Croatia is an excellent country to visit, especially the region of Dalmatia. From stunning beaches and nature to local dishes, traditional recipes and wine tasting that takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. 

Dalmatia - a Croatian wine region!

Planning your wine tasting in Dalmatia is a good idea since this is an exquisite Croatian region when it comes to wines and wineries. Positioned along the coastline of Croatia, the steep and rugged Dalmatian vineyards will entice you instantly! The Mediterranean climate of the Croatian coastal area is good for wine production due to the hot, dry summers and mild winters. The steep slopes are the perfect ground to nourish vineyards and help grapes ripen. Central and south Dalmatia are the key Croatian locations to explore and taste one of the best wines in Europe! For those searching for the whole package, the full experience is guaranteed if you stay in one of the best Dalmatian villas, as chances are it’ll be near a popular vineyard! vineyard

Must-try Dalmatian wines

If you’re not sure what to look for, pay close attention to the following Dalmatian wines. These are some of the best, made by following local recipes and with worldwide prestige. Enjoy!

#1 Zinfandel Wine

We’ve all heard about Zinfandel! But did you know that it was firstly produced in Dalmatia? Well, this popular Croatian wine is a variety from Dalmatia, which has at its roots the Crljenak Kaštelanski variety. It is a highly respected variety with a particular aroma and powerful fruity scents. There are a couple of variations of Croatian Zinfandel wine depending on the area of cultivation, age of planting, and the recipe used for winemaking. But if you visit Dalmatia, tasting a cup of Zinfandel wine will tell you everything you need to know about this premium beverage!

#2 Plavac Mali Wine

If you love black wine, you must definitely try Plavac Mali. It is an exquisite Dalmatian wine made for generations in this region. It meets the highest quality standards, which is why it received numerous prizes.  Plavac Mali is one of the best red varieties, and you’ll notice that almost all other wine-tasting sessions include it. This wine depends mostly on the area in which it is cultivated since it must achieve a particular colour and taste. Remember that you can taste Plavac Mali on all the major islands and coastal areas of Central and Southern Dalmatia as this zone offers the perfect soil and climate for it. And, of course, it is served at all major restaurants as a key element for enjoying traditional Croatian foods.A limited-edition wine, Postup, is an exceptional red wine made in the southern area of the Pelješac island. It is a controlled geographic origin, protected for 50 years already! This wine stands out because of its attractive smell of grapes. It features notes of fresh fruit, but due to its high alcoholic content, it offers an aroma of berry fruits and dried plums. Red wine

#3 Dingac Plavac Wine

An iconic wine for the Adriatic is Dingac. It is lesser-known than other Istrian and Dalmatian varieties, but it can make you fall in love with it almost instantly. It received a couple of local and international prizes since it is still made according to a traditional recipe by farmer’s hands. And if you think that there must be a similar wine to this somewhere in the world, you should know you’re mistaken. The only secret ingredient for the authentic Dingac taste is the local brown carbonate soil on which the vineyards grow. The depth of the roots can reach up to ten meters, which feeds the grapes with the most nutritious components. So, the Dingac wine usually has around 15 percent of alcohol, and it resembles quite well the Portuguese wines. And the best part about it is that the winemaking process of Dingac Plavac is entirely ecological! This aromatic, dark-colored, and tasty wine is one of a kind!

#4 Postup Wine

A limited-edition wine, Postup, is an exceptional red wine made in the southern area of the Pelješac island. It is a controlled geographic origin, protected for 50 years already! This wine stands out because of its attractive smell of grapes. It features notes of fresh fruit, but due to its high alcoholic content, it offers an aroma of berry fruits and dried plums.

#5 Bogdanusa Wine

If you’re planning to start exploring Dalmatia with a stop on Hvar Island, you shouldn’t miss the chance of a Dalmatian wine-tasting session right here. Bogdanuša is a wine type made since Greek times, and it is part of the traditional production of local produce on this island. It is widely recognized for its quality.  An interesting fact about this variety is that it is planted on red-coloured land. This offers the refreshing taste of the wine and the synergy required for a gentle floral aroma. Bogdanuša wine has a moderate alcohol level, being excellent for serving throughout the day. white wine

#6 Posip Wine

Korčula Pošip is a popular Croatian wine with a legend that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed that the first batch of Korčula Pošip was made from a wild vine in the forest, which offered an intriguing aroma never found in other wines. As of today, this variety is increasingly popular, standing out as a top beverage in Dalmatia. You can enjoy it near Zadar, Skradin, Brač, Dubrovnik, and Hvar.

#7 Babic Wine

Even though Babić isn’t in the spotlight when you think of Dalmatian wines, it comes from fertile soil, which offers a lovely taste. Its unique characteristic is that it is produced in small lots on rocky and inaccessible terrain. Babić wines feature a powerful dark berry, plum, and fig flavour. And since this wine is made in barrels, it has excellent longevity and a potent spicy flavour.

The premium wine-drinking locations on the Dalmatian coast!

If you want to explore Croatian culture or if you’re a wine connoisseur, tasting local wines is a must. Besides medieval forts, boutiques, and picturesque hillsides, there are numerous vineyards worth checking. Some of the best wine-drinking locations on the Dalmatian Coast are definitely Dubrovnik, Split, and the islands. Besides otherworldly cobbled streets and a must-see travel destination, Dubrovnik is known as the go-to place for enjoying Dalmatian wine. There are several wine bars in the city centre, and you can even discover some Istrian wines to enjoy. If you don’t like crowds but still want to explore some Dalmatian delicacies, the Šipan island in the Elaphiti islands is the go-to destination for you. In Split, you can benefit from two things: olive oil sampling and wine tasting. It is a picturesque town with a perfect climate for grapes and olive oil production. It is the best location to try those two Croatian delicacies in one place. Near the Diocletian’s palace, you’ll get the chance to sample local olive oils. And afterwards, you can stop at a local wine bar to taste some of the best local varieties dating back to the 4th century AD. Also, near Split, you’ll discover the world-famous Putalj Winery. It specializes in vintage wines, with a focus on Cuvee Zinfandel and Plavac Mali. They follow traditional winemaking methods, which is why the wine is aged in oak barrels for six months. So, if you want to enjoy a wine with sour cherry, vanilla, and spice aromas, a stop at this winery is a must! When it comes to islands, Hvar is the top choice when you think of wines and wine tasting. Tomić Winery is a key location on the island of Hvar since this is the leading winery in the area. It is estimated that this local producer makes up to 150000 bottles of rose, red and white wines per year! Make sure you try their famous sweet Dalmatian dessert wine!

The bottom line

So, this is how you can discover the best wines of Dalmatia. There are many other places you can go to explore some premium Croatian wine varieties depending on the area you visit. Make sure you search for the Dalmatian wines listed above so that you’ll make the best out of your stay.  Choosing a villa with a pool for rent can make your experience hassle-free. Depending on your needs and expectations, you can book accommodation near some of the most famous Dalmatian vineyards!