Split Walking Tour group, since 2007

The most popular wines of Dalmatia

Believe or not in Dalmatia we produce wines since ancient times! In other words, or numbers – grapes and wine were produced in this area as early as 3800 years ago by our ‘wine ancestors” – Illyrians. Later, we have the most to be grateful to the Greeks and Romans for developing viniculture. 

Wine had a special status in the Croatian Court, in the late Middle age. The main economic activity of the cities in Dalmatia back then was wine growing and production of wine. Let’s check the most popular wines of Dalmatia! And prepare your palates for some new wines ( and food) experiences once you arrive.

the most popular wines of dalmatia bottles
Croatia is the 8th country in the world with the most indigenous grape sorts

Glass of wine - more than just a drink

There are almost a hundred indigenous types of grapes in this region. Croatia is the 8th country in the world with the most indigenous grape sorts. There are around 130 grape sorts that originate from Croatia, but only around 30 indigenous sorts are cultivated today and most of them are from the region of Dalmatia. Due to the soil quality and abundance of sun, Dalmatian wines are among the best. We are taking you here on a journey through Dalmatian “divine” grape sorts. Or as we can say – the most popular wines of Dalmatia.

In this beautiful Croatian region, people drink wine all day, every day. Not only on holidays, not only for special occasions. In Dalmatia, people often drink wine with a little water, so don’t find it awkward if you see that atypical non-European mixture. We call it ‘bevanda’ and some elders say, we mix it with water so we can drink it from the morning to the night. 

“Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.”

― Pope John XXIII

On some islands, kids will drink it as well. But of course, less wine and more water! Wine is not only a drink – a local remedy of boiled wine with lots of sugar can cure a cold. The most popular wines of Dalmatia are those from islands of Korčula (white Pošip and Grk), Hvar ( red Plavac and white Bogdanuša) and peninsula of Pelješac ( red Little Blue).

On the mainland, good idea is to go visit Primošten or Drniš and try a glass of Debit (white whine) or Babić (red wine). Dalmatia is home to a number of fantastic wineries that have much to offer. It’s up to you whether they will stay unknown or not. At the core of Diocletian’s Palace you can find a restaurant where you will find more than you expected! Click for the offer!

 

The best-rated wineries are producing less than 50,000 bottles per year, and Dingač from peninsula Pelješac or Babić from Šibenik and Primošten are exquisite red wines. We can give them without a thought a tag of the most popular wines in Dalmatia.

the most popular wines of dalmatia

Numerous awards are a measure of the value of these the most popular wines of Dalmatia, including not only the silver and gold medals but also the champion trophies won at the vocational assessments at international wine fairs in Croatia and abroad.

Before you do your wine trips, meet the bottles at the restaurant

Time to taste the most popular wines of Dalmatia

Best to start your wine journey is to book Wine and food tasting at our Dalmatian Wine house at the centre of Spliton the Roman terrace. 

Listening interesting stories from our lovely sommelier, following by extra moist finger food and selected the most popular wines of Dalmatia, you will become a real wine lover! During Wine and food tasting you will try three types of authentical dalmatian wines. By every glass you are going to taste, you will be served carefully chosen selection of dalmatian fish/meat cold finger food.

Probably, one of them would be the famous variety Zinfandel (the same as grape variety Crljenak) and it’s proved by the latest scientific researches that it originated in Dalmatia, where it was cultivated since the Middle Age when it was called Tribidrag. During wine tasting are the goal is to surprise your tastes and please even the most discerning tastes of delicious wine/food lovers. In the end, as our special guest, you can take a bottle of ‘wine to go’ ( on 50% discount)! Find out more on Wine tasting site, there is an option too, to book it directly. 

If you have wih to explore more of Split and Dalmatia, check for some approved and some new tours we offer! And if you want to findout more about some (un)fotgotten traditional dalmatian meals, read a blog about it!

“The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.”

― Benjamin Franklin, circa 1700s

Meat or octopus - always perfect!

After wine - Dalmatian peka and more wine!

Since you’ve already discovered Dalmatian wine house and felt aromas of wines od Dalmatia, you should taste a great and world-famous traditional dalmatian dish – peka. Fish or meat, your choice. And your pleasure. Just keep in mind you have to order it at least 3 hours in advance, and you can book it as well on this great web site!

Here, in Dalmatia,  it is said that wine is „A gift from God, a teardrop of the soil and a sweat drop of the peasant“. So, don’t go back home missing this important moment of dalmatian gastronomy. Ensure (at least) one of the most popular dalmatian wines at Diocletian’s Wine House.   We know how difficult might be to try only one, so in our wine list, we put just around 50 varieties of wines 🙂 Take your time, you are on vacation!

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