Hvar Wineries: Where to Taste Wine on Croatia’s Sunniest Island

Hvar might be best known for beaches, boating, and blooming lavender, but Hvar wineries are a big part of what makes this Croatian island worth exploring. Think tiny villages, family-run cellars, and tastings that feel like you’re sitting in someone’s backyard (because sometimes…you are).

Hvar sits in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and is known as the sunniest island in Europe. That sunshine is a big reason grapes thrive on the island, especially Plavac Mali, the red variety Hvar is most known for.

As a certified wine expert, I spent the better part of a week exploring Hvar. I tasted the wines, ate my way through Hvar Town, and road-tripped across the island to visit wineries in both the seaside towns and the quieter inland villages.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite wineries to visit on Hvar. Plus, inside tips on wine tours, what to eat, and where to stay that’ll make planning your trip way easier.

Table of Contents

Thanks to the Hvar Town Tourist Board for hosting me. All recommendations and opinions in this guide are entirely my own.

Aerial view of Hvar Town with its terracotta rooftops, the hilltop Spanish Fortress, and the Pakleni Islands dotting the bright blue Adriatic Sea in the distance.

Where to Go Wine Tasting on Hvar

Most Hvar wineries are small, family-run spots, and many visits are by appointment only. A lot of them don’t have online booking (and some don’t even have a real website), so it’s best to email ahead of time to schedule a tasting.

The wineries are also spread across the island. So, plan on driving or booking a tour, and don’t try to cram too much into one day.

Duboković Wines

Duboković Wines offers one of the most unique tasting experiences on the island. It’s in the coastal town of Jelsa, and the tasting takes place right in the cellar. You walk in and sit at a small table surrounded by barrels, and the whole experience is done by candlelight.

Ivo Duboković comes from a long family tradition of winemaking, but he didn’t start his career here. He studied economics and worked as a marketing professor in Zagreb before devoting himself fully to the cellar. He focuses on natural processes and organic products and is known for pioneering orange wine on the island.

Their vineyards are on the steep southern slopes of Hvar where the grapes get both direct sun and reflected heat from the sea. The extra exposure creates grapes with high sugar levels, which lead to rich wines with concentrated flavor. The winery produces about a dozen labels, and they also make infused olive oils like rosemary, basil, and chili.

The tasting was one of my favorites on the island. Sitting by candlelight in the cellar while sampling several wines and four different olive oils felt intimate and memorable. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for something a little different.

Close-up of red wine glasses during a tasting at Duboković Wines, with flickering candlelight and barrels in the background.

Glass fermentation jug filled at Duboković Wines.

Wines to Try: Medvjedica was my favorite for a more traditional Plavac Mali, with spices like clove, black tea notes, and earthiness. 2+2+2 is a great pick if you want a lighter, juicier style Plavac. Don’t skip Moj Otok, their orange wine, