- Wine Tour Destinations
Croatia is located in south-eastern Europe, on the north-western edge of the Balkans peninsula.
There are four main wine regions in Croatia: Istria & Kvarner, Dalmatia, the Croatian Uplands, and Slavonia & the Danube. Our tours focus on the coastal regions of Istria & Kvarner and Dalmatia, where a Mediterranean climate, indigenous grape varieties and spectacular scenery combine to create unforgettable wine experiences.
Located in the north-west of the country, Istria & Kvarner is one of the most celebrated Croatia wine regions. The area is known for its rolling hills, picturesque hilltop towns and excellent gastronomy.
The region is characterised by two principal soil types. The famous red terra rossa soils dominate many of the coastal and lowland vineyards, while marl and flysch soils are more common in the higher inland areas. Together, these varied terroirs produce a wide range of distinctive wines.
The region’s most important grape varieties include Malvazija Istarska, Teran and Žlahtina. Alongside fresh whites and structured reds, some producers also craft excellent orange wines with floral aromas and subtle saline notes.
For many visitors, wine tasting in Croatia begins here, with family-run wineries, exceptional local cuisine and a relaxed pace of life making Istria one of the country’s most rewarding wine destinations.
Istria has a rich and fascinating history, having been ruled by the Austrian Empire, Italy, and Yugoslavia. Winemaking has long been part of the region’s identity, and today local producers are focused firmly on quality. The region is a paradise for foodies. Local specialties that our local experts would recommend include truffles, homemade pasta, and air-cured ham. Pairing these delicacies with a glass of Malvazija warm Istrian evening is an absolute must.
In between Istria and mainland Croatia, the islands of the Kvarner Gulf have a Mediterranean climate and a predominantly red karst soil on limestone bedrock.
Most of the wine production is centred around the islands of Pag and Krk. The area is famous for its rare endangered grape varieties, some of them native to Croatia, which are grown locally.
Dalmatia is a popular tourist destination. The area offers an idyllic setting with a Mediterranean climate.
Winemaking was introduced by the Ancient Greeks more than 2,500 years ago and has remained an important part of local culture ever since. Today, the region produces some of Croatia’s most distinctive wines, with powerful reds and mineral-driven whites grown on steep coastal vineyards and island landscapes.
The main red grape variety is Plavac Mali, while Pošip and Maraština are among the region’s most important white grapes.
Dalmatia is also home to a local dessert wine called Prošek., It is made using the passito method, with grapes laid on straw mats and dried in the sun to concentrate the sugar. The grapes are then crushed and fermented, before being aged in barrels for about a year.
The Pelješac Peninsula is one of the most spectacular wine destinations in Croatia. Characterised by rugged mountains, traditional villages and steep vineyard slopes overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it offers an authentic glimpse into Croatian wine culture.
This peninsula is well worth a visit and is considered one of the most beautiful wine destinations of the world, by Grape Escapes travel experts and frequent travellers alike.
Hvar is a unique island. Although its main town is famous for being a party destination during the summer season, the rest of the island remains rather untouched.
A mountain ridge runs through the centre of the island, while vineyards and olive groves have flourished here since the time of the Ancient Greeks. The UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain provides a unique connection to Croatia’s ancient winemaking heritage.
Korčula is best known as the birthplace of Pošip, one of Croatia’s finest white grape varieties.
Protected valleys and fertile soils allow producers to create fresh, vibrant white wines that perfectly reflect the island’s Mediterranean character.
Vis was a Yugoslav military outpost until 1989. As a result, it was completely cut off from external visitors.
The island is truly unspoilt and a site of natural beauty. Today, visitors are attracted to the slow and authentic lifestyle. Although there are not many vineyards on the island, it offers some of the most authentic wine tasting experiences in Croatia.
Mainland Dalmatia has a wide variety of microclimates which contributes to the production of a large range of different wines.
Near the town of Primošten, you will find the UNESCO listed vineyard of Bucavac, a remarkable patchwork of stone-walled plots that illustrates centuries of dedication to viticulture in this challenging environment.
Croatian cuisine reflects the country’s rich and complex history, drawing influences from Greek, Roman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman cultures.
On the coastal part of the country, we find a lot of seafood, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs.
In Dalmatia, the food is rustic and simple. Popular dishes include monkfish, fish soup, or swiss chard with boiled potatoes. Our top recommendation is trying the local cheeses of Dalmatia, including pag and dinarski, they are unforgettable!
In Istria, the food is heavily influenced by Italian culture, with dishes made of pasta and seafood.
On the mainland, away from the coast, we can find central European and Slavic influences with meat dishes, grains, and spices such as black pepper and paprika.
For our guests exploring the Croatia wine region, the diversity of local food is every bit as memorable as the wines themselves.
Fantastic food of a very high quality, and lots of lovely wines.
Anna- London, UK
Around half of our trips are completely bespoke. Our expert team would be delighted to discuss your requirements and create your perfect trip.
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