Best Croatian Wine & Wineries

The grapes grown in Croatia change with the climate and culture. The main wines on the Istria Peninsula are red Teran and Borgonja, and white Malvazija Istarska. Further south, the red grape Babić is common along with versatile white Pošip which was originally grown in Korčula. Zinfandel, which may be called Crljenak Kaštelanski or Tribidrag depending on the specific location, tends to be spicy. The area around Dubrovnik is dominated by Plavac Mali with a savory, fig-flavored profile.

There are more than five dozen distinct grape varieties, over 800 wineries, and nearly 20,000 registered winemakers in Croatia. While you may not have the time to learn about them all, you’ll want to put these on your must-sample list.

Babić

Babić is a full-bodied red wine made from blue/red grapes grown in the Šibenik region. It has a distinct taste and strong density with aromatic spices and traces of plums, figs, and berries.

Bogdanuša

Translating to “gift from God,” Bogdanuša is a white wine produced on Hvar Island with a light, refreshing taste and floral aroma.

Borgonja

A dry, medium-bodied red from Istria made from the purple-colored Gamay grape.

Debit

A golden wine made from yellow grapes grown along the north and central coasts of Croatia, Debit has a wonderful citrus herbal taste. As it matures, it starts to resemble vermouth.

Dingač

A robust red wine from the Pelješac Peninsula, Dingač is a high-quality dark red to purple wine often selected for special occasions. Made from the Plavac Mali grape, it has a nice fruity flavor.

Malvazija

Malvazija is another favorite, a dry white wine grown in the Istria region. The flavor is intense and the citrus aroma enticing. As it pairs with just about anything, it’s one of the most popular Dalmatian wines.

Plavac

Plavac Mali can be found on menus throughout Croatia as another one of the top red wines with a rich flavor of ripe cherries, pepper, and spice notes. It matures well and has a high percentage of both tannins and alcohol.

Pošip

Pošip is a white wine produced on Hvar and Korcula islands known for its strong notes and aroma. Fresh and fruity, it’s surprisingly refreshing.

Teran

A native grape from Istria, Teran is a powerful red with red fruit flavors, pleasant acidity, and soft tannins.

Tomic Winery, Hvar

One of the most popular family-run wineries, the picturesque Tomic vineyard is located in the small coastal town of Jelsa. It produces wines made from indigenous grapes, including Plavac Mali, Posip, and Bogdanusa, along with internationally known wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Its signature wine is Prosek, the original Dalmatian dessert wine. Vintner Andro Tomic is one of the most innovative and highly acclaimed in Croatia.

Bibich Winery, Skradin

Boasting a beautiful setting in the Skradin wine region near Sibenik, it’s worth visiting Bibich for the scenic drive alone. The vineyards date back some 500 years and are processed traditionally with minimal intervention. Owner Alen Bibich enjoys chatting with visitors about the traditional wines he makes from indigenous grapes while pouring 100 percent local, red- and white-focused options.

Kozlovic Winery, Istria

Located in the Tuscan-like Istrian Peninsula, Kozlovic Winery has been run by the same family for generations. From the winery building, visitors can enjoy a view of the vineyards where grapes like Teran, Muskat Momjanski, and Malvazija Istarska are grown. Gianfranco Kozlovic likes to give tours through the winery while revealing the challenges of the process and how such tasty wines result.

Fakin Winery, Istria

Fakin is an intimate winery for enjoying an authentic personal experience, with the winemaker or a family member often greeting visitors before pouring a glass of Teran or Malvazija.

Rizman Winery, Peljesac

Rizman is owned by the Stimac family, a famous name in Croatia as football (soccer) player Igor Stimac owns it. The Stimac’s winemaking roots date back to the grandfather, Mihovil Mijo Popich, who was called Rizman. The tasting room, where one can try Posip, Plavac Mali Primus, Tempranillo, and more, offers epic views of the sea from a fabulous terrace.