The longest island in Croatia, Hvar, features dynamic wine-growing landscapes around its central mountain ridge: in the north, the slopes descend into hills, and in the south to cliffs, before descending sharply into the sea. Today, however, the bird’s eye views of Hvar remind of a labyrinth, thanks to the centuries-long, persistent efforts of the islanders to expand arable land by terraces and mounds, many of these actually turned into vineyards. Hvar is blessed by the largest number of sun hours in the Adriatic, so it goes without saying that Dalmatia’s own, late-harvest, warmth-loving Plavac mali grape, enjoys a bit of a personal paradise here. Between Hvar’s steep south, hilly north, to sandy terrains and really old vines, this is the island where Plavac mali shows all its faces, and their utmost beautiful tastes.
Wines are best double-checked
Our wine tour of Hvar Island visits the two of the most prominent Hvar wine producers.
The charming Vrboska cellar
Andro Tomić, one of the most famous Croatian winemakers, sets a grandiose tone at his Bastjana winery, modeled after the basement of the Diocletian’s palace. His wines continue to dazzle connoisseurs all over the world and the French magazine La Revue du vin de France raved that his wines were “…a benchmark for the future millennium!”
Exclusive wines from a garage
The second tasting is your chance to meet the leading Croatian “garage” winemaker Ivo Duboković and experience his ”2.718 hours of sun in the bottle”. Duboković’s Medvid wines are the Rolls Royce of garage wines – ”must-have” expensive vintages, now served only in the finest restaurants, hotels, and specialized wine shops in Croatia.
Homemade lunch in an olive grove
And for the perfect ending to a Hvar Island wine tour —enjoy a wonderful home-made lunch in an olive grove near picturesque Vrisnik. Alternatively and depending on the availability, the meal can be served in the local tavern in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje.
The longest island in Croatia, Hvar, features dynamic wine-growing landscapes around its central mountain ridge: in the north, the slopes descend into hills, and in the south to cliffs, before descending sharply into the sea. Today, however, the bird’s eye views of Hvar remind of a labyrinth, thanks to the centuries-long, persistent efforts of the islanders to expand arable land by terraces and mounds, many of these actually turned into vineyards. Hvar is blessed by the largest number of sun hours in the Adriatic, so it goes without saying that Dalmatia’s own, late-harvest, warmth-loving Plavac mali grape, enjoys a bit of a personal paradise here. Between Hvar’s steep south, hilly north, to sandy terrains and really old vines, this is the island where Plavac mali shows all its faces, and their utmost beautiful tastes.
Wines are best double-checked
Our wine tour of Hvar Island visits the two of the most prominent Hvar wine producers.
The charming Vrboska cellar
Andro Tomić, one of the most famous Croatian winemakers, sets a grandiose tone at his Bastjana winery, modeled after the basement of the Diocletian’s palace. His wines continue to dazzle connoisseurs all over the world and the French magazine La Revue du vin de France raved that his wines were “…a benchmark for the future millennium!”
Exclusive wines from a garage
The second tasting is your chance to meet the leading Croatian “garage” winemaker Ivo Duboković and experience his ”2.718 hours of sun in the bottle”. Duboković’s Medvid wines are the Rolls Royce of garage wines – ”must-have” expensive vintages, now served only in the finest restaurants, hotels, and specialized wine shops in Croatia.
Homemade lunch in an olive grove
And for the perfect ending to a Hvar Island wine tour —enjoy a wonderful home-made lunch in an olive grove near picturesque Vrisnik. Alternatively and depending on the availability, the meal can be served in the local tavern in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje.
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.
As Croatians drink most of their small-batch productions before the bottles hits the international market, you really have to know where to look in order to find Croatian wines abroad. We try to keep an eye on the international restaurants and distributors who carry Croatian wines, but will also be happy to ship you a case or two directly from the source. Cheers!
