Top 29 Dalmatian Wines

Babić is a native red Croatian grape that is mainly cultivated in central and northern Dalmatia and some Dalmatian islands, but the best expressions come from Šibenik-Knin County. The variety was traditionally used as a blending grape, but it has shown excellent potential as an age-worthy varietal wine. The terroir dramatically influences the quality of Babić wines. Fertile soils around Šibenik tend to produce light, medium-bodied wines with flavor and aroma reminiscent of red berries. The best expressions of Babić come from Primošten and Rogoznica, situated in the southernmost part of Šibenik-Knin County, where the grapes are mostly cultivated on poor, karst limestone soils surrounded by stone walls. The wines coming from this region are full-bodied and powerful, with good acidity and some mineral backbone. The aroma is reminiscent of dark fruit and sour cherries, sometimes accompanied by herbaceous or spice notes. These rich and well-balanced wines pair well with game or other dark meat, stews, braised or grilled dishes, and cheese.Expand

Plavac mali is a red grape variety that is indigenous to southern Croatian region of Dalmatia. A sibling to Primitivo and Zinfandel, and a descendant of Crljenak kaštelanski and Dobričić varieties, the grape makes bold, powerful wines that are overwhelmed with ripe fruit and high in tannins. Plavac mali is usually made as a varietal wine, and it is popular as a flagship Croatian red wine. The best expressions are thought to come from the peninsula of Pelješac, from Dingač and Postup appellations. It is traditionally paired with oily and barbecued fish, but it can hold up quite well with red meat, aged cheese, game, or hearty stews.Expand

Pošip is a native Croatian grape which was discovered by chance on the island of Korčula. Although it is cultivated in other Dalmatian regions, the grape is still extensively grown on Korčula, and it achieves the best results in the vineyards located around the villages Smokvica and Čara. The best versions of varietal Pošip will be full-bodied and harmonious with a perfect balance of alcohol and acidity. They are usually golden yellow with fruity aromas of apricots, almonds, Mediterranean herbs, figs, and citrus fruit. Pošip wines are a perfect match to most Dalmatian dishes, especially fish and shellfish, while oak-aged version can pair well with octopus or veal. It can also go well with cheese and cured meat. Pošip was the first white grape from Croatia with a protected geographical origin.Expand

Dingač is a Croatian wine-growing region located on the Pelješac Peninsula. The region is a protected and the most famous site for Plavac mali—native Croatian grape that produces highly-prized red wines. Due to its small size, the area is often called a microregion. It is located on the steep southern slopes of the peninsula, between the villages Trstenik and Podobuče. The combination of specific climate and terrain provides low yields, but the result is an incredibly concentrated wine and what is considered as the supreme expression of Plavac mali. Dingač wines have a perfect balance of alcohol and acidity. They are rich in soft tannins and intensely flavored, while the aromas are reminiscent of ripe, stewed berries, and dry fruit. The uneven ripening of the grape often affects the alcohol content in these wines—which can sometimes reach the highest possible limits. Dingač pairs well with hearty and spicy dishes. It works exceptionally well with roasted or braised red meat, lamb, or game. Expand

Prošek is a subtly sweet Croatian dessert wine which is traditionally produced in the south of the country, predominantly Dalmatia. The wine is made with a passito method—in which the grapes are first dried before they are pressed. The most common grape varieties used in its production are native Croatian grapes Bogdanuša, Vugava, and Maraština, while the prime examples usually also blend the flagship Croatian grape—Plavac Mali. These dessert wines are typically well-balanced with aromas of ripe apricots, raisins, figs, and orange zest. With age, they tend to develop notes of honey, caramel, and dry fruit. Prošek naturally pairs with desserts, and it can also be a good match to dry fruit, nuts, and cheese. This dessert wine should not be confused with Prosecco—sparkling Italian wine. Expand

Grk or Grk bijeli is a native Croatian grape from the island of Korčula that is mostly used in the production of dry white wines. The grape rarely gives high yield, and it is mainly grown on sandy soils that surround the city of Lumbarda. Since the name Grk translates as Greek, it was long assumed that the grape had origins in Greece, but recent studies contradict this idea and state Crljenak kaštelanski as the only close relative to this rare and unique Croatian grape. Also, the word grk can be roughly translated as bitter—subtle tartness is a common characteristic found in Grk wines. Most Grk wines are mineral and aromatic, with herbal nuances and a good balance of acidity and sugars. Interestingly, Grk grape has only female functioning parts—meaning that it needs to be planted along with other grape varieties. In Lumbarda, it is mostly grown together with Plavac mali. Grk wines pair naturally with white fish and shellfish, but they can also be an excellent match to risottos, pasta dishes, and aged cheese. Expand

