Explore Unique Taste of Wines in Croatia – while Sailing in Dalmatia

Dalmatia is a lively region with a lot to offer, among other things, some of the best wines in Croatia. Afterall, it’s the birthplace of all wine-growing. The Ancient Greek settlers brought it to the islands of Hvar and Vis as early as the 4^th century BC.

So, relax on the deck of your charter yacht, enjoy delicious food, and a glass of fine wine. While the Croatian wines may not be as famous as those from Italy or France, Croatian wines can certainly measure up to them. And Dalmatian wines has a true Mediterranean spirit. With many local grape varieties, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a sailing trip in Croatia, be sure to try some Dalmatian wines—you won’t regret it!

8 Croatian Wine Recommendations from Dalmatia

Plavac Mali Dingac (Pelješac)

Plavac Mali from the Dingac vineyards on the Peljesac Peninsula is considered one of Croatia’s most iconic and prized red wines. If you’ve looked into Croatian wines, you’ve likely heard of it—often called the “king of Croatian reds”. This grape produces deep, bold wines with a rich tannic structure and high alcohol content, perfect for aging. The flavor is packed with ripe dark fruits like plums, figs, and cherries, layered with hints of spice and dried herbs. What really sets Dingac wines apart is the unique growing conditions. The vineyards cling to steep slopes above the Adriatic, which gives the wine a distinct mineral quality and a subtle, salty edge that reflects the coastal landscape. 

Place to try it: Matuško winery

Islands of Hvar, Brac, Korcula and Vis all have excellent Plavac Mali varities so you’re welcome to try them on every island and decide which one is your favorite.

Posip Cara (Korčula)

Posip is a popular autochthone white grape in Dalmatia, especially on the island of Korčula, particularly in the village of Cara. The Posip wines are medium to full-bodied and full of fruity flavors like peach, apricot, and citrus, with a hint of dried figs. They are fresh and lively, and as they age, they develop nice notes of honey and almonds. Posip goes well with seafood, shellfish, and lighter meat dishes, making it a great choice for Mediterranean meals.

Place to try it: Čara

Grk (Korcula)

Additionally, another rare and intriguing white grape variety, Grk, grows exclusively on the island of Korcula, mainly around the village of Lumbarda. Grk wine is known for its bright acidity and mineral qualities, with strong aromas of citrus, green apples, and often delicate floral notes. What makes Grk unique is that it needs another grape variety (usually Plavac Mali) for pollination, as the plant is functionally female. Its rarity and complexity make it one of the most interesting white wines in Dalmatia.

Place to try it: Bire Winery

Babic (Primosten)

Babic is a red grape variety found in the Sibenik-Knin County, especially in the Primosten area, where it grows in very rocky soil. This Dalmatian wine is dark in color, with rich tannins and strong aromas of ripe red and black fruits like cherries and blackberries, along with hints of dried plums, earth, and spices. Babić wines often have a full body and a long finish, and they are known for their aging potential. Because of its boldness, it pairs perfectly with meat dishes, especially game and traditional Dalmatian meals like pasticada.

Place to try it: Grgich winery

Crljenak Kastelanski (Zinfandel)

Crljenak Kastelanski is a historic grape variety that DNA analysis confirmed to be the same variety as the American Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo. For centuries, this variety was nearly forgotten in Dalmatia, but in recent years, it has been rediscovered and revived. Crljenak produces full-bodied red wines with expressive fruit aromas, especially red berries, cherries, and plums, along with mild spicy notes of pepper and cloves. Its style can range from fresh, fruity wines to powerful, complex wines with good aging potential.

Place to try it: Bedalov winery

And Crljenak’s ancestor is most likely Dobricic wine variety from the island of Solta. So make sure to try that one as well.

Marastina (Peljesac, Skradin)

Marastina or Rukatac, is a white grape variety found throughout Dalmatia. It is especially common in the vineyards of Peljesac and around Skradin. This wine is famous for its light and refreshing aromas of citrus, peach, and floral notes. It has low acidity and a gentle taste. Because of its crispness and easy drinkability, Marastina pairs well with light dishes like salads, seafood, or grilled white fish. While it’s usually enjoyed young, it can also develop nice qualities with a bit of aging.

Places to try it: Buljat winery, Bedalov winery

Bogdanusa (Hvar)

Bogdanusa is an indigenous white grape variety grown almost exclusively on the island of Hvar. Their wines are light, fresh, and dry, with delicate floral and fruity aromas such as green apple and citrus, along with subtle herbal notes. The name of the grape means “God’s gift,” and it is traditionally consumed during Hvar’s festivals and celebrations. Due to its drinkability and light structure, it is an ideal Dalmatian wine for summer meals, especially with light salads, fish, and seafood.

Places to try it: Hvar Hills

Vugava (Vis)

Vugava is one of Dalmatia’s oldest and most distinctive white grape varieties, grown almost exclusively on the island of Vis. According to local tradition, it was first cultivated by the ancient Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. Vugava produces rich, aromatic wines with notes of ripe pear, apricot, honey, and tropical fruits. These wines are typically full-bodied with a slightly higher alcohol content, balanced by a smooth, creamy texture. Some winemakers choose to age Vugava in oak barrels, adding depth and subtle vanilla tones, while others keep it fresh and vibrant to highlight its natural fruitiness. Vugava pairs beautifully with grilled fish, octopus salad, and creamy pasta dishes.

Places to try it: Lipanović Winery

Sail, Sip, and Savor Croatian and Dalmatian Wines

There’s no better way to experience Dalmatia than by sailing from island to island with a glass of local wine in hand. Each island offers a story in every bottle — from the sun-kissed vineyards of Peljesac to the ancient vines of Vis.

If you’re planning your yacht charter in Croatia, we can help you elevate the experience even more. Ask us to prepare a personalized onboard wine tasting package, featuring handpicked Dalmatian wines such as Plavac Mali, Posip, and Vugava — perfectly matched to your sailing route, or to arrange wine tasting experiences along your route. Or hire a skipper or hostess and let them recommend and book restaurants or wine tastings.

So, sail away on the Adriatic breeze, and discover the authentic flavors of Dalmatia — one sip at a time.