Behind the allure of Croatia’s white pebbled beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and cobblestoned streets lies a plethora of wineries, each with its own unique approach to modern wine making, producing some of the most up and coming wines in Europe.
And whilst it may not be as famous as its French and Italian counterparts, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into Bordeaux or Tuscany whilst strolling through a vineyard overlooking the Adriatic Sea, albeit with a prominent Croatia twist!
Our all new Sailing Croatian Wineries Route gives you the freedom to explore iconic wineries in Dalmatia onboard a Private Yacht Tour. You’re able to follow our recommended route, or we can create a personalised itinerary with the help of your local Skipper. Think as many cellar door tastings, farm to table lunches, and vineyard tours you can muster across a 7 day sailing vacation!
Sailing Croatian Wineries Route
The Sailing Croatian Wineries Route takes you through some of the best wineries in Dalmatia, allowing you to sample award winning Croatian wines. From dramatic vineyards perched atop cliff faces, to traditional winemaking methods, and even submerged amphoras aged by the sea, Dalmatian wineries have it all!
Check-in - Split
Upon arriving at Split Airport, your included Airport Transfer will transport you to ACI Marina, where your Private Yacht Tour will begin! If you arrive earlier than check in time, check out the beautiful Old Town of Split, located a short stroll away. Split is well known for its stunning Diocletian's Palace, a 4th Century structure created by the Roman emperor Diocletian.
This is also a good time to speak with your Skipper about the wineries you’d like to visit throughout the week so that they can call ahead and book you in. All wine experiences are completely optional, and can be paid for locally.
Day 1 - Solta
It’s time to set sail! We’ll leave Split behind and head to one of the closest islands to the mainland, Solta. Solta remains relatively untouched, in spite of its close proximity to Split, offering a picturesque and authentic destination for the first night of your vacation! What better way to set the tone of the week than to head to a local winery for a wine tasting, before having dining at a waterfront restaurant in the small village of Maslinica.
Optional Winery Visit: Agroturizam Kaštelanac
It doesn’t come more authentic than Agroturizam Kaštelanac. This family owned and operated winery produces wine from vines dating back to 1762! Producing mostly Dobričić, a wine variety indigenous to Dalmatia, and award winning olive oils, this gastro experience is one not to be missed. Choose between a traditional wine tasting, wine & olive tasting, or a degustation showcasing local produce and flavours paired with wine.
Flagship Wine: Dobričić (red)
Day 2 - Bol
This morning we’ll leave Solta behind and sail across to the nearby island of Brac, the largest island in Dalmatia. Brac offers many anchorages to choose from, including the bustling town of Bol, where you can visit the popular Golden Horn beach, the peaceful and picturesque village of Bobovisca and the town of Pučišća, famous for it’s stonemasonry. Choose the anchorage that best suits your style, and get ready to explore the island's wineries in the afternoon!
Optional Winery Visit: Stina Winery
Arguably one of the most famous wineries in Dalmatia, Stina Winery is the perfect spot to try Dalmatian wine with a view! Situated right on the waterfront in Bol, there’s no better spot to bask in the sun and sip on award Dalmatian winning wines. Stina Winery was built in 1903, however the tasting experience is anything but ancient. Guests are able to enjoy samples of the winery's top drops in its modern cellar door, including the indigenous varieties of Pošip, Plavac Mali and Vugava. Enjoy wine by the glass, take part in a tasting or explore the surroundings on a winery tour.
Flagship Wines: Pošip (white), Prosek (white/red), Vugava (white) and Plavac Mali (red)
Day 3 - Hvar
With coffee in hand, we’ll set sail to the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, Hvar. Famous for its wine and lavender production, sun-soaked days, cobbled streets, and buzzing, vibrant nightlife, Hvar never disappoints.
Climb the Spanjola Fortress and get snap-happy with the iconic view over Hvar, or relax at one of the waterfront cafes before exploring the labyrinth of narrow streets. Unofficially, Hvar is named the ‘Island of Wine’, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of wineries for you to visit! Spend the afternoon exploring ancient vineyards and tasting the many indigenous grape varieties on offer.
Optional Winery Visit: Tomic, Dubokovic, Bojanic and Zlatan otok
With so many impressive wineries on the island of Hvar, you simply can’t stop at one! Speak with your skipper about creating a tailor made wine tour, complete with transfers and a driver, allowing you to visit as many as four wineries in one day!
