Telašćica – salt lake, cliffs, and wild coves of Dugi Otok
October 28, 2025
Top Cultural Events in Croatia You Shouldn’t Miss – Part II
October 28, 2025Croatia holds a special place in the world of wine. From the plains of Slavonia to the most remote Dalmatian islands, as many as 130 indigenous grape varieties grow in Croatia.
Although small, Croatia stands out for its geographical and climatic diversity, which has contributed to the development of unique grape varieties found in few other places around the world. It’s no surprise, then, that in recent years Croatian wines have started to gain a reputation on par with the world-famous wines of France, California, Chile, and Germany.
For example, in 2016, Croatia won as many as 63 medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards. That same year, according to readers of the American newspaper USA TODAY and the website 10Best.com, Croatia was named one of the top 10 wine regions in the world to visit.
Croatian wine first gained major international attention in 1996 when research revealed that the popular Californian red wine Zinfandel is genetically related to the Croatian grape varieties Crljenak Kaštelanski and Tribidrag.
Even the famous chef Anthony Bourdain couldn’t resist the charm of Croatian wines. During his visit to Bibić Winery in Skradin, the delighted Bourdain exclaimed: "Why does your country have so many amazing wines?"
The tourism potential of Croatian wine is increasingly being recognized. Vineyard walks paired with wine tastings and local culinary experiences—“wine and walk” events—are especially popular in Istria, Hrvatsko Zagorje, and on the Pelješac Peninsula.
Croatia primarily produces red and white wines. Most production is white wine (67%), while red wines account for 32% of total output. In the continental wine-growing regions, light and sweet white wines dominate, while red wines are more common in the coastal regions.
Many wineries across different parts of Croatia produce wines with distinctive regional characteristics (e.g. Kozlović Winery from Momjan produces Istrian Malvasia, Plenković Winery from Hvar produces Zlatni Plavac, etc.).
Pošip
This straw-yellow white wine is made from the indigenous grape variety of the same name, grown on the island of Korčula (Čara and Smokvica). In addition to Korčula, it is also produced in other parts of Central and Southern Dalmatia. Pošip is the first Croatian white wine with protected geographical origin. It is characterized by a high alcohol content (13 to 14.5%) and aromas of dried figs and apricots.
We recommend serving it chilled, paired with fish, shellfish, or white meat.
Choose one of the apartments from our wide selection of accommodations on Korčula and visit a local winery such as Pošip Čara or Smokvica to taste this refreshing wine.
Vugava
This white wine is produced from the indigenous grape variety Vugava, which thrives exclusively on the most remote central Dalmatian Croatian island of Vis. Vugava is known for its fresh, fruity aroma and creamy texture, with an alcohol content of around 12.5%. The fame of Vis Vugava dates back to ancient times—some believe that the Greek historian Agatharchides was referring to this very wine when he wrote that the wine of the island of Issa was the best compared to all others. Vugava is a perfect refreshment during summer heat and is typically served with white fish, seafood specialties, and lamb cooked under the bell (“ispod peke”).
Babić
Babić red wine is made from the indigenous grape variety of the same name, named after the family that originally produced it. It has a dense structure and a distinct fruity aroma.
This variety—especially when crafted into premium wine—thrives best in the harsh, rocky soil above Primošten, known as the Primošten terraces. Babić is best enjoyed with Dalmatian prosciutto and spicy cheeses, as well as with pašticada and grilled meats.
Book accommodation in Primošten and make the most of your stay by visiting one of the local wineries to sample this fine red wine, Babić.
Graševina
Graševina is one of the most popular white wines in Croatia. It is produced from the grape variety of the same name, traditionally cultivated in the continental part of the country, especially in Slavonia.
Graševina has a greenish-yellow color and is dry, with fresh fruity and floral aromas. Although the grape variety itself is not originally native to Croatia, its taste and characteristics here are so distinct and unique compared to other wines of the same variety abroad that Croatia is sometimes referred to as the land of Graševina. Graševina is best served chilled at 8 to 10 °C, alongside pasta, white meat, and fish dishes.
Dingač
Dingač is the most famous Croatian wine, also known as the "king of all Croatian wines." This premium wine is made from the red grape variety Plavac Mali and is named after the rugged area of the Pelješac Peninsula—Dingač. Back in 1961, in Geneva, Dingač became the first Croatian wine with protected designation of origin and production method. It is known for its high alcohol content—averaging 15%. Its color ranges from deep red to purple. The taste is bitter and astringent, with a noticeable fruity aroma.
We recommend pairing it with red meat, game, goulash, and hard cheeses.
While vacationing on Pelješac, be sure to try Dingač and discover firsthand what makes it so special. If you're still deciding where exactly to stay on the peninsula, check out our selection of apartments and rooms on Pelješac.
Vrbnička Žlahtina
The island of Krk also takes pride in one of its indigenous wines—Vrbnička Žlahtina, a high-quality dry white wine made from the native variety Žlahtina Bijela. This rare grape is grown exclusively in the Vrbnik Field within the Krk wine-growing region. Vrbnička Žlahtina is a light and refreshing wine with floral and fruity aromas. It pairs well with sheep cheese, fish, pasta with light sauces, and white meat dishes.
Žlahtina is also used to produce the sparkling wine Valomet—the world’s first sea-aged sparkling wine. Valomet is distinguished by its unique aging process: bottles are submerged to the seabed and stored there for several months. When retrieved, they are covered in layers of coral and seashells and are sold in this unusual form.
Lasina
Lasina wine is produced in the village of Plastovo near Skradin from the Lasina grape variety. It stands out from other Dalmatian red wines due to its delicate flavor.
This variety is often used for blending with other grapes and in the production of the dessert wine prošek (not to be confused with the Italian wine prosecco!).
It is best enjoyed lightly chilled and pairs well with all types of dishes.
