Croatia
Croatian wine country: A wine enthusiast's oasis
Sipping wine, gazing at historic castles and the bluest Adriatic waters with the warm sun overhead — it all melds together to create an epiphany about how wonderful it is to be alive.
Croatia is where Europeans go to relax, play, and experience the Old World charm of Croatia's winemaking history dating back to 2200 B.C. Although small in size, Croatia boasts over 800 wineries, 64 indigenous grape varieties, and 59,000 acres of vineyards - a virtual playground for wine connoisseurs.
AutoVenture provides the perfect, private tour tailored to our guest's specific wine palette. Broken down into four distinct regions, Croatia's wine country provides taste of history and culture:
Dalmatia: As guests gaze at terraced vineyards and the Adriatic Sea, they'll relish in fruity white wines made from Maraština, Pošip, and Debit grapes. Red wine varieties include Babić and Plavac Mali. Notable visits may include Grgić Vina Winery, Korta Katarina Winery, and Bibic Winery - where wine has been produced for nearly 5 centuries.
Istria and Kvarner: Often referred to as "The other Tuscany" - AutoVenture guests will enjoy white wines made from indigenous variety Malvasia Istriana and Žlahtina; and red wines produced from Teran, including several international varieties. Visit the charming village of Krunčići where you'll find Vina Matošević Winery - one of the first winemakers to age white wine in acacia wood.
Croatian Uplands: Here guests' glasses will be filled, and then filled again, with Chardonnay, Muscat, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir, as well as sweet botrytized and ice wines. A stop at Tomac Winery, where their Chardonnay and Riesling is aged for years in terra cotta amphorae buried into the hillside, will leave you wanting more.
Slavonia and the Danube: Surrounded by majestic hills and peaks, sip white wine made from Graševina, as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Red wine is produced from Blaufränkisch and several other international varieties. Guests will explore the town of Kutjevo and the cooperative tasting room Kolijevka Graševina—The Cradle of Graševina.
Whether you prefer red or white, (or perhaps a little of both), each region provides a unique taste of Croatia's wine culture.
Come discover what Europeans have known for centuries and enjoy a sunny wine country getaway with AutoVenture
For those unfamiliar with Croatia, an AutoVenture guided tour is the surest way of getting closest to the culture, and of capturing an unforgettable land.
