Croatia’s Best Wineries: Where To Find The Perfect Wine

Croatia has a fantastic array of wine regions, and it does not disappoint when it comes to the quality of its vintages. The country is officially known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and this title is well deserved. There are over 2,000 wineries in Croatia, and you will find everything from high-end boutique operations to large-scale producers.

Croatia is an up-and-coming wine region, with a long history of winemaking dating back to the Roman era. The country is home to over 100 indigenous grape varieties and has a diverse range of microclimates that are ideal for winemaking.

Croatia has two main wine regions, the coastal region and the continental region. The coastal region is located along the Adriatic Sea and includes the regions of Istria, Kvarner, and Dalmatia. This region is known for its production of white wines, particularly Malvazija, as well as red wines made from the Plavac Mali grape variety. The continental region, located inland, includes the regions of Slavonia and Danube. This region is known for its production of white wines made from the Graševina grape variety.

Many of Croatia’s wineries are family-owned and operated, and focus on producing small-batch, high-quality wines. Some of the most popular grape varieties used in Croatian winemaking include Malvazija, Graševina, Plavac Mali, Teran, and Pošip.

Croatia’s wineries offer a variety of experiences, from guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, to tastings of the winery’s wines, to gourmet food and wine pairings. Some wineries also offer accommodations, such as guesthouses and villas, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the winemaking process.

Overall, Croatia’s wineries are a must-visit for wine lovers and anyone interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage. With its unique grape varieties and diverse microclimates, Croatia’s winemaking industry is sure to continue to grow and gain recognition on the international stage.

1. Korta Katarina Winery is a high-end winery located on the Peljesac peninsula in southern Croatia. The winery is named after the owner’s daughter, and is known for its production of high-quality wines made from indigenous Croatian grape varieties.

The winery is situated in a stunning location overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and the vineyards are planted on the steep hillsides that characterize the region. The winery’s focus is on producing small-batch wines that are handcrafted using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery’s flagship wine is a red blend made from Plavac Mali, the most important grape variety in the region.

Korta Katarina Winery offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, as well as tastings of their award-winning wines. The winery also has a restaurant that serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with dishes that are paired with the winery’s wines.

In addition to its winemaking operations, Korta Katarina Winery also has a luxury hotel, Villa Katarina, which is situated just a few steps from the winery. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, making it the perfect place for wine lovers to stay and enjoy the winery’s offerings.

Website: www.kortakatarinawineryshop.com

2. Duboković Winery is a family-owned winery located on the island of Hvar, in the town of Jelsa. The winery is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by vineyards that are planted on terraced hillsides overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

The winery is known for its production of high-quality wines made from indigenous Croatian grape varieties, such as Plavac Mali and Bogdanuša. The winery’s focus is on producing small-batch wines that are handcrafted using traditional winemaking techniques, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Duboković Winery Jelsa offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, as well as tastings of their award-winning wines. The winery’s tasting room offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the sea, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the winery’s offerings.

In addition to its winemaking operations, Duboković Winery Jelsa also has a restaurant that serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine, with dishes that are paired with the winery’s wines. The restaurant is located on a terrace overlooking the vineyards and the sea, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal and take in the stunning surroundings.

Website: www.facebook.com/dubokovicwines

3. Trapan Winery is a family-owned winery located in the small village of Potomje, on the Pelješac peninsula in southern Croatia. The winery is situated in a picturesque location, surrounded by vineyards that are planted on steep hillsides overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

The winery is known for its production of high-quality wines made from indigenous Croatian grape varieties, such as Plavac Mali and Dingač. The winery’s focus is on producing small-batch wines that are handcrafted using traditional winemaking techniques, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Trapan Winery offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, as well as tastings of their award-winning wines. The winery’s tasting room offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the sea, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the winery’s offerings.

In addition to its winemaking operations, Trapan Winery also has a restaurant that serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine, with dishes that are paired with the winery’s wines. The restaurant is located on a terrace overlooking the vineyards and the sea, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal and take in the stunning surroundings.

4. Saints Hills Winery is a boutique winery located in the village of Oskorušno, in the heart of the Dalmatian wine region of Croatia. The winery is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills that overlook the Adriatic Sea.

“Vinaria”, what they call Saints Hills winery, is an old stone house in a little village of Oskorušno. This house used to be a winery, but its owners went on a quest for a better life over the ocean, leaving their winery to sleep for 80 years. They believe it was waiting for them to breathe in a new life for her, so they decided to leave the old stones untouched. They withhold the story of tradition. The modern part of the story is, however, for the guest yet to discover.

Saints Hills Winery offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, as well as tastings of their award-winning wines. The winery’s tasting room is located in a renovated 19th-century stone house, which has been elegantly restored and decorated with a mix of traditional and modern elements.

Website: www.saintshills.com