Postup is a Croatian wine-growing region designated for the production of ruby red wines from Plavac mali—one of the hallmark Dalmatian varieties. The region is located on the southern slopes of the Pelješac peninsula, and for a very long time, it was unfairly overshadowed by the neighboring Dingač appellation. Postup is the second oldest protected wine region in Croatia (1967), after Dingač, and nowadays it enjoys the reputation as one of the best expressions of Plavac mali, and one of the best Croatian wines. Postup wines are full-bodied and balanced, with fruity aromas reminiscent of berries, dry plums, and dry figs. They pair well with roasted or braised red meat, venison, fried fish, and hearty fish stews. Expand

Crljenak kaštelanski or Tribidrag, the latter is the oldest recorded name for the variety, was a relatively obscure and an almost forgotten Croatian grape until it was revealed that Crljenak was closely related to Plavac mali—flagship Croatian grape—and that it enjoys immense international popularity under its better-known synonyms, Primitivo in Italy and as Zinfandel in the United States. Crljenak hails from Dalmatia, where it was once a very common grape, but it almost disappeared from the region after phylloxera. The grape was probably transported to Italy in the 18th century, and then it was brought to the States, where it was introduced as Zinfandel. The discovery of its parentage was made in 2001. Before that, it was mainly considered that Zinfandel is a signature American grape + native to the region. Despite the same genes, the grape creates different flavor profiles. Croatian Crljenak is a full-bodied wine, usually with an intense dark red color. It is high in alcohol and tannins, with well-balanced acidity and notes reminiscent of red and dark berries such as blackberries and blueberries, along with some licorice and spice notes. These wines would pair well with red meat, game, and they could also work with tuna. Expand

Vugava is a native Croatian grape that hails from a small island of Vis. The variety is exclusively cultivated on the island where and ripens early in the warm Mediterranean climate and thrives on the terraced terroir around Komiža. Vugava-based wines are golden-yellow, fresh, and aromatic. The acidity is typically low, the alcohol content high, and the wines will generally have high sugar content. The aroma is reminiscent of ripe fruit, apricots, peaches, and honey, sometimes with citrus and herbal notes. Vugava has a long history on the island, and it is believed that it was brought by ancient Greeks. Apart from varietals and white blends, the grape was also used in prošek—Dalmatian dessert wine made with dry berries. Vugava was rarely used in bulk wines. Though rare, it was always known as a high-quality, premium Croatian grape. Vugava wines are best paired with local cuisine. They would work well with seafood, including shellfish and white fish, but it also pairs well with poultry, salads, fresh fruit, and sheep or goat cheese.Expand

Bogdanuša is a white grape variety that is indigenous to Hvar. Although it is mostly used to produce varietal wines, it is occasionally incorporated into various local blends. Varietal versions are usually pleasant, food-friendly, and light drinking wines characterized by their herbal and floral notes, bright acidity, and freshness. The wine is best paired with fish-based main courses or light risottos. The name of the grape is roughly translated as God-given or God-send, allegedly because the wine used to be served at religious ceremonies.Expand

Matuško is a family-owned winery from the village of Potomje on the Pelješac Peninsula, founded in 1997 by Mato Violić - Matuško, one of the key figures in the modern promotion of the Plavac Mali grape and the Dingač appellation. Today, the winery is one of the largest and most visited on Pelješac, featuring an impressive 2,000 m² wine cellar that welcomes over 50,000 visitors annually. The stone-carved tasting room symbolically connects tradition with the raw power of Pelješac’s soil, which lies at the heart of all Matuško wines. The winery’s core focus is on red wines made from the Plavac Mali grape, particularly those from the Dingač protected designation of origin - Croatia’s first officially recognized vineyard micro-location. The Dingač terrain is extremely rocky, rich in minerals, and situated on steep southern slopes that receive more than 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. Under these extreme conditions, Plavac Mali produces wines of high extract, deep color, full body, and pronounced structure. In addition to Dingač, Matuško also produces wines from other Dalmatian appellations, which further enrich its regional identity. Matuško has become synonymous with Plavac Mali in its most powerful form, characterized by bold tannins, ripe fruit aromas, Mediterranean herbs, and deep minerality. Through a modern oenological approach and consistent quality, the winery successfully balances authenticity with broad accessibility, creating wines that are well recognized both in Croatia and internationally.Expand

Bire is a family-owned winery located in the village of Lumbarda on the island of Korčula in southern Dalmatia, an area well known for the cultivation of the indigenous Grk grape variety. The winery is run by the Milina-Bire family, who continue a long tradition of viticulture in this part of the island and focus on preserving local grape varieties. The vineyards are situated on the distinctive sandy soils of Lumbarda, close to the sea, which create unique conditions for growing Grk, one of the rarest Croatian grape varieties. This variety forms the core of the winery’s production and represents an important part of the region’s wine identity. In addition to Grk, the winery also produces wines from varieties such as Plavac Mali as well as rosé wines. The grapes come from the family’s own vineyards, allowing careful control of quality and expression of the local terroir. Today, Bire is considered one of the recognizable wine producers from Lumbarda and an important representative of the wine tradition of the island of Korčula.Expand

Zure is a family-owned winery located in the village of Lumbarda on the island of Korčula in southern Dalmatia, one of the most recognized wine-growing areas of this part of Croatia. The winery is run by the Batistić-Zure family, who began professional wine production in 1996 while continuing a long-standing family tradition of viticulture. The vineyards are situated close to the sea on the characteristic sandy soils of Lumbarda, which are particularly suitable for cultivating the indigenous Grk grape variety, one of the rarest and most distinctive Croatian wine grapes. This variety forms the core of the winery’s production and represents an important part of the local wine identity. In addition to Grk, the winery also produces wines from varieties such as Pošip and Plavac Mali. The grapes are sourced exclusively from the family’s own vineyards, allowing full control over quality and the expression of the local terroir. Today, Zure is considered one of the recognizable producers from the Lumbarda area, known for wines that reflect the Mediterranean character of the island of Korčula.Expand

Madirazza is a family-owned winery located in the village of Potomje on the Pelješac Peninsula, renowned for producing red, white, and rosé wines made from indigenous Dalmatian grape varieties such as Plavac Mali, Pošip, Rukatac, and Grk. The winery cultivates over 20 hectares of vineyards, including prestigious plots in the Dingač and Postup appellations, which supply grapes for their most esteemed labels. Founded more than 25 years ago by Ante Madirazza - who began his career in cooperative viticulture - the winery was built on a foundation of deep knowledge and a passion for precise, small-scale production. Today, Madirazza produces approximately 160,000 bottles annually, combining traditional techniques with modern enological practices, including fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging in oak barrels of various origins. The result is a refined expression of Pelješac’s terroir - where authenticity and craftsmanship meet in every bottle.Expand

Casa Boschi is a small family-run winery located in the village of Lumbarda on the island of Korčula in southern Dalmatia, an area known for its long tradition of viticulture and distinctive Mediterranean terroir. The winery focuses on producing wines from indigenous Dalmatian grape varieties typical of the island, with particular emphasis on Grk and Pošip, as well as other local varieties such as Rukatac (Maraština) and Plavac Mali. The vineyards are situated close to the sea on sandy and rocky soils, conditions that contribute to the freshness and mineral character of the wines. Production is relatively small and aimed at preserving the authentic expression of the grape varieties and the local wine style. Traditional winemaking practices are combined with modern enological techniques to highlight the natural qualities of the fruit. The white wines are generally characterized by aromas of citrus, stone fruit, and Mediterranean herbs, often accompanied by a subtle saline note typical of coastal vineyards. Red wines, usually made from Plavac Mali, tend to show a fuller structure with notes of ripe fruit and spice. Casa Boschi is part of the contemporary wine scene of Korčula, where small wineries play an important role in maintaining local grape varieties and regional wine heritage. In addition to wine production, the winery also participates in the island’s wine tourism offer, welcoming visitors for tastings and presenting the wines of this Dalmatian region.Expand

Saints Hills Winery is a family-run boutique project that combines authentic Croatian grape varieties, exceptional terroir, and minimalist aesthetics, with a deep respect for nature and winemaking tradition. Founded by Geoff Ernest Tolj and Ivana Tolj, the winery is guided by a clear vision: to create wines that faithfully express the character of indigenous varieties such as Plavac Mali, Malvasia Istriana and Pošip. The vineyards are named after saints and family members. Sv. Lucija produces powerful red wines rich in aromas of cherry, tobacco, smoke, and Mediterranean herbs. Sv. Roko offers well-balanced wines with pronounced fruitiness and freshness, partially aged in concrete and barrique barrels. Sv. Ante yields complex white wines with citrus-mineral character and notes of white flowers and honey, matured in a combination of concrete and wood vessels. Visitors can enjoy two authentic wine experiences: Vinaria on the Pelješac Peninsula - a restored stone house transformed into a welcoming tasting room, wine shop, and guest reception area; and Cantina in Istria - a winery, restaurant, and accommodation complex located in the heart of the Sv. Ante vineyard. With over 15 years on the market, Saints Hills Winery remains dedicated to the philosophy of the slow wine movement, crafting wines that reflect local identity, tradition, and the spirit of Mediterranean life. Each bottle from their cellar tells a story of the land, the microclimate, and the passion behind the winemaking.Expand

Saints Hills is a Croatian boutique winery founded by Ernest Tolj with the idea of presenting the potential of different Croatian wine regions through a modern approach to winemaking. The winery works with vineyards in several locations, primarily on the Pelješac Peninsula in the Dingač appellation, in the Komarna region of southern Dalmatia, and in Radovani in Istria. This approach allows the production of wines that reflect the character of different terroirs as well as the diversity of indigenous and international grape varieties. Particular attention is given to the Plavac Mali variety, the most important red grape of Dalmatia, while white wines are also produced from varieties such as Pošip and Malvazija Istarska. The vineyards on Pelješac are located on steep, sun-exposed slopes above the sea, where most vineyard work must be done by hand due to the demanding terrain. In the cellar, traditional viticultural practices are combined with modern winemaking techniques in order to preserve the character of the grapes and the terroir. Today, Saints Hills is considered one of the recognizable contemporary Croatian wineries, known for wines that highlight regional identity and the distinct style of different vineyard areas.Expand

Bura Mrgudić is a family-run winery located in the village of Potomje on the Pelješac Peninsula, within the Dingač appellation. The Bura family's winemaking tradition spans five generations, and their current approach combines inherited knowledge with an authentic philosophy of crafting wines from indigenous grape varieties. Their most renowned label is Bura Dingač, made from Plavac Mali grapes grown on extremely steep vineyards where hand-harvesting takes place on terraces overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The focus is not on mass production but on small batches of wine that faithfully reflect the unique microclimate and terroir of Pelješac. Wine tastings are held in their cellar with family members present, offering a rustic and personal experience. Bura Cellar stands as a model of sustainable family viticulture that preserves heritage through wines that are not styled to follow market trends, but instead express a deeply local winemaking identity.Expand

Miloš Winery is a family-run estate located in the village of Ponikve, near Ston, on the Pelješac Peninsula. With a long-standing winemaking tradition passed down through generations, the winery embodies a deep connection to the land and local heritage. Its vineyards span approximately 15 hectares, situated on steep, terraced slopes with dolomitic limestone and sandy soils. This unique terroir ensures an ideal balance of sunlight, wind, and moisture retention - crucial during the dry summer months - and directly influences the complexity of the grapes. The winery is primarily focused on the indigenous Plavac Mali variety, with occasional experimentation with other local grapes such as Rukatac. The wines express the authentic character of Pelješac: rich in aromas of dark berries, marked minerality, and herbal-spicy undertones, all reflecting a strong sense of place and the winemaker's vision. Production relies on minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentation, and aging in Slavonian oak barrels, preserving the wines’ natural purity and identity. Miloš Winery welcomes visitors for guided tastings and cellar tours, offering a deeper insight into their winemaking philosophy and the distinct wines that emerge from a respectful relationship with nature, tradition, and time.Expand

Frano Miloš Winery is a family-owned winery located in Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula in southern Dalmatia, Croatia, a region well known for its long tradition of viticulture. The Miloš family has cultivated vineyards in this area for generations, while the modern winery was established in the early 1990s when Frano Miloš began producing wine under his own label. The vineyards are situated on steep limestone slopes that receive abundant sunshine and benefit from the nearby Adriatic Sea, conditions that are particularly favorable for the cultivation of the indigenous red grape variety Plavac Mali. This variety forms the foundation of the winery’s production and defines the character of its wines. Frano Miloš is especially known for wines that emphasize minimal intervention in the cellar and a strong expression of terroir. Fermentation and aging are often carried out with limited technological intervention, allowing the natural qualities of the grapes to shape the final wine. The winery’s most recognized label, Stagnum, has gained a reputation as one of the iconic wines of the Pelješac region. Miloš wines are typically structured, concentrated, and capable of long aging. Today, the winery is considered an important representative of the contemporary Croatian wine scene, with wines present in both domestic and international markets.Expand