who originally hails from Bosnia and Herzegovina like Marijana . Nonetheless , she has quickly taken to her lifestyle and ingratiated herself with her community — carrying on the family ’ s five centuries of winemaking tradition . A tradition she is passing along to her two children , her daughter Matea and her son Antonio . These generational bonds and inherited knowledge are crucial for preserving the region ’ s traditions while keeping up with the times . With each passing year , it grows even more important to pass these customs and skills along , as the younger generation does not always want to stay in the quiet valley .
The Brautović Estate
Walking into the small village of Močići , you can ’ t help but notice the tidy vegetable gardens , carefully cultivated at almost each and every house . There is the indistinct chatter of a living , breathing community drifting on the air as well , families talking to each other as they prepare a meal , or go about daily
Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa : Croatia ’ s Dalmatian Coast
Discover Croatia ’ s Dalmatian Coast — including Dubrovnik — with travel host Rudy Maxa .
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Left : Ivo Botaro ( at left ) and an O . A . T . traveler show off their harvest .
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