There are numerous causes to go to Croatia and sampling the nation’s very good wine is definitely one in every of them, with wineries within the Cut up area being among the many greatest locations to attempt Croatian wine.
Because of the Greeks bringing grapevines with them on their expeditions round Europe, wine has been made in what’s now referred to as Croatia for the reason that fifth century BC. From the hillside vineyards of the Istrian Peninsula to the islands alongside the Adriatic Coast, it’s straightforward to see that Croatians love a glass of excellent native wine.
The southern area of Dalmatia is particularly recognized for its wine. Extra particularly, the Crljenak Kaštelanski selection is the area’s beautiful native crimson. Should you haven’t heard of Crljenak Kaštelanski, you’ve nearly definitely heard of Zinfandel, which is what it goes by within the US. In and round Cut up, it’s fairly frequent to seek out this number of wine, together with its cousin, Plavac Mali. Should you’re questioning the place to attempt the best Croatian wine, right here’s our listing of the highest wineries in Cut up.
Putalj Vineyard
This family-run vineyard has vineyards on the slopes of the Kozjak Mountain, a secluded space of Kaštel Sućurac. It affords lovely views of the Adriatic Sea, town of Cut up, and the Marjan Peninsula. For true wine lovers staying in Cut up or Trogir, this vineyard is a gem to not be missed. We recommend planning your go to right here prematurely as it is a small vineyard with excessive demand.
The household affords an organized tour of the winery, manufacturing areas, and barrel room, alongside a wine tasting. In addition they produce olive oil and supply some tastings, paired with native delicacies like recent cheese, prosciutto, and do-it-yourself bread.
Vučica Vineyard
A brief drive from Putalj Vineyard, a household property with lovely views of the Adriatic Sea and a comfortable setting in Kaštel Kambelovac awaits. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in a tasting of the wine comprised of the indigenous crimson grape selection, Crljenak Kaštelanski, paired with native snacks. It’s value noting that the Vučica wines have an eco certificates. To go to this vineyard, it’s good to e-book prematurely because it’s probably the most common wineries in Cut up.
Bibich Vineyard
Positioned close to the picturesque city of Skradin and the well-known Krka Waterfalls, this boutique wine tasting oasis is about an hour’s drive from Cut up. If visiting the Krka Waterfalls is already in your plans or for those who’re heading north from Cut up, you shouldn’t miss Bibich Vineyard, among the finest wineries close to Cut up. Right here, meals and wine are served in an enthralling courtyard overlooking the vineyards. The principle grape selection grown in these vineyards is Debit. This selection renders a white wine discovered on the wine lists of a number of the world’s greatest eating places.
To take pleasure in a correct feast, it’s good to make a reservation prematurely. You may select the wine tasting expertise that fits your preferences. Nonetheless, for those who don’t have time for the complete tastings, don’t fear. You may nonetheless pop into the property store for mini tastings and procuring.
Grabovac Vineyard
Located within the village of Donji Proložac close to the city of Imotski, this contemporary family-run vineyard has a protracted winemaking custom that goes again for greater than 200 years. For wine lovers touring from Cut up to Mostar or Dubrovnik, a go to to this actually off-the-beaten-path gem is a should.
Company right here can take pleasure in cuvée wines comprised of the indigenous Kujundžuša grape selection, in addition to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but in addition native Vranac. We advocate attempting a little bit of every little thing, so you allow with no regrets. The mixture of pleasant and attentive service, glorious wines, nice meals, and unique vibes makes Grabovac Vineyard a compulsory cease if you’re within the space.
OPG Franulić Vineyard
If throughout your journey to Cut up you get the prospect to go to Brač island, we advise discovering a while to style the area’s wine and different native merchandise. Nerežišća is a small village within the extra secluded and less-visited inland a part of the island that’s simply accessible by bus or taxi from Supetar. In a singular conventional setting with basic stone homes, you’ll discover the Franulić Vineyard, probably the most genuine wineries close to Cut up.
The Franulić household is particularly happy with their premium wine, Plavac Mali Franulić, which is comprised of the Plavac Mali grape selection and is completely eco-produced. Alongside wine, the vineyard affords varied do-it-yourself grappas and olive oils, paired with conventional do-it-yourself delicacies. On this historic and genuine ambiance, you will get a glimpse of the standard way of life within the rural areas of Dalmatia.
Zlatan Otok Vineyard
Positioned in Sveta Nedilja on the island of Hvar, Zlatan Otok boasts probably the most spectacular sea views. Aside from the vineyard, the household additionally owns a restaurant, and a small marina, which signifies that it’s straightforward to go to by boat, too. A lot of the grapes used within the vineyard are grown on the island, however some come from different areas within the mainland. As for the wines, the vineyard affords all kinds, from white to crimson, from conventional Bogdanuša to Plavac Mali. It’s onerous to choose a favourite.
