Luxury Wine Travel in Croatia: Exploring Coastal Vineyards with The Petite Wine Traveler

By Jamie Knee | The Petite Wine Traveler | Global Wine Communicator | Luxury Wine Travel Writer & Experiences Curator | Named Top 50 Most Influential Women in Wine Hospitality

Dear friends,

Welcome to Petite Wine Traveler, here you will find your weekly sip of inspiration — blending wine, travel, and storytelling, one glass at a time.

This week’s journey takes us to the glittering Adriatic coast of Croatia, where native grapes like Plavac Mali and Pošip reveal the soulful beauty of Dalmatian wines, seaside towns, and timeless tradition.

Have you ever sipped wine so close to the sea that you could practically taste the salt in the breeze? That’s exactly what it felt like as I lounged aboard a sailboat anchored near Hvar, the sun painting the waves in shimmering ribbons of turquoise, and a glass of Pošip in my hand. Welcome to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast — a dazzling stretch of vineyard-laced islands and ancient seaside towns where wine, food, and slow living still reign supreme.

Croatia might still be considered an “undiscovered” gem by many wine travelers, but that’s exactly what makes it thrilling. Here, wines are still crafted with heart, story, and centuries of tradition — no glitz, no gimmicks, just honest beauty in a bottle. In this coastal paradise, the white wine Pošip is your summer in a glass: light, citrusy, with a touch of Adriatic salinity — the perfect pairing to the freshest mussels or simply a stolen hour under the sun.

Red lovers, don’t worry — Plavac Mali is your ticket to deeper delights. Robust, sun-drenched, and brimming with dark fruit and spice, it’s the soulful cousin of Zinfandel (and one of its ancestors). Or if you’re looking for something a bit different, how about a Grimalda red, from Matošević ? This very special wine combines Merlot and Teran varieties, and pairs well with the traditional Dalmatian fish stew of brudet, on a terrace under the stars or even a slow afternoon wandering cobblestone alleyways.

My travels took me to family-owned wineries on Hvar and Korčula, where winemaking feels like a love letter to the land. I met Andro and Sebastijan Tomić, the father-son team behind Vino Tomić, and tasted through their lineup while gorgeous rolling hills danced outside the cellar. It’s the kind of memory that clings to you.

The Istrian Peninsula offered a surprising mirror to my home in Santa Barbara. Rolling hills, boutique wineries, and a focus on indigenous grapes like Malvazija and Teran made me feel both miles away and completely at home. I was struck by the elegance, salinity and minerality of their Malvazija — white peaches, lemon peel, and just a whisper of Mediterranean Sea.

For a luxe-yet-laid-back wine bar experience, pop into Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar in Split, or explore the family-run tasting rooms tucked away in Šibenik and Primošten, where every pour comes with a story, and every story comes with a smile.

Jamie’s Travel Tip:

For a dose of understated luxury, spend the afternoon wandering through Golden Cape Forest Park in Rovinj, where pine trees meet the sea and every path leads to quiet beauty. I love tucking into a hidden cove with a bottle of crisp Malvasia (Malvazija) and sipping beneath the canopy of a fig tree as the sun dances off the Adriatic. Prefer something more decadent? Charter a water taxi to a private island off Hvar, where you can lounge seaside with a glass of local rosé, a silk pareo, and not a care in the world.

Jamie’s Picks | Sip & Pair:

1. Pošip + Grilled Octopus + Sea Air

Fresh, zippy, and perfect with ocean-kissed seafood.

2. Plavac Mali + mature hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, and Manchego + Starlit Skies

Hearty and bold—this is a wine made for long conversations.

3. Malvazija + Truffle Pasta + Breezy Terrace

Elegant, floral, and refreshingly unique—Croatia’s white wine queen.

There’s something magical about discovering a new wine and learning how to pronounce it correctly at the same time. By the end of my Croatian journey, I was tossing around “Pošip,” “Plavac Mali,” and “Teran” like a local—well, almost.

Croatia is calling—and trust me, its wines are worth the journey. Whether you’re plotting a sailing escape or simply seeking new inspiration in your glass, these coastal beauties promise a sip of the Mediterranean dream. (which is actually located on the Adriatic Sea)