Discover Central and Southern Dalmatia’s Wine Country
Central and Southern Dalmatia, located along Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, offers a rich tapestry of wine experiences. This region boasts ancient vineyards, picturesque islands, and a Mediterranean climate perfect for wine production.
Visitors can explore charming coastal towns, taste indigenous grape varieties, and immerse themselves in the local wine culture. The area’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions create distinctive wines that reflect the region’s character.
Towns and Villages
Split serves as the main gateway to Central Dalmatia, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Explore Diocletian’s Palace and the bustling Riva promenade, where you can sample local wines at waterfront cafes.
Hvar Town on Hvar Island is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Known for its lavender fields and sunny climate, Hvar produces excellent wines from native grape varieties like Plavac Mali.
Bol on Brač Island is famous for its Zlatni Rat beach and the nearby Stina Winery. Take a stroll through the charming old town before enjoying a wine tasting with sea views.
Wine Producers
- Grgić Vina: Founded by renowned winemaker Mike Grgich, this winery in Trstenik produces exceptional Plavac Mali wines.
- Korta Katarina: Located in Orebić, offers premium wines and a luxurious villa for wine-focused stays.
- Tomic Winery: In Jelsa on Hvar Island, known for its Plavac Mali and Prosek dessert wine.
- Miloš Winery: Family-run estate in Pelješac peninsula, specializing in organic Plavac Mali wines.
Accommodations
Wine-themed hotels offer unique stays for oenophiles. The Hotel Boskinac on Pag Island features its own winery and gourmet restaurant.
For a luxurious experience, try the Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korčula Town, offering wine tastings and culinary workshops. Budget-conscious travelers can find charming guesthouses in wine-producing villages like Lumbarda on Korčula Island.
Dining
Konoba Mate in Pupnat, Korčula Island, serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine paired with local wines. In Split, Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar offers an extensive Croatian wine list and innovative dishes.
For seafood lovers, Gariful in Hvar Town provides fresh catches and an impressive wine cellar. Don’t miss the opportunity to try peka, a traditional dish slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid, often paired with robust red wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar in Split offers an extensive selection of Croatian wines and local cheeses. Visit D’vino Wine Bar in Dubrovnik for guided tastings and a cozy atmosphere.
In Hvar Town, Tri Pršuta combines wine tasting with local prosciutto. For a unique experience, try Edivo Vina near Drače, known for aging wine underwater.
Other Shops
Pick up local olive oil at Uje Oil Bar in Split. Gligora Cheese Shop in Zadar offers award-winning Pag cheese, perfect for pairing with wines.
For wine-related souvenirs, visit Peškafondo in Komiža on Vis Island. They sell locally-made fish-themed products and wines.
Attractions
Tour the Ancient Wine Roads of Stari Grad Plain on Hvar Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Museum of Viticulture in Putniković to learn about winemaking history.
Explore the Pelješac Wine Empire route, featuring scenic vineyards and tasting rooms. Don’t miss the Walls of Ston, the longest fortress system in Europe, near many wineries.
Events
Attend the Days of Diocletian in Split (August), featuring Roman-themed events and local wine tastings. The Korčula Wine Festival (July) showcases the island’s best wines and traditional sword dance performances.
Visit during Dalmacija Wine Expo (April) in Split for a comprehensive tasting of regional wines. Pelješac Wine Marathon (September) combines wine tasting with a scenic race through vineyards.
Appellations
Dingač on the Pelješac Peninsula is Croatia’s first protected wine region, known for bold Plavac Mali reds. Postup, also on Pelješac, produces full-bodied reds with a distinct terroir.
Komarna is an emerging appellation, home to several boutique wineries. The Ivan Dolac appellation on Hvar Island is renowned for its steep vineyards and intense Plavac Mali wines.
Grape Varieties
Central and Southern Dalmatia boasts a rich array of indigenous grape varieties. Plavac Mali reigns supreme among red grapes, producing robust, full-bodied wines.
Notable white varieties include Pošip, Grk, and Vugava. These grapes thrive in the region’s Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soils.
Main Wine Styles
Red wines dominate the Dalmatian wine scene. Plavac Mali wines are known for their high alcohol content, intense fruit flavors, and firm tannins.
White wines from Pošip offer refreshing acidity and stone fruit aromas. Grk produces unique, full-bodied whites with a slight salinity.
Food Specialties
- Pašticada: A slow-cooked beef dish often paired with Plavac Mali
- Crni rižot: Black cuttlefish risotto, perfect with crisp white wines
- Peka: Meat and vegetables cooked under a bell-shaped lid, complementing robust reds
Fresh seafood and locally-produced olive oil are staples of Dalmatian cuisine, pairing beautifully with regional wines.
Drives & Walks
The Pelješac Wine Road offers a scenic drive through vineyards and charming villages. Stop at family-owned wineries for tastings and stunning Adriatic views.
Explore the Stari Grad Plain on Hvar Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Greek agricultural parcels still in use for grape cultivation.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
- Day 1: Visit Ston and oyster farms, then explore Dingač vineyards
- Day 2: Ferry to Korčula, tour Lumbarda’s Grk vineyards, enjoy a wine pairing dinner
- Day 3: Explore Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, ending with a wine tasting at a local enoteca
Week-Long Dalmatian Wine Adventure
Combine vineyard visits with island hopping, including stops in Hvar, Brač, and the Pelješac Peninsula. Balance wine tastings with cultural excursions and beach relaxation.
Getting There & Around
Split Airport is the main gateway to Central and Southern Dalmatia. Regular ferries connect mainland ports to islands.
Renting a car offers flexibility for winery visits. Local buses and taxis are available in towns.
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October are ideal for wine tourism. Mild weather and fewer crowds enhance the experience.
Harvest season (September-October) offers unique opportunities to participate in grape picking and wine-making activities.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Dalmatian wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Look for eco-certified wines and wineries committed to sustainable tourism.
Support local initiatives by choosing environmentally-friendly accommodations and participating in community-based tourism activities.
Language Tips
Learn basic Croatian wine terms:
- Vino: Wine
- Crno vino: Red wine
- Bijelo vino: White wine
- Na zdravlje: Cheers
Most winery staff speak English, but attempting Croatian phrases is appreciated.
Further Resources
Consult these resources for in-depth information:
Local tourist offices in Dalmatian towns offer maps and guides specific to wine routes.
