“These are not big commercial wines, but rather the product of hands – touched, shepherded, shaped, bottled, poured.”

Partnership

Standing on a sun-soaked hillside in Dalmatia, I catch a waft of the salty sea lifted heavenward by a passing breeze. Looking down rows of verdant vineyards into the deep iridescent blue of the Adriatic, it’s easy to see why Croatian wine has caught the attention of wine drinkers worldwide. I’ve been to Croatia’s wine regions a handful of times, and yet wonder never evades me. Croatian wine captures not only the delicious outcome of each harvest, but a pinch of romance, a dash of history, and a dose of adventure.

From the rocky coastline of Dalmatia to the rolling green hills of Istria, Croatia’s diverse terroirs, indigenous grapes, and vintage variation act together to create an inimitable fingerprint within each bottle. These are not big commercial wines, but rather the product of hands – touched, shepherded, shaped, bottled, poured.

While the Uplands near Zagreb and Slavonia in the east play a critical role in Croatia’s winemaking heritage, Dalmatia and Istria continue to see the most visitors and export the most wines. Whether you’re new to Croatian wine or planning a trip to this Mediterranean country, here’s what you need to know about these popular regions and the wineries that call them home.

Dalmatia: Sun, Sea, and Soil

Dalmatia, an important region for some of Croatia’s best wines, stretches along the Adriatic coastline. Its Mediterranean climate — featuring hot, dry summers and mild winters — provides ideal conditions for cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Maraština. The region’s rocky limestone soils and steep vineyard slopes promote low-yield, high-quality production. Many vineyards are situated along the coast or on islands, benefiting from cooling sea breezes. This combination of natural factors, along with a commitment to organic and sustainable practices, contribute to the high quality of Dalmatian wines.

Komarna: Croatia’s Fully Organic Wine Region

Komarna, Croatia’s youngest wine region (first grapes planted in 2008; official designation as an appellation in April 2013), exemplifies the growing interest in organic viticulture among Croatian winemakers. Situated along the Dalmatian coast between Split and Dubrovnik, this appellation has approximately 200 acres of vineyards, all certified organic — a first for the country. The region’s steep limestone slopes, with gradients up to 45%, and proximity to the Adriatic Sea create a unique microclimate. Add abundant sunshine and reflective sea light, which help ripen indigenous grape varieties like Plavac Mali and Pošip, and the resulting wines taste like nothing else in the world.

Wineries to know in Komarna include Rizman, Terra Madre, and Volarević. All three wineries specialize in Plavac Mali while also producing Pošip and other grapes to create a range of reds, whites, and rosés. Komarna’s success in organic winemaking has set a benchmark for other Dalmatian regions.

Dingač: A Historic Region for Plavac Mali

Situated on the Pelješac Peninsula, Dingač is one of Dalmatia’s most celebrated wine regions. The appellation sits approximately 61 miles northwest of Dubrovnik, making it an easy day trip for wine lovers visiting the famous walled city.

Recognized in 1961 as Croatia’s first protected designation of origin (PDO), Dingač vineyards are planted on steep, sun-exposed slopes overlooking the sea. Intense sunlight, rocky soil, and maritime influences help produce wines with bold flavors, firm tannins, and significant aging potential. The key grape here is Plavac Mali, an indigenous red variety born of a cross between Dobričić and Tribidrag or Crljenak Kaštelanski (Croatian synonyms for Zinfandel.) Plavac Mali persists as the most planted red grape variety in Croatia and it thrives in Dingač. In fact, the region has a fascinating historical connection to Napa Valley.

Miljenko “Mike” Grgic, a Croatian-American winemaker, gained international acclaim when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay triumphed in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a pivotal blind tasting that elevated California wines to global prominence. Born in Dalmatia, Croatia, Grgic brought Old World winemaking traditions to California, blending them with innovative techniques. His success highlighted Croatia’s influence on global wine culture and inspired greater recognition of Croatian viticulture. His family still runs Grgic Vina, a winery on the Peninsula, and Grgich Hills in Napa.

Island Wines of Dalmatia

Not only do Dalmatia’s beautiful islands offer a relaxing getaway from the mainland, but they also produce some of Croatia’s best and most distinctive wines. On Brač, Stina Vino turns out elegant wines that taste chiseled from the island’s limestone-rich soils. The winery’s Plavac Mali and Pošip varieties balance palate weight against finesse.

On Korčula, Black Island Winery focuses on Pošip, the island’s indigenous white grape. Known for its aromatic profile and refreshing acidity, Pošip from Korčula has become one of Dalmatia’s flagship white wines.

Other Dalmatian Wineries to Know

In Šibenik, organic-certified Testament Winery has a charming tasting room where guests can sip indigenous varieties, an interesting blend of Babić and Plavac Mali, or explore Testament’s experimentation with aging wines under the sea. (Yes, you can taste the difference.) In Skradin, Bibich Winery has a lovely tasting room, courtyard, and restaurant. They’ve recently added a stunning collection of sustainably constructed and operated villas for guests who wish to sleep amidst the vines. Bibich wines are well-known outside Croatia, earning coveted spots on prestigious wine lists worldwide and a feature on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.

In Dubrovnik County, Vina Delmati Winery produces Plavka, an indigenous white grape known for its floral and fruity notes.

Istria: The Tuscany of Croatia

As the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Istria sits at the northern end of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. It is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Approximately 90% of Istria’s land mass belongs to Croatia, with a swath of it farmed for wine grapes and olives. Charming hilltop towns bear a striking resemblance to those in Tuscany, earning the region its moniker.

Rolling hills, and a mix of clay and limestone soils, host grapes like Malvazija Istarska, Teran, and Borgonja. The region’s winemakers have been leaders in sustainable practices, often using minimal intervention in the cellar to highlight the natural characteristics of their wines.

Key Wine Regions and Varieties

Istria’s wine industry is largely defined by its focus on Malvazija Istarska, a crisp white wine with notes of citrus, herbs, and almonds, as well as Teran, a robust red with earthy and spicy flavors.

Istrian Wineries to Know

Fakin Wines, based in Motovun, is a standout producer of both Malvazija Istarska and Teran. Known for their attention to detail and respect for the environment, Fakin’s wines have earned numerous awards including Decanter Gold for 7 years.

For high-end hospitality that features a stunning hotel, a fantastic restaurant, and elegant wines, Meneghetti Winery has set the bar high. Located near Bale, Meneghetti produces a range of wines, including Bordeaux-style blends and Malvazija Istarska. If planning a visit, book a stay during white truffle season from September through November.

Saints Hills Winery farms the St. Ante vineyard in Istria. Located near the village of Radovani, the wine team cultivates indigenous varieties such as Teran and Malvazija Istarska using sustainable viticulture practices.

Fortunately, you don’t have to fly to Croatia to taste these wines. Croatian Premium Wine Imports sells wine directly to consumers in the United States, including select bottles from the wineries highlighted in this article.