Croatian Wine

Croatia has three main wine regions: Eastern Continental (Istočna kontinentalna), Western Continental (Zapadna kontinentalna), and Coastal (Primorska), which also includes the islands. Each of these main regions is divided into sub-regions, which are further divided into smaller vinogorje (literally “wine hills”).

The Eastern Continental wine region encompasses Slavonia and the Croatian Danube. This relatively flat area is bordered by three rivers: the Danube, Drava, and Sava. Vineyards are typically situated on the low hills that rise from the plain.

It features a typical continental climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers, with white wine varieties being the primary focus of production.

The best-known area in this region is Slavonia, where the most commonly planted grape is Graševina, known for producing light, crisp, refreshing, mildly aromatic wines.

The continental region is divided into the following sub-regions:

• Podunavlje
• Slavonia

The Western Continental wine region encompasses the Croatian uplands and is marked by rolling hills and a cool climate featuring very cold winters. The sloping vineyards provide ample sunlight and wind during the growing season, resulting in wines that showcase intense aromas and high acidity levels. Production is primarily focused on white wine varieties.

The continental region is divided into the following sub-regions:

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

Officially, the Coastal Wine region stretches from Istria in the north to Dalmatia in the south. However, due to the significantly different growing conditions, grape varietals, and the wines that result, the coastal region is frequently divided into two parts: Istria/Kvarner and Dalmatia.

Istria and Kvarner are where the warmth of the Mediterranean meets the cold from the Alps, resulting in a cooler climate compared to the southern part of the coastal region. The area boasts very rich red soil, high in iron oxides, and a mild climate, making it ideal for wine production. In Istria and along the northern coast, the focus is on fruity, dry white wines from a diverse range of grape varieties, most notably Malvazija, as well as bold, dry reds like Teran.

Further south in Dalmatia, with its rocky landscapes, the islands and hillsides display an infinite variety of microclimates, resulting in a winegrowing area where terroir is a crucial factor. A wide range of indigenous grape varietals are cultivated here, with the most notable being Plavac Mali, a descendant of Zinfandel and Dobričić.

The coastal region is divided into the following sub-regions (listed from north to south):

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

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

While many foreign “international” grape varieties are grown in Croatia, its long history of wine production has given it a rich tradition of indigenous varieties.

Red Wine

Plavac Mali serves as the cornerstone of many esteemed Dalmatian red wines.

The renowned Napa Valley winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, originally from Croatia, argues that Zinfandel descends from the Plavac Mali grape. Recent DNA testing has confirmed that Plavac Mali is, in fact, a descendant of the true original Zinfandel, a lesser-known grape from the same region called Crljenak Kaštelanski.

White Wines

Vitis vinifera from Vrbnik (Vrbnik polje) at the Krk island, also known as “Vrbnička žlahtina”

Dessert Wines