Pelješac Peninsula is often referred to as Dubrovnik’s wine empire, for the expansive vineyards and over 70 wineries – most of them boutique. But the peninsula also holds other foodie treasures, such as salt and oysters, as well as wonderful hiking trails, secluded beaches and small, rustic settlements. An ideal day-long get-away from Dubrovnik, Pelješac is also a superb detour when travelling between Split and Dubrovnik.
Five centuries old legacy
Mario’s family has been living on Pelješac for over five centuries, hence there might not be better person to give you a first-hand account about living on Dubrovnik’s favorite peninsula. Painting the story of the region’s famous wines, Mario will take you to its two representative wine cellars.
A dash of Napa Valley on Pelješac
First, visit the cellar of Napa Valley’s favorite Croat, Mike Grgich, and then Mario’s, called Bartulović, harvesting grapes at 16 different positions in the peninsula. Savoring two different takes on the same local varieties, like Rukatac and Pošip whites, and Plavac Mali reds, will illustrate the incredible character of these sorts, but also an immense role that the individual wine maker’s approach plays for the final drop.
Try your hand at preparing peka
The inspiring potential of this region becomes complete once you embark on the adventure of preparing meat under peka! An iron lid shaped like a bell, peka is placed over a pan filled with pieces of meat, traditionally veal or lamb, and potatoes. Then, it is covered in hot charcoal. Leaving the food to simultaneously cook and bake over several hours, peka blends aromas, flavors and a hint of ancient times into a wondrous meal.
Dine in a 500-year-old cellar
Under Mario’s guidance, you will master the secrets behind this seemingly simple art, enjoying the final result as the ultimate complement to Pelješac’s local wines.
Pelješac Peninsula is often referred to as Dubrovnik’s wine empire, for the expansive vineyards and over 70 wineries – most of them boutique. But the peninsula also holds other foodie treasures, such as salt and oysters, as well as wonderful hiking trails, secluded beaches and small, rustic settlements. An ideal day-long get-away from Dubrovnik, Pelješac is also a superb detour when travelling between Split and Dubrovnik.
Five centuries old legacy
Mario’s family has been living on Pelješac for over five centuries, hence there might not be better person to give you a first-hand account about living on Dubrovnik’s favorite peninsula. Painting the story of the region’s famous wines, Mario will take you to its two representative wine cellars.
A dash of Napa Valley on Pelješac
First, visit the cellar of Napa Valley’s favorite Croat, Mike Grgich, and then Mario’s, called Bartulović, harvesting grapes at 16 different positions in the peninsula. Savoring two different takes on the same local varieties, like Rukatac and Pošip whites, and Plavac Mali reds, will illustrate the incredible character of these sorts, but also an immense role that the individual wine maker’s approach plays for the final drop.
Try your hand at preparing peka
The inspiring potential of this region becomes complete once you embark on the adventure of preparing meat under peka! An iron lid shaped like a bell, peka is placed over a pan filled with pieces of meat, traditionally veal or lamb, and potatoes. Then, it is covered in hot charcoal. Leaving the food to simultaneously cook and bake over several hours, peka blends aromas, flavors and a hint of ancient times into a wondrous meal.
Dine in a 500-year-old cellar
Under Mario’s guidance, you will master the secrets behind this seemingly simple art, enjoying the final result as the ultimate complement to Pelješac’s local wines.
In 2005, Secret Dalmatia was started from pure love for Croatia’s heritage, its incredible diversity, and beauty. We have since remained faithful to our initial mission – and are still today a boutique travel agency dedicated to showing the true, wholesome Croatia to the discerning travelers who want to experience our country and all our riches, not just see it.
A bottle of Croatian wine or rose liquor will go far in telling stories, and so will some of the praised olive oils. Keep the memory of the Adriatic alive with salt from centuries’ old pans at Ston or Pag Island or with a sample of Istria’s famed truffles. Lightweight travelers should consider typical spices like lavender or rosemary, herbal teas or candied orange peels and almonds.
