Wine & drink in Croatia
Including Imotski Wine Region, Istria Wine Region, and Korčula Island Wine Region. On the map.
The vibe
The wine culture here is deeply tied to the rugged landscape, offering a rustic, earthy profile that feels far removed from the polished, commercial estates found elsewhere. Visiting in the shoulder season allows for intimate, unhurried conversations with producers who are happy to pour a glass directly from the barrel. It is a largely informal scene where you are just as likely to find a local favorite in a neighborhood bar as you are a structured tasting experience.
Imotski Wine Region
Split-Dalmatia County
Rootmaker / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Tucked behind the Biokovo mountain range, the Imotski region is famous for its Kujundžuša white wine. The area offers a dramatic landscape of karst fields and sinkholes, providing a unique backdrop for tasting sessions at traditional stone wineries.
Access. Reached via the tunnel through the Biokovo mountains from the Makarska Riviera or via highway from Split.
Notes. Best visited in late summer during the harvest season; local hospitality is a hallmark of the area.
Istria Wine Region
Istria County
Tommes / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Croatia's premier northern gourmet peninsula celebrated for crisp Malvazija Istarska and earthy Teran red wines. The rolling hills dotted with medieval towns offer an intimate tasting culture deeply intertwined with truffles and olive oil.
Access. Easily reached by car from Trieste or Zagreb, with well-marked wine roads connecting towns like Buje, Motovun, and Grožnjan.
Notes. Many boutique wineries require advance booking, especially during the autumn truffle season.
Korčula Island Wine Region
Dubrovnik-Neretva County
Kris Sliver / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
An enchanting Dalmatian island renowned as the exclusive home of the rare white grape Pošip, centered around the picturesque village of Čara and Smokvica. Visitors enjoy intimate tastings in stone-built konobas surrounded by ancient vineyards.
Access. Ferry connections from Split, Dubrovnik, or Orebić bring travelers to the island, where car or scooter rental is ideal for reaching hillside wineries.
Notes. Summer is busy with beach tourism, making spring and early autumn ideal for dedicated wine travel.
Moslavina Wine Region
Sisak-Moslavina County
akezele / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A peaceful rural wine-growing area east of Zagreb renowned for the rare, indigenous Škrlet grape, which yields crisp, refreshing, and floral white wines. Small family wineries welcome travelers along quiet country wine roads.
Access. Accessible by car via the highway east from Zagreb toward Kutina.
Notes. Visit during spring pruning festivals or autumn harvest celebrations for the best experience.
Pelješac Peninsula Wine Region
Dubrovnik-Neretva County
F.Krikava, Znojmo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A rugged Dalmatian peninsula famous for bold, full-bodied red wines made from the indigenous Plavac Mali grape. Travelers come for dramatic terraced vineyards plunging into the Adriatic Sea and historic family-run cellar doors.
Access. Accessible by car from Dubrovnik via the Pelješac Bridge or coastal roads, with winding routes connecting villages like Potomje and Orebić.
Notes. Fall harvest season offers the best atmosphere, and renting a car is essential for navigating the steep vineyard roads.
Slavonia and Danube Wine Region
Vukovar-Srijem County
SpeedyGonsales / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Eastern Croatia's fertile continental heartland, famous for world-class Graševina and historic oak-aged red wines. The region features grand historic wine cellars, notably in Ilok overlooking the majestic Danube River.
Access. Reachable by car or train from Zagreb eastward toward Osijek and the border town of Ilok.
Notes. Less crowded than the coast, offering a deep-rooted and authentic Central European wine culture.
Split Craft Beer Quarter
Split-Dalmatia County
StevenL / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A burgeoning coastal craft beer scene nestled around Split's historic quarters and the trendy neighborhoods just outside the ancient Roman walls. Independent local breweries are redefining Dalmatian drinking culture beyond standard lagers.
Access. Walkable throughout the historic center and easily accessible by local transport to nearby craft taprooms.
Notes. Thrives during the summer tourist season with lively outdoor terraces and specialty beer bars.
Zadar County Wine Region
Ravni kotari
WILLY DRACHA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The Zadar hinterland and coastal vineyards are gaining international acclaim for their Syrah and indigenous Maraština wines. This region blends modern winemaking techniques with ancient traditions, offering a sophisticated tasting circuit for oenophiles.
Access. Easily accessible from Zadar city; many wineries are located in the Ravni Kotari area, reachable by car.
Notes. The region is increasingly popular for wine-and-dine tours that pair local cheeses with regional vintages.
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Zagreb Craft Beer Quarter
City of Zagreb
Zagreb — Wikidata / Wikimedia Commons
A vibrant urban beer culture centered around central Zagreb and industrial-chic quarters like Savica and Trešnjevka. The city has emerged as a powerhouse for independent Croatian microbreweries pouring diverse IPAs, stouts, and sours.
Access. Easily explored on foot or via Zagreb's efficient tram network across the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.
Notes. Taprooms and specialized craft beer bars host regular tastings and brewer meetups year-round.