01

2,500 Years of Wine History

In the 5th century BC, ancient Greek settlers planted grapevines on the Dalmatian islands of Hvar, Vis, and Korčula. The Stari Grad Plain on Hvar Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as the world's oldest continuously cultivated vineyard since 400 BC.

During the Middle Ages, Croatian wines flourished through trade with the Venetian Republic, spreading across the Adriatic Sea and throughout the Mediterranean. Although phylloxera caused significant damage in the late 19th century, the DNA of indigenous varieties has been preserved to this day.

Croatia in Wine Numbers: 4 main regions, over 300 geographical indications, more than 130 indigenous varieties, and over 800 wineries. The majority of production is white wine.

02

A Discovery that Amazed the World — The Homeland of Zinfandel

Zinfandel, known as a Californian icon, actually has its roots in Croatia. In 2001, Dr. Carole Meredith from the University of California, Davis, and a research team from the University of Zagreb proved that an ancient grape variety called 'Crljenak Kaštelanski', discovered in the Kaštela region of Dalmatia, was genetically identical to Zinfandel.

The oldest name for this variety is 'Tribidrag'. It was documented in texts from 1444, predating Italy's Primitivo (first mentioned in 1799) and California's Zinfandel (first mentioned in 1837) by a considerable margin.

The DNA Story: Plavac Mali, Croatia's most important red wine variety, is an offspring of a natural cross between Tribidrag (Zinfandel) and Dobričić. If you love Zinfandel, you'll surely fall for Croatian wines!

03

Slavonia & Danube Region — The Kingdom of White Wine

Climate: A typical continental climate. Cold winters and hot summers. Gently rolling vineyards spread across fertile plains surrounded by three major rivers: the Danube, Drava, and Sava.

Key Variety: Graševina — Croatia's most widely planted white grape. It accounts for about 22% of total production. Also known as Welschriesling. It can express a wide range of styles, from fresh and crisp to rich and full-bodied.

Other Varieties: Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer. For reds, Frankovka (Blaufränkisch).

A Special Bottle: Graševina's excellent acid balance also makes it suitable for aging, and late-harvest and ice wines are also produced. Highly recommended for Japanese who enjoy sweet wines.

04

Croatian Uplands — A Treasure Trove of Sparkling Wines and Indigenous Varieties

Climate: Cool continental climate. Very cold winters and mild summers. Hillside slopes provide ample sunlight and ventilation, yielding wines with high aromatics and acidity.

Key Variety: Škrlet — An indigenous variety of the Croatian Uplands. It produces fresh, mineral-driven white wines. Pušipel and Kraljevina are also traditional varieties.

Of Note: The Plešivica region, near the capital Zagreb, is rapidly gaining recognition as a producer of traditional method sparkling wines.

Pinot Noir is also cultivated here for red wines, characterized by an elegant style typical of a cool climate.

05

Istria & Kvarner — The Home of Orange Wine

Climate: A unique environment where Mediterranean and Alpine cool air converge. Iron-rich red soil (terra rossa) imparts a distinct minerality to the wines. Approximately 4,000 hectares of vineyards are cultivated.

Queen of Whites — Malvazija Istarska: The second most widely planted variety in Croatia. It offers aromas of fennel, quince, honey, apricot, and spices. It can be made in diverse styles, from fresh stainless-steel fermented wines to orange wines produced with extended maceration.

King of Reds — Teran: A traditional variety that accounted for approximately 90% of Istrian vineyards in the 19th century. It offers notes of forest berries, violets, and smoky meat. Characterized by high tannins, it truly shines after several years of aging.

Recommended for Japanese: Istria is a stronghold of biodynamic farming and orange wines. If you enjoy natural wines, which are gaining popularity in Japan, Istria is a must-visit region.

06

Northern Dalmatia — A Lesser-Known Red Wine Region

Climate: Warm Mediterranean climate. The unique terroir, nestled between the sea and mountains around Šibenik, produces powerful yet refined wines.

Featured Variety — Babić: An indigenous red grape of Northern Dalmatia. It produces complex, robust, full-bodied wines and has seen a rapid increase in international recognition in recent years.

Notable White — Debit: A white wine with herbal notes, made from golden-colored grapes. It offers pleasant citrus acidity and develops vermouth-like flavors with age.

Maraština is also a popular white variety in this region, characterized by its rich texture and well-balanced freshness.

07

Central and Southern Dalmatia — The Pinnacle of Croatian Wine

Climate: Warm Mediterranean climate. Rocky terrain, islands, and hills create countless microclimates, where terroir defines the wine's character.

King of Reds — Plavac Mali: Meaning "small blue," this grape is small and dark blue-purple. It offers flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, black pepper, fig, and spices. It's a high-alcohol, high-tannin, full-bodied wine.

Dingač — Croatia's First Appellation: The pinnacle of Plavac Mali, originating from the steep vineyards on the southern slopes of the Pelješac peninsula. It was granted Croatia's first protected designation of origin in 1961. The grapes, ripened to perfection by the white rocks and reflective sunlight of the Adriatic Sea, produce concentrated and rich wines.

For Wine Lovers: The Dingač vineyards have slopes of 20-34 degrees. All harvesting is done by hand. It is the home of Croatia's most expensive cult wines.

08

Wines of the Islands — A Paradise of Indigenous Varieties Afloat in the Sea

The Croatian islands, with their isolated environments distinct from the mainland, have preserved numerous indigenous grape varieties found nowhere else in the world.

Pošip — From Korčula Island: Offers notes of apple, vanilla spice, citrus, and almond. A dry, full-bodied wine. It was one of the varieties chosen by legendary winemaker Miljenko Grgich (winner of the 1976 "Judgment of Paris") upon his return to Croatia.

Grk — A Rare Variety from Korčula Island: With less than 20 hectares cultivated globally. It only produces female flowers, requiring it to be planted near other varieties for pollination, making it the "most feminine grape." It offers delicate aromas of white pepper, melon, and herbs.

Other Island Treasures: Vugava (Vis Island), Bogdanuša (Hvar Island) — unique wines that can only be savored on their respective islands await you.

09

Croatian Wine Culture and How to Enjoy It

Podrum (Wine Cellar): In Croatia, there's a deeply rooted culture where most farmers make their own wine. Being invited into a family's podrum is a sign of the highest hospitality.

Gemišt: A popular cocktail in the continental region made with white wine and sparkling water. It's a Croatian staple enjoyed on a hot afternoon on the terrace. In coastal areas, "Bevanda," a mix of red wine and water, is also common.

Food Pairing: White wines (Pošip, Malvazija) pair well with fresh Adriatic seafood. Red wines (Plavac Mali) go perfectly with lamb peka or stews. Teran is an excellent match for Istrian truffle dishes and cheeses.

The Japanese culture of valuing "harmony between food and drink" is surprisingly similar to Croatian wine culture.

10

Winery Visit Guide for Japanese Travelers

Best Season: The harvest season (Berba) from September to October is the most exciting. Some wineries offer experiences like grape stomping. May to June is also recommended for good weather and fewer tourists.

Tasting Etiquette: Even large Croatian wineries have a warm, homey atmosphere. If you say "Živjeli! (Cheers!)" during a tasting, you're sure to get a smile from the owner.

Reservations: Reservations are essential for small family wineries. Contact them in advance via email or WhatsApp. English is usually spoken.

Souvenir Rules: From the EU, you can bring up to 3 bottles of 760ml wine duty-free into Japan. Bring your favorite indigenous varieties home!