Croatian Wine by Boat: Island Wineries You Must Visit

Wine Country on the Water

Croatia has been making wine for over 2,500 years, with some of the world's most interesting indigenous grape varieties thriving in the unique coastal climate. The combination of sea breezes, rocky soil, and intense sunshine creates wines you won't find anywhere else.

Indigenous Grape Varieties to Try

Red Wines:

• Plavac Mali: Croatia's most famous red, producing full-bodied wines with notes of dark fruit and Mediterranean herbs. A genetic relative of California's Zinfandel.
• Babic: From the Primosten region, lighter than Plavac Mali with fresh acidity.

White Wines:

• Posip: Korcula's prize grape, producing aromatic wines with stone fruit and citrus notes.
• Grk: Only grown in Lumbarda on Korcula, this rare variety produces minerally, complex whites.
• Vugava: Vis Island's ancient grape, creating aromatic wines with a unique herbal character.

Island Wine Destinations by Boat

Hvar Island

The sunny slopes of Hvar produce excellent Plavac Mali. Visit the vineyards above Jelsa or Stari Grad for tastings with dramatic sea views.

Korcula Island

The white wine capital of Dalmatia. The Cara-Smokvica region produces premium Posip, while Lumbarda is home to the rare Grk grape.

Vis Island

The most remote major island has preserved ancient winemaking traditions. Vugava white and Plavac Mali red are local specialties.

Brac Island

The Murvica slopes produce some of Croatia's finest Plavac Mali, benefiting from the stone walls that retain heat.

Wine Tasting by Boat

Visiting wineries by boat is the perfect way to explore Croatian wine country:

• Arrive directly at seaside wineries
• Combine wine tasting with swimming and exploring
• No concerns about driving after tasting
• Visit multiple islands in one trip

Tips for Wine Lovers

1. Call ahead to arrange tastings - most are by appointment
2. Ask for wines not available outside Croatia
3. Many wineries offer paired food experiences
4. Purchase bottles to enjoy later - they travel well
5. Expect prices much lower than similar quality European wines

Wine & Boat Tour Itinerary

We can create custom wine-focused boat tours visiting multiple island wineries. A typical day might include a morning winery visit, swimming over lunch, an afternoon tasting at a second winery, and return to Split by sunset.