Croatia Wine

Croatia is divided into three main wine regions—Eastern Continental, Western Continental, and Coastal—each with distinct geography, climate, and grape cultivation. These are further subdivided into sub-regions and vinogorja (“wine hills”), where soil, elevation, and weather patterns shape the country’s wine styles.

Istočna kontinentalna

Located in Slavonia and the Croatian Danube, this region consists mostly of plains bordered by the Drava, Danube, and Sava Rivers. Vineyards are planted on low hills with loamy soils, producing primarily white wines under a typical continental climate: hot summers and cold winters.

Main Sub-Regions:

• Podunavlje
• Slavonia

Notable Varietal: Graševina, the most widely planted grape in Croatia, is known for crisp acidity, subtle floral aromas, and high versatility.

Zapadna kontinentalna

This cooler upland zone includes central and northern Croatian hills. The landscape features sloping vineyards, often with clay and marl soils, where cooler air and wind exposure enhance aromatic expression and acidity in white wines.

Main Sub-Regions:

• Moslavina
• Plešivica
• Pokuplje
• Prigorje–Bilogorje
• Zagorje–Međimurje

Notable Varietal: Pušipel (a local synonym for Furmint), popular in Međimurje, is used for fresh dry whites and sparkling wine.

Primorska

Extending from Istria in the north to Dalmatia in the south, this region includes mainland vineyards and islands. Due to variation in soil and climate, the Coastal region is often informally split into Istria/Kvarner and Dalmatia.

Istria and Kvarner:

Characterized by iron-rich red soils and Mediterranean-Alpine climate influences. Known for fruity, dry whites and bold reds.

Notable Varietal: Malvazija (white), Teran (red)

Dalmatia:

A rugged region of limestone karst, high sun exposure, and diverse microclimates. Terraced vineyards are common, especially on islands and coastal slopes.

Notable Varietal: Plavac Mali (red), Pošip (white), Grk (white)

Main Sub-Regions (North to South):

• Istria
• Kvarner (Croatian Coast)
• Northern Dalmatia
• Dalmatian Interior
• Central and South Dalmatia

Check out our Istria Wine and Dalmatia Wine pages for more information about these sub-regions.

Croatia is home to more than 120 indigenous grape varieties, many of which are grown only in specific regions. While international grapes are also cultivated, native varieties dominate domestic production and reflect local terroir and historical winemaking traditions.

Red Grapes

Cultivated mainly in Northern and Central Dalmatia, Babić grows in rocky, terraced vineyards near the coast. It yields robust wines with earthy notes, plum, and spice, often aged in oak.

Also known as Blaufränkisch, this grape is found in continental regions like Slavonia and the Danube. It produces medium-bodied reds with high acidity, red berry notes, and subtle peppery spice.

The Croatian ancestor of Zinfandel and Primitivo. Though once nearly extinct, it is regaining popularity and yields balanced reds with ripe fruit and soft tannins.

White Grapes

Native to the island of Korčula and now spread throughout Dalmatia, Pošip makes aromatic, full-bodied whites with peach, pear, and almond notes. Often barrel-aged.

Grown almost exclusively on the island of Krk, particularly around Vrbnik. Known as Vrbnička Žlahtina, this grape produces light, fresh wines with citrus, green apple, and floral tones.

An unusual grape from the island of Korčula, known for its pronounced salinity, firm acidity, and herbal citrus profile. It is functionally female and must be co-planted with male vines like Plavac Mali to pollinate.

Dessert Wines