Article updated – June 2020

Driving between Stari Grad and Jelsa always makes me think of Napa Valley in California. It has a lot to do with being a long straight road with vineyards right up to either side of it, but more than that, it’s also the beautiful rolling hills and warm sunshine – and the wineries!

For although many of the island’s vistors don’t realise, some world-class wines are produced here, building on a couple of thousand years of cultivation, family expertise and some rather interesting indigenous grape varieties. We’ve been exploring the wineries, discovering new (to us!) wines and meeting some of the dedicated winemakers who work some of the more difficult terrain – the steepest of which is a far cry from Napa Valley!

So how does my comparison with California’s premier wine tourism destination stand up? Can you visit Hvar’s wineries and taste wines here? Well, increasingly, yes you can, though it takes a little effort to find out what’s available. Hvar’s wineries generally tend to be small, boutique operations without a formal tasting room. In a lot of ways, that makes the experience of visiting them so much more special. While there are a couple of actual tasting rooms attached to wineries, in general it’s best to call ahead to make sure someone will be there to open up and pour!

Carić winery in Svirče, and tasting room in Vrboska

Although their winery in Svirče has no space for visitors, they do have a tasting room and konoba in Vrboska near the 3 Bridge, which offers food and wine tastings. The food pairings are carefully designed to give you an insight into the traditional life of the islanders.   Website: www.vinohvar.hr

Duboković winery and tasting in Jelsa

One of Croatia’s best “garage” winemakers offers wine tasting in the konoba in amongst the barrels, but you will need to phone ahead to arrange. The wine is wonderful, and it’s fascinating to listen to the winemaker himself talk about how he develops his own particular style. And, by the way, his music selections make the whole experience very special! Facebook page www.facebook.com/ivo.dubokovic

Huljić winery, restaurant and tasting room in Jelsa

The backstreets of Jelsa are turning into a remarkably good hunting ground for us wine lovers. Although we’ve not dined in the attached restaurant as yet, the tasting room is a lovely authentic experience, and the wines are terrific! Again, you have to phone ahead, at least in the off-season.

Luviji winery and konoba in Hvar town

One of the few wineries based in Hvar town itself, has a friendly konoba for enjoying the wines. Not yet explored this one.

Pinjata winery and tasting room in Vrboska

One of Hvar’s smaller wineries, with a very atmospheric konoba tasting room, Pinjata offers wine with local food pairing for tour groups. Although the signs appear to suggest you can simply wander in, it may be best to call ahead, especially out of high season.

Plančić Brothers’ winery in Vrbanj

As specialists in the local grape varietals, the Plančić brothers produce some of our favourite wines. They offer tastings at their winery, which is a very special experience, sitting among the barrels and tanks. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vinaplancic/

Plenković (Zlatan Otok) winery, restaurant and tasting room in Sveta Nedjelja

Hvar’s largest wine producer has a lovely complex of stone buildings right by the water on the southern shore. From there you can admire the steep vineyards above, and marvel at how anyone manages to cultivate the slopes here! This is a great place for a sail-in wine tasting, wonderful location and excellent wines. Website: www.zlatanotok.hr

PZ Svirče winery in Svirče, and tasting rooms in Jelsa and Stari Grad

I don’t believe the winery itself is open for visitors, but there are a couple of tasting rooms handily located (1) on the waterfront in Jelsa, and (2) in the backstreets of Stari Grad. As in most local tasting rooms, you can take along your own bottle to be filled from the tank. Website: www.pz-svirce.hr

Tomić winery and tasting room in Jelsa

The Tomić winery offers one of the more classy tasting experiences on the island! You can take a tour of the lovely winery itself, ending up in the magnificent tasting room in the style of an ancient Roman dining room. There you can try some very fine wines along with carefully selected food pairings. Website: www.bastijana.hr

Tonči Marijan winery in Pitve

Look out for the tasting & sales room on the way through Pitve. We were there last year for a tasting, and plan to go again to try the new season’s sparking wine, which we love!  Facebook page www.facebook.com/tonci.marijan

Vujnović winery and tasting room in Sučuraj

The only winery based at the eastern end of the island produces some wonderful wines, well worth a visit. Their wines are certified ecologically produced, and the family welcomes visitors. It makes a great outing, especially if you include a visit to the vineyard and a walk with an archaeologist as well! www.podrum-vujnovic.hr

Special wine-tasting events

The Hvar Winemakers’ Association arranges special events on the island during the summer with music, wine and food to enjoy. Their members also participate in wine events elsewhere in Croatia and Europe. Check the Hvar Otok Vina blog or facebook page for details.