Croatian cuisine is excellent, as already discussed here. As well as great food, however, Croatians can also boast an olive and wine-making tradition as old as that of Greece!ย
Dalmatiaโs Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters, makes it ideal for growing a wide range of wine producing grapes. The limestone rich soil has been farmed for thousands of years, starting with the ancient Greeks and Romans who planted the first vineyards over 2,000 years ago and whose plots you can still see today.
Vineyards dot the hilly and terraced coastal areas of the Adriatic coast and islands, with abundant sunshine and sea breeze giving the wines a distinct and full flavour. Dalmatia is home to a number of indigenous grape varieties including Plavac Mali, Poลกip, Bogdanuลกa and Grk (read about these below!). Dalmatian wine makers tend to produce in artisanal small batches that reflect the regionโs winemaking heritage and landscape.
Finding yourself at a local wine bar with a glass of vino in one hand and a charcuterie board of Dalmatian cheeses and cured meats in front of you, is a must on any Yacht Club Croatia trip. Any charcuterie board wouldnโt be complete without local olives, fresh bread and olive oil for dipping.
Here are a few of our picks of what to drink and where to drink it on your visit.
KORฤULA
What to drink: Plavac Mali and Poลกip
Where to drink it: Bokar Wine Bar
Bokar wine bar is tucked down a small side street with views out over the sea to the Peljeลกac peninsula. Pull up a stool beside an old wine barrel, as one of the passionate team take you through their superb local offerings. These guys specialise in the grapes of Korฤula and the Peljeลกac, so expect excellent Plavac Mali and Poลกip. Plavac mali produces a robust red that is bold, and full bodied with flavours of Mediterranean herbs, spices and dark berry fruits. Poลกip is a white variety native to the island itself, and you can expect a full, fruity and aromatic drop. There are plenty of unique offerings, so ask the team. Pair it with a local cheese board and bread, and youโre set for a nice afternoon.
Bokar Wine Bar, Ulica Antuna Rozanoviฤa, 20260, Korcula
HVAR
What to drink: Bogdanuลกa
Where to drink it: Lacman Family Winery
The island of Hvar is known not only for vibrant Hvar Town and stunning rocky beaches, but also for itsโ ancient wine culture, dating back to Greek colonisation in the 4th Century BC. The islandโs unique climate and landscape are ideal place for producing (and enjoying!) high-quality and unique wines.
Escape the bustle of Hvar Town and take the short drive to a family-run winery specialising in natural wines, Lacman Family Winery. In less than 30 minutes, you can be drinking in the spectacular views across the winery and island, while drinking a glass of local Bogdanuลกa. This grape is indigenous to the island and produces a crisp and fresh white wine with medium acidity. The Lacman take on this is exceptional and like most Bogdanuลกa pairs brilliantly with seafood.
Lacman Family Winery, Selca 7, 21460 Selca, Stari Grad, Hvar Island
DUBROVNIK
What to drink: Grk, Rukatac or Dingaฤ
Where to drink it: DโVino Wine Bar
Dubrovnik is home to a maze of excellent restaurants and bars, and it can be hard to know where to begin in โThe Pearl of the Adriaticโ. DโVino Wine Bar is our pick to try some excellent Croatian wines in a cozy atmosphere. Set in one of the Old Townโs many alleyways, the ambience is almost as good as the knowledge of the staff. With a focus on Croatian wines, itโs the perfect place to try a flight of a few different varieties.
On the warm Dubrovnik days, A glass of Grk or Rukatac is the way to go. Grk is distinctive for itโs dry and mineral-driven flavours, while Rukatac is a more fresh and fruity local style. If a full-bodied red is your thing, go for a Dingaฤ, which is a bold expression made using the Plavac Mali grape. Many of Croatiaโs finest Dangaฤ wines come from the Peljeลกac peninsula just north of Dubrovnik. The cheese and cured meat platters with freshly baked bread are excellent – make an afternoon of it!
DโVino Wine Bar, Ulica Palmoticeva 4a, 20000, Dubrovnik
SPLIT
What to drink: Zinfandel or Rosรฉ
Where to drink it: Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar
Becoming somewhat of a Split institution, Zinfandel Food and Wine Bar boasts over 100 bottles of Croatian wine from across the whole country including a huge selection of 30 wines by the glass.
If there is somewhere to try a delicious and unique wine in Split, Zinfandel is the place. Named for the local grape made famous by Californian vineyards, Zinfandelโs kitchen also serves up innovative local cuisine including homemade pastas and fresh seafood. Pop in for a glass, a full wine tasting, or ask the expert team to pair something with your meal. A glass of local Zinfandel is an obvious choice if you like bold fruit aromas and dark berry flavours with a hint of spice. A glass of local Rosรฉ is also the perfect refreshment after a busy day of exploring Split.
Zinfandel Food and Wine Bar, Maruliฤeva ul. 2, 21000, Split
Why Sip and Sail Croatiaโs Wine Bars with Us in 2025?
Croatiaโs incredible wine scene is best experienced by sea โ hopping between charming coastal towns and islands, discovering local varietals in the most scenic settings. Our yacht tours give you front-row access to hidden wine bars, family-run vineyards, and seaside cellars youโd never find on the usual tourist trail.
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Donโt miss your chance to sip, savour, and sail through Croatiaโs best wine destinations in 2025. Secure your spot now for a trip that pairs adventure with every glass!
