When most people think “wine country,” they picture rolling Tuscan hills or the châteaux of Bordeaux. But here’s the secret: Croatian wine belongs in the same conversation. With more than 130 indigenous grape varieties, dramatic coastal vineyards, and boutique family estates, it’s one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for wine lovers.

The difference? Croatia still feels unspoiled. Tastings are intimate, the landscapes are stunning, and the experiences are often private, personalized, and deeply memorable.

As a Virtuoso travel advisor and partner of Calvados Club (one of Croatia’s top luxury experience providers), I create seamless itineraries that weave these wineries into my clients’ journeys — complete with private drivers, yacht transfers, and curated pairings. These are the wine experiences my clients never stop talking about:

1. Korta Katarina — Luxury on the Pelješac Peninsula

Overlooking the Adriatic in Orebić, Korta Katarina is more than a winery — it’s an estate where art, architecture, and hospitality meet. Founded by American philanthropists who fell in love with Croatia, the winery is known for its elegant Plavac Mali and crisp Pošip.

What makes it special: As a partner, I can arrange exclusive, private tastings that go beyond the typical tour — think multi-course pairings, sea-view terraces, and bottles opened just for you. It’s one of the most elevated wine experiences in the country, and a highlight of many CTC itineraries.

2. Rossi — A Family Estate in Istria

Visiting Rossi feels like stepping into someone’s home. This boutique, family-run estate in Istria has been making wine for generations, and it’s the personal touch that makes it unforgettable.

You’ll taste their Malvazija Istarska — an aromatic white with almond and citrus notes — and their bold Teran reds, often poured by a member of the Rossi family themselves.

What makes it special: I love weaving Rossi into itineraries for clients staying in Rovinj or Pula. With Calvados Club partnerships, I can arrange private vineyard walks, behind-the-scenes tastings, and an introduction to the family’s heritage of winemaking.

3. Dingač Vineyards — Croatia’s Prestige Appellation

The Dingač appellation on the Pelješac Peninsula is legendary: terraced vineyards climb impossibly steep slopes, basking in the Mediterranean sun and sea breeze. Here, Plavac Mali grapes transform into some of Croatia’s most complex, collectible reds.

What makes it special: Driving these winding vineyard roads is an adventure in itself, but with a driver and guide, clients can enjoy tastings without the logistics. Dingač is where connoisseurs discover a wine that rivals Brunello or Bordeaux — in a setting that feels secret.

4. Istrian Wine & Truffle Pairings

In northern Croatia, vineyards stretch across rolling hills that look more like Tuscany than the Dalmatian coast. Malvazija Istarska is the star here — fresh, floral, and versatile — but the real magic is pairing it with Istria’s other luxury: white truffles.

What makes it special: I design days that start with a truffle hunt in the forest, followed by a private Malvazija tasting and multi-course truffle lunch at a boutique estate. It’s an indulgence that feels distinctly Croatian — earthy, refined, and unforgettable.

5. Island Wine Adventures — Korčula & Hvar

Croatia’s islands aren’t just about yachts and beaches — they’re home to centuries-old vineyards. On Korčula, Pošip reigns: a crisp white that’s perfect with the seafood lunches my clients enjoy after a morning sail. On Hvar, the tradition stretches back to the Greeks, with boutique wineries
producing small-batch labels you won’t find outside Croatia.

What makes it special: Through my partnerships, I can arrange vineyard stops as part of your yacht charter — imagine stepping off the boat for a tasting in a sun-drenched vineyard before continuing your island-hopping journey.

Why this matters

Croatian wine is never just about what’s in the glass. It’s about where you are, who you’re with, and the story each estate tells. Whether it’s the grandeur of Korta Katarina, the warmth of the Rossi family, or a hidden island vineyard, these are the moments that make a trip extraordinary.

As a Virtuoso advisor with on-the-ground partners like Calvados Club, I handle every detail — so your Croatian wine journey feels seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.

👉 Curious how these experiences could fit into your trip? Download my 7-Day Croatia Sample Itinerary and see exactly what’s possible.

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