- Wine Tour Destinations
In our opinion, Croatia’s wines are Europe’s best kept secret. Often overlooked by international wine lovers, this beautiful Adriatic country offers a remarkable diversity of grape varieties, wine styles, and historic vineyards.
Croatia’s viticulture can be traced back to approximately 500 BC, combining ancient heritage with modern craftmanship. From crisp coastal whites and elegant orange wines to powerful reds grown on steep seaside slopes, this region offers an authentic wine experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Many of Croatia’s indigenous grape varieties have been cultivated for centuries, and the country is home to around 130 native grapes, with approximately 40 used in commercial wine production today.
Perhaps most remarkably, Croatia is believed to be home to the world’s oldest continuously cultivated vineyard. The Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar has been planted for over 24 centuries and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Croatia’s wine history is shaped by two exceptional coastal regions: Dalmatia and Istria & Kvarner. From sun-drenched vineyards overlooking the Adriatic to centuries-old winemaking traditions, each region offers a distinctive tasting experience and a rich expression of local terroir.
Stretching along Croatia’s spectacular Adriatic coastline, Dalmatia is the country’s most famous wine region. Its sun-drenched islands and rugged coastal vineyards produce some of Croatia’s most distinctive wines.
White wines from Dalmatia are typically aromatic, mineral-driven and perfectly suited to seafood, while the region’s reds are often rich, structured, and influenced by the Mediterranean climate.
Located in northern Croatia, Istria wine has gained international recognition for its quality and character. Often compared to Tuscany for its rolling hills, olive groves, and gastronomy, Istria produces some of Croatia’s finest white and red wines.
Dalmatia produces a fascinating collection of indigenous white grape varieties, many of which thrive on the region’s islands and coastal vineyards.
One of the most important white grapes in Croatia, Pošip originates from the island of Korčula. Depending on terroir and winemaking style, it can produce wines ranging from fresh and vibrant to rich and complex. Expect citrus, stone fruit, and excellent acidity.
Grown primarily on Korčula’s sandy soils, Grk produces aromatic wines with notes of citrus, stone fruits and a distinctive saline character that reflects its coastal origins
Meaning “God-given”, this indigenous variety from Hvar creates light-bodied, refreshing wines that pair beautifully with Adriatic seafood.
Known for its creamy texture and aromas of honey, melon and citrus fruits, Maraština is commonly used both as a varietal wine and in blends throughout coastal Dalmatia.
Other notable white grapes include Debit, Graševina, Kujundžuša, Kurtelaška, Malvasija Dubrovačka, Prč, Trbljan and Vugava, each contributing to the remarkable diversity of Croatian wine.
Dalmatia is home to some of Croatia’s most exciting red wines, many of which thrive on steep coastal vineyards overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Plavac Mali is Croatia’s flagship red grape variety and one of the country’s most recognised wines. It produces full-bodied wines that display berry flavours with notes of Mediterranean herbs, rose and earth. Wines made from this grape are complex with a good structure and depth.
Known internationally as the original ancestor of Zinfandel, Tribidrag is one of Croatia’s most historically significant grape varieties. It produces wines with distinct fruits flavours as well as notes of herbs and pepper.
Babić grows in the northern and central parts of the Dalmatian coast. Babić wines have a good potential with cherry flavours and a certain level of tannins. These wines pair extremely well with Kulen, a local smoked sausage.
Darnekuša, Dobričić, Lasina, Plavina and Rudežuša all contribute to the rich tapestry of Croatian red wine, offering styles that range from elegant and aromatic to powerful and deeply structured.
When discussing Croatian wine, few regions have experienced the rise and recognition of Istria.
The region’s combination of Mediterranean sunshine, cooling sea breezes and distinctive red terra rossa soils creates ideal conditions for premium wine production. Today, Istria wine is increasingly recognised by international critics and wine enthusiasts for its quality and authenticity.
The signature white grape of Istria wine, Malvazija Istarska is capable of producing a wide range of styles. Young wines are fresh and aromatic, while barrel-aged examples offer greater complexity and texture. The variety is also used to create distinctive orange wines through extended skin contact.
Typical aromas include white flowers, stone fruits and orchard fruits, balanced by refreshing acidity.
Muškat Momjanski is an important white variety which can be found in Istria. It produces a Muscat with high sugar content, a deep gold colour, and some floral notes.
Grown primarily on the island of Krk, Žlahtina creates crisp, refreshing wines with citrus and floral notes, making it an ideal companion to seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Arguably Croatia’s most important indigenous varieties. Grown on the region’s iron-rich terra rossa soils, it produces deeply coloured wines with vibrant acidity, dark berry fruit and excellent ageing potential.
Many of the finest examples of Croatian wine come from Teran, whether produced as a single-variety wine or as part of a blend.
Borgonja is a truly classic Croatian wine, often used in blends with other grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Teran. The variety produces aromas of spiced cherry as well as a good level of acidity.
Sansigot, also known as Sušćan is a grape variety native to the Susak island, with most being grown on the island of Krk. It produces wines with a good level of acidity, tannin and strength, with aromas of forest fruits and sweet spices.
Around half of our trips are completely bespoke. Our expert team would be delighted to discuss your requirements and create your perfect trip.
Contact Us