The vineyard produces almost 900,000 bottles of wine yearly, it has participated in lots of native and worldwide competitions, and has gained quite a few medals and awards. In 2009, Mr. Plenković, the proprietor, was elected as a Croatian Wine Knight. Due to this honor, he can not compete for the Greatest Croatian Winemaker. However on the upside, he’s now a Knight!
Tomić Vineyard
The Tomić household has been producing wine in Jelsa on the island of Hvar for greater than 150 years. Their motto is drink by the hour, not by the liter, and after visiting this vineyard, you’ll see why. Andro, the proprietor, has devoted his total life to wine and oenology. He’s an interesting particular person, and if you’re fortunate sufficient, you may even get the prospect to satisfy him. Today his son does many of the work in and across the vineyard. Nonetheless, Andro nonetheless pops in from time to time to impart his knowledge and revel in a glass of wine.
A really attention-grabbing a part of this explicit vineyard is its underground tasting venue. It was modeled after the standard Historic Roman dining-room referred to as a triclinium. The triclinium at Tomić Vineyard is a proper eating space, carved in stone with travertine pillars, which was a way additionally utilized in Diocletian’s cellars.
The vineyard options all kinds of wines, however the Caplar and Veliki Plavac Mali are those to not miss. Each are available magnum bottles and are comprised of grapes harvested solely in choose years from particular areas of the vineyards. Aside from wine, you can even attempt fruit and herb liqueurs there.
Plančić Vineyard
Plančić Vineyard resembles a phoenix that has risen from its ashes. Just a few years in the past, between whispers and rumors floating across the island, it seemed just like the vineyard could be at its finish. After some powerful years with nothing left within the cellars and no entry to their household land, the Plančić household lastly recovered what was left from their property and began doing what they knew greatest – making wine.
Based by a girl, the vineyard was finally introduced again to life by a girl as properly, the common-or-garden 19-year-old Magdalena, who spent nearly every free second together with her father, studying about grapes, wine manufacturing, and the best way to run a enterprise. Plančić has all the time been making unique wines, with celebrities, diplomats, and notable individuals from the area attempting one of many Plančić wines, a few of that are among the many greatest and most unique Croatian wines.
Duboković Vineyard
The seemingly unassuming Duboković Vineyard close to Jelsa transfers you to a magical wine cellar, stuffed with barrels and all types of wine casks, in a really romantic setting when you cross its gate. This vineyard has an intimate really feel and an unique ambiance which are onerous to place into phrases. The identical goes for the vineyard’s historical past, which is intertwined with proprietor Ivo’s story.
Ivo’s household was within the winemaking enterprise, however he determined to set off for research and a quest to seek out his identification. Earlier than too lengthy, although, he felt the necessity to return to his roots and dedicate to winemaking.
Should you’re feeling fancy, you possibly can deal with yourselves to probably the most costly Croatian wines right here. However even for those who’re not into fancy wine, Duboković produces a wide range of wines at varied worth factors. All people can discover a favourite right here, whether or not it’s white, crimson, or Prošek, the Croatian candy dessert wine. All wines pair excellently with Ivo’s do-it-yourself olive oils, which you can even attempt.
Though Duboković Vineyard doesn’t produce enormous quantities, the wines listed here are famend for his or her high quality. The well-known Medvid wine is a advantageous instance of the standard wine you possibly can attempt right here. In spite of everything, you aren’t simply ingesting wine, as Ivo says. You’re ingesting each solar ray that has touched the grapes, and each drop of rain that has fallen on the land.
Uncover The Greatest Wineries in Cut up With Us
At JayWay Journey, we all know Croatia and its treasures higher than anybody else as a result of a lot of our journey consultants stay on this sun-drenched Mediterranean nation. On your journey to Cut up or another metropolis or area in Croatia, we’ll craft the right itinerary for you, based mostly in your wants and preferences. Should you want to pattern one of the best wine throughout your Croatia journey, relaxation assured that we are going to assist you uncover the secrets and techniques of one of the best wineries in Cut up and in every single place else in Croatia.
Antonija has a protracted background within the tourism trade, beforehand working for a tour firm in her hometown of Omiš, however her complete household is concerned in tourism, so you may say it’s hereditary. Her time spent residing within the UK has contributed to her glorious command of English and her ardour for journey additionally results in a wonderful understanding of the wants of our visitors. Having beforehand studied for six years in Zagreb, Antonija is now based mostly in Cut up, not removed from her hometown. As a metropolis host for each Trogir and Cut up, she is chargeable for making detailed preparations for visitors’ journeys in addition to assembly them once they arrive and supporting them throughout their travels.