Flagship Wines: Pošip (white) Bogdanuša (white) and Plavac Mali (red)
Day 4 - Korcula
Say goodbye to Hvar island, as you set sail for the impressive town of Korcula! Although today’s sail is a long one, you’ll be rewarded with a fishbone shaped Old Town, abundance of history, and a plethora of seaside cafes, restaurants and bars. Korcula has an ancient wine history, and is well known for its indigenous grape variety, Grk, which is almost exclusively grown in the wine village of Lumbarda.
Optional Winery Visit: Bire Winery
Wine lovers simply must visit Bire Winery when exploring the island of Korcula. Located in the village of Lumbarda (which has been making wine for over 2,000 years!), this winery is well known for its exceptional production of Grk and Plavac Mali.
Flagship Wines: Grk (white) and Plavac Mali (red)
Day 5 - Vis
Early this morning we’ll sail toward the island of Vis and arrive at this charming and elegant island in the afternoon. The most outlying island in Dalmatia is mostly known for its military background (it was a strategic military post in WWII), traditional way of life, and stunning natural phenomena; the Blue Caves.
Vis was once known as the “Forbidden Island” and was off limits to foreigners until 1992. Today, the island has an exciting military history with plenty of defenses and bunkers to discover and is growing into a vibrant tourist destination. A benefit of the lack of tourism until 20 years ago, is that a traditional way of life has been maintained, providing an interesting insight into authentic Croatia, preserved buildings and a thriving fishing community.
Optional Winery Visit: Lipanovic Winery / Vislander Winery
With two unique wineries to choose from on Vis island, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to wine tasting!
Lipanovic Winery has been operating for over 150 years, and no visit is complete without a tour of the Wine Cellar, which is housed in a World War II military tunnel - ideal conditions for preserving and drinking wine! Guests have the option of a tasting in the vineyard, Wine Cellar tour, or a farm to table tasting experience of local Dalmatian delicacies.
Vislander Winery celebrates the history and perfect wine growing conditions of Vis island, with its wine production being heavily steeped in tradition. This impressive winery produces Plavac Mali that packs a punch and is just waiting to be tasted!
Flagship Wines: Plavac Mali (red) and Vugava (white)
Day 6 - Stari Grad
Today we’ll sail to Hvar island and overnight in Stari Grad - Hvar’s second largest settlement and one of the oldest towns in Europe.
Stari Grad is steeped in history (the name Stari Grad even translates to ‘Old Town’), and is today an up-and-coming travel destination. You can explore Stari Grad on foot and take in its network of cobblestone streets, small squares and boutique galleries. Our top recommendation is to head to Hora Winery in the afternoon for a foodie experience with heart!
Optional Winery Visit: Hora Winery
Hora Winery is situated on the UNESCO protected Stari Grad Plain, which, in itself, makes for a stunning backdrop for a wine tasting! Add in an abundance of organic produce growing in the fields, friendly donkeys and the charming family who own and operate the winery, and you may never want to leave! Indulge in local lamb peka and taste the series of delicious wines on offer. This experience will stay with you for a lifetime!
Flagship Wines: Bogdanuša (white), Posip (white), and Plavac Mali (red)
Day 7 - Split
Round off your week with a leisurely sail back to ACI Marina, Split. If you would like to celebrate the last night of your sailing experience, you couldn’t be in a better place! If you’re not quite ready to stop the wine tasting experience, Split has no shortage of impressive wine bars within the palace walls, all serving local and imported wines.
If you haven’t already explored the beautiful city of Split, we’d recommend discovering Diocletian’s Palace, located in Split’s Old Town, or hiking up to Marjan Hill for an incredible view over the Old Town.
Day 8 - Split
Rise and shine! It’s time to check out from your yacht by 8:30am, and say goodbye to your Skipper, leaving with lifelong memories and an abundance of wine knowledge!
Try all 9 Wineries on the Sailing Croatian Wineries Route, or pick and choose the wineries you simply can’t pass up. Your 7 day Private Yacht Tour features a flexible itinerary, and a knowledgeable local skipper, allowing you to create the perfect itinerary for your group.
Once onboard all that’s left to do is sip back, relax, and let us take you on a tour of the Premium Wineries in Croatia. Looking to learn more about Croatian Wine? Check out our Insiders Guide to Award Winning Croatian Wine!
