Top 10 Must-Visit Wineries Near Split
Must-visit wineries near Split
Dalmatia is home to some of the must-visit wineries you should discover when visiting Croatia.
The area is relatively large and varied, so many micro-climates and great soil diversity exist. The mild Mediterranean climate produces hearty and robust wines, particularly red ones. Croatia’s most famous viticultural “export,” the Tribidrag or Crljenak grape (known worldwide as Zinfandel or Primitivo), has its ancestral home here.
The wines made from Babić or Plavac Mali grapes best represent the striking countryside along the coast. They are deep, resonant, and powerful, reflecting the sun and heat that nurture them and the terroir conditions and topography that challenge them.
If you’re a wine lover planning to uncover Dalmatian native varieties, don’t assume that only red wines are worth exploring.
The region is home to some delightful white wines from local grapes like Pošip, Maraština, and Debit, just to name a few.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience these incredible Croatian wines during your visit.
Travel tip: if you’re staying in Split, you don’t have to travel far to visit some of the area’s best wineries. You can easily take a wine tour from the comfort of your home base in the city.
We’ve got you covered if you need help figuring out where to start! Check out our top 10 must-visit wineries near Split and enjoy your next Croatian wine adventure!
Bedalov Winery
Bedalov winery is where the phrase “the wine is made in the vineyard” truly comes to life. Located on the highest slopes overlooking the stunning Kaštela bay, this family-owned winery is the perfect destination for wine lovers seeking an authentic and rustic experience.
Here, the diligent hands of Jakša Bedalov nurture indigenous grape varieties such as
- Crljenak (Zinfandel),
- Dobričić,
- Plavac Mali, and
- Maraština, enabling the natural ecosystem to thrive.
By focusing on the terroir, vintage, and variety, the winemaker can create a wine that reflects the unique characteristics of the terroir.
Bedalov vineyards extend over three hectares in the Gaj area of Kozjak, where grapevines have grown for 200 years. In the Bedalov family, like many Dalmatian families, grapes and wine were of great importance.
However, Jakša decided to take wine production seriously in 2006, and today, his wines are continuously sought-after in many Croatian wine bars and restaurants. Jakov is primarily a winemaker, but he combined his first love with cooking, creating dishes that pair perfectly with his wines. Truly a master at both!
The winery also offers a visit to their traditional Dalmatian home for wine tastings. The house is cozy and charming, providing a perfect setting to sit and enjoy the wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. The winery is located around a 20-minute drive from Split and is easily accessible. For an exceptional experience, book one of their seasonal, home-cooked meals that pair perfectly with their wines!
Matela Winery
The Matela family has a rich history in viticulture and wine-making. Their winery, located in the Kaštela area near Split, is in a region with a long-standing tradition of producing exceptional wines.
The area is home to numerous native grape varieties, some of which have been cultivated for generations. One of the most distinguished is the Kaštelanski Crljenak (also known as Tribidrag and Pribidrag in Croatia, Zinfandel in the USA, Primitivo in Italy, and Kratošija in Noth Macedonia and Montenegro).
At the Matela winery, the family remains committed to producing wines using traditional techniques while staying current with the latest developments in the wine industry. In particular, their red wines are made using only natural yeasts, allowing them to retain their unique and individual character.
Visitors to the Matela winery can look forward to experiencing the history and tradition of the region through the exceptional wines produced by this esteemed family.
Vuina Winery
If you are a wine lover visiting Kaštela near Split, check out the wines of Neven Vuina, one of the area’s most esteemed winemakers. Neven is particularly passionate about Crljenak (Zinfandel) and takes great care to produce top-quality wines from native grape varieties, especially those grown in the Kaštel region.
Continuing his family’s longstanding winemaking tradition, Neven exclusively uses grapes grown in his vineyards on the slopes of Kozjak.
You won’t want to miss out on the chance to taste Vuina’s exquisite:
- Babica Štafileo,
- Crljenak Štafileo,
- Plavac Štafileo,
- Opol (rose) wines from Crljenak.
So why not plan a visit to Neven’s vineyard and experience the unique flavors of Kaštela’s finest wines?
Mimica Winery
If you’re a wine enthusiast visiting the area around Omiš, be sure to try the local native Pribidrag, yet another synonym for Crljenak (Zinfandel), a variety with a fascinating origin story behind it.
The House of A Happy Man or Mimica winery in the village of Vrisovci on the southern slopes of Omiška Dinara is particularly noteworthy for its commitment to revitalizing this old Dalmatian native variety.
The winery’s main vineyard was established after the owner discovered three Crljenak grape vines in his village in 2003. Realizing the significance of this discovery, the winery’s owner, Mr. Mimica, and his partner, Mr. Plenković, decided to focus on revitalizing this old grape variety. The effort paid off when DNA tests in December 2001 confirmed that Crljenak, Primitivo, and Zinfandel were all the same variety, solving a long-standing mystery.
So, if you want to try this unique and historically significant wine during your visit, stop by the House of A Happy Man winery and taste their delicious Pribidrag.
Bibich Winery
If you plan a trip to the stunning Krka National Park or the charming town of Skradin, include Bibich winery in your itinerary. This boutique wine oasis is just an hour’s drive from Split, making it the perfect stop on your journey.
The winery is well-known for its delicious food and exceptional wine, which can be enjoyed in a charming courtyard overlooking the vineyards. The main grape variety grown at Bibich winery is Debit, a white wine often found on the wine lists of some of Croatia’s best restaurants.
To fully appreciate the wine and food on offer, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance for a wine and food pairing experience that suits your preferences.
However, if you’re short on time, don’t worry – you can still pop into the estate shop for mini tastings and shopping.
At Bibich winery, Alen Bibić is on a mission to bring Skradin wines to international prominence and to sustain the long tradition of indigenous white Debit and red native varieties – Babić, Plavina, and Lasina. The winery gained international recognition and was mentioned in the famous American Wine Enthusiast.
One of their popular wines is Lučica, which is Alen’s homage to his grandfather. The grapes used in this wine come from a single vineyard of Debit that his grandfather planted some 50 years ago in Plastovo.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the exceptional wine and food at Bibich Winery during your visit to the Krka mesmerizing waterfalls or Skradin.
Prgin Winery
For those who love wine and want to try something truly unique, Prgin winery is a must-visit destination. This small, family-run winery passionately focuses on producing Babić wines, a local native variety.
The winery’s signature Babić comes from the legendary Bucavac appellation in Primošten, renowned for its unique combination of stone and sun, giving the wine its unique flavor. The traditional vine cultivation in small enclosed fields positioned in lines, surrounded by drystone walls, creates a stunning stone lace imagination that pays tribute to the hard work of human labor.
At Prgin winery, visitors can experience the unique chance to fully understand how winemaking is done in the Primošten area near Šibenik. In their tasting room where visitors will have the chance to taste three wines – Babić, Debit (another native Dalmatian variety), and Opolo (the traditional Dalmatian name for rosé wine), paired with locally produced artisanal products such as cheese, bread, prosciutto, olives, and olive oil.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, Prgin winery offers an option to take you to their vineyards before the wine tasting. Surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, olive trees, and the scent of the sea in the air, the village of Bilina in the hills inland of Primošten looks like it belongs in Provence.
However, this is the heart of Dalmatia and the ‘homeland’ of Babić, one of the most exciting local varieties whose potential for producing top-quality wines has steadily developed.
Overall, if you’re seeking an unforgettable wine experience, Prgin winery should be added to your list of must-visit destinations. Their dedication to Babić wine and their focus on growing grapes on the stunning appellation, along with their beautiful vineyards and tasting ambiance, create a unique and unforgettable experience for any wine enthusiast!
Ante Sladić Winery
Ante Sladić winery is a family-owned winery located in the picturesque village of Plastovo, nestled on a hill above Skradin and near the Krka National Park.
The winery has a long-standing tradition and a passion for winemaking. Their philosophy is based on using only native grape varieties and respecting both tradition and nature. The microclimate of the area, which is at an altitude of 250 meters, is unique due to its location near the river Krka and the Adriatic Sea.
The soil is a mix of limestone and different soil types enriched by the sea and river that once ran through the area. This results in wines that exhibit minerality and have various styles and qualities. One of the winery’s most notable varieties is Debit, which has a rich history. It was once used as currency, won numerous awards, and was exported to France and Italy. E ven Marshal Marmont enjoyed drinking it! Other wines are produced from Lasina, Plavina, and Maraština varieties.
To fully experience all that Ante Sladić winery offers, visitors can spend a few hours with their family and indulge in tastings of their native grape varieties and extra virgin olive oil made from local varieties. Alongside a selection of local food, visitors will learn about the winery’s production philosophy.
Visitors can also sample their liqueurs, made from high-quality pomace, macerated with wild fruits and herbs that grow in the area. In the tasting room, upon announced request, the family prepares a gastronomic experience that wine lovers will never forget!
Testament Winery
Testament winery is located in the wine-growing region of northern Dalmatia, just a stone’s throw away from the medieval town of Šibenik. This area boasts a unique climate and soil that challenges grape growth but yields exceptional wines.
Testament’s signature wines are made from the indigenous Pošip and Babić grape varieties, with Babić grapes, only growing on this particular stretch of the Dalmatian coast. Their organic production process sets Testament’s wines apart, which leverages the benefits of the region’s microclimate and soil to create wines with a vibrant and complex taste. Visit Testament winery and experience the unique flavors of this region’s ancient winemaking tradition.
Delusional Winery
If you’re a wine enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique winemaking story, a Delusional winery should be on your list! Mike Pulley, the founder, left his corporate career in London to pursue his passion for winemaking and decided to open a boutique winery that produces exceptional wines. Despite some people calling him delusional, Mike went ahead with his dream, and his wines have proven his doubters wrong.
One of the winery’s flagship wines is the Delusional Cuvee, a blend of three indigenous grape varietals – Babic, Plavac Mali, and Zinfandel – also known as Crljenik Kaštelanski. These grape varietals thrive in extremely low-yield conditions, resulting in wines with concentrated flavors of dark cherry, herbs, and stone. You can also sample one of the best Croatian rosé wines, Delusional Rose.
If you prefer single-varietal wines, then the Delusional Babić is a must-try. Made entirely from the Babić grape, this wine is a testament to Mike’s expertise in winemaking. The Delusional Cuvee and the Delusional Babić are aged for three years in French and Slavonian oak and made by hand in a limited edition of only 1,250 bottles.
When you visit the Delusional winery, you’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind wine-tasting experience. You’ll get to taste some of the most exceptional wines in the region while enjoying the stunning scenery!
Grabovac Winery
If you’re traveling in the Imotski region and looking for a wine experience, look no further than Grabovac winery. This family-owned winery has been producing wine for over 200 years and is now one of the leading wine producers in the Imotski wine sub-region.
The Grabovac family owns 25 hectares of vineyards in the best vineyard positions in Imotski, where they grow many native grape varieties.
The winery and tasting room are located in Proložac, surrounded by vineyards and the peaceful ambiance of the Imotski valley. It’s a truly off-the-beaten-path gem worth visiting for wine lovers traveling from Split to Mostar or Dubrovnik!
At Grabovac winery, guests can enjoy a variety of wines made from native varieties, such as Kujundžuša, Pošip, Trnjak, Tribidrag (the oldest name for Crljenak, Zinfandel, and Primitivo). But they also produce wines from Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Vranac.
The friendly and attentive service, excellent wines, great food, and amazing surrounding make Grabovac winery a mandatory stop in the area!
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Split, there’s an experience you cannot miss – exploring the region’s unique vineyards and indulging in its wine culture. Traveling through the area, you’ll be captivated by the stunning and picturesque appellations dominating the landscape.
You’ll be able to sample some of the finest wines and learn about the wine-making process from local experts. So don’t miss out on immersing yourself in the captivating atmosphere of top wineries near Split!
When you return home, treat yourself to a bottle (or two!) of your new favorite wine by visiting our webshop. With just a few clicks, you’ll have a bottle of pure deliciousness on its way to your doorstep. Cheers to indulging in the finer things in life!
