Close to Dubrovnik, yet far from the traditional tourist routes, Jović Lemon Gardens offers an incentive experience that brings together Mediterranean nature, family tradition, local flavours and a genuine encounter with the way of life in the Dubrovnik region. A visit to the Jović family farm can be tailored to smaller organised groups and designed as a relaxed part of a business programme, ranging from guided tours of the lemon gardens to workshops and tastings of homemade products.
Two Gardens, Numerous Varieties and a Story of Life with Citrus Fruits
A visit to Lemon Gardens begins with a tour of two themed gardens where different varieties of lemons, oranges, mandarins and other citrus fruits are grown. However, the focus is not solely on the fruit. Through conversation and a guided tour, guests learn about cultivation methods, pruning, irrigation and sustainable practices, as well as the everyday life of a family that has been growing plants for generations.
This personal approach is one of the defining characteristics of the experience. Rather than a conventional tour, participants have the opportunity to see, touch and smell citrus fruits at different stages of ripening and discover the story behind the family farm. From the beginning of November until the end of February, the programme can also include lemon picking, allowing participants to harvest the fruit themselves.
A typical visit lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. For incentive groups, the programme can work well as a shorter daytime excursion, part of a wider gastronomic itinerary or a more relaxed activity following the business element of the programme.
A Traditional “Tratamenat” with a Taste of Lemon
Following the tour comes the “tratamenat”, the traditional Dubrovnik way of showing hospitality through homemade food and drink. At Lemon Gardens, it takes on a distinctly citrus character, with the tasting centred around lemons and other local ingredients. The selection can be adapted according to the season, the preferences of the group and the nature of the event.
Homemade lemonade, Limoncello, a Limoncello Spritz, lemon-infused water or Mediterranean tea with lemon can provide the perfect start to the tasting. Sweet treats can include candied orange peel “arancini” and candied lemon peel “limuncini”, traditional Dubrovnik specialities such as broštulani mjenduli (caramelised almonds), seasonal lemon cakes, Lemon Posset, lemon tiramisu or the Jović Lemon Tart. Savoury options can include Mediterranean bruschetta with lemon and caper cream cheese, spinach and cheese pie, lemon-infused olive oil or pasta with lemon sauce.
Organisers can therefore create a simpler programme combining a tour of the gardens with a tasting of Limoncello, lemonade and several local delicacies, or opt for a more extensive gastronomic experience featuring several courses and combinations.
From Tasting to a Hands-On Incentive Experience
Lemon Gardens can also appeal to groups looking for a more active experience. Interactive workshops lasting between 20 and 60 minutes can be combined with the garden tour and tasting. Participants can learn how homemade Limoncello is made, prepare candied orange peel “arancini” and candied lemon peel “limuncini” or caramelised almonds, “broštulani mjenduli”, try their hand at making the traditional cake known as “Simulate”, or take part in the mini-workshop “How to Grow Your Own Lemon”.
These activities add an additional interactive dimension to the programme, ensuring that participants are not simply observers but are able to take a part of the experience home with them.
The programme can be tailored to the needs of each individual group, from the duration and pace of the tour to the content of the tasting, with vegetarian, gluten-free and alcohol-free options also available. Personalised gift packages can be prepared for business groups, while the space and programme can also be adapted to meet specific requirements for photography, filming or presentations.
By combining nature, gastronomy and personal contact with the hosts, Lemon Gardens offers a different perspective on southern Croatia. It works particularly well as part of an incentive programme because it offers more than simply another activity. Instead, through a slower pace, local flavours and the story of one family, it gives groups an opportunity to discover a side of Dubrovnik that cannot be experienced through a conventional tourist itinerary.
