How one entrepreneur brought a little bit of Croatia back to Canada
While Saša’s story is in fact a story of perseverance, it teaches all working professionals the tenacity required to chase your dreams.
“All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.” ― Paulo Coelho
When the day is long, and the work is done, sometimes all we want is a glass of wine … or maybe even two. Sometimes we share a glass with friends; sometimes we share a glass with family; and’ sometimes we have a glass alone writing our latest blog.
Whether it is a glass of wine, or your favourite chocolate, once and awhile it’s okay to treat ourselves and celebrate our accomplishments.
For Saša Muradori, this glass of wine became a journey back home — one that allowed him to proudly share his heritage with others.
In1995, Saša came to Canada as a young child from Croatia after escaping the war. His roots always played a large role in his upbringing and ultimately shaped him into the man he is today — a husband, father, public servant, and vintner.
“Wine plays a huge part in Croatia’s culture — like beer and whiskey does in Canada.”
Vintners are wine merchants that work on curating and distributing fine wines. They take the hard part out of selecting your next wine by helping to ensure that only the best are stocked on your local shelves.
While during his nine to five Saša works for the National Research Council, in his outside8 Saša works on distributing and showcasing some of the best Croatian wines.
But how does one become a vintner? For starters, you don’t give up.
“In the beginning, I was told I was wasting my time. It would have been easy to give up, but I chose to keep pursuing my passion and believing in the products I chose to represent. It all started with a plan — how could I link small wineries from a little country many knew nothing about to a market that was filled with so many other options. From this plan grew a business, an opportunity to network, and one of my most prideful endeavours — next to being a father.
On September 30, 2017, Saša helped bring a little piece of home to Canada by introducing the Premium Kutjevo Graševina Croatian wine to the LCBO — described by the LCBO as a mix of “lemon, pear juice and white flower aromas. Mineral white pepper, salty and fresh on the palate with a touch of bitterness on the finish.”
“Besides being the most planted grape variety in Croatia, Graševina is the most sought-after white wine.”
The description, however, that I love most is the one that describes Saša’s homeland — the story of a small, but inspiring country, on the coast of the Mediterranean. You hear this story when Saša pours a glass of wine to his friends and family, and now this same story extends to new partners, families and friends.
“I was shocked to learn that no one was working in this space because they thought it was hard or impossible. It would be hard, of course, but not impossible. I had to try. Knowing that you are trying to sell something that is good, honest and inspires people makes all the difference.”
Saša’s story is not uncommon. If we all stopped before we even started, the world would not be inspired by the amazing outside8s that make it what it is. While Saša’s story may seem focused on wine, it is in fact a story of perseverance. It teaches all working professionals the tenacity required to chase your dreams.
“Follow your dreams and take risks. Make lists and set realistic goals. Keep up the positive momentum, and don’t give up. Be ready for failure and have a plan ready on how to both deal and learn from it. And never, ever forget, that anything is possible if you work hard.”
So, don’t give up, work hard, and when it’s time to toast a job well done … grab your favourite bottle of Kutjevo Graševina and pair it with some of my own favourite combinations:
1. Soda water
In Croatia, pairing white wine with soda water is known as “Gemišt” — turning your glass of wine into a refreshing spritzer.
2. Oysters
White wine often goes great with seafood and Wine & More agrees! They suggest pairing Graševina with clams and oysters.
3. Smoked Gouda
If white wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, Graševina and smoked gouda are a testament to that truth.
4. Fish Paprikaš
Another taste of home, fish paprikaš is a Croatian dish that pairs beautifully with this white wine. Check out this great recipe to try it out!
Want to learn more about Croatia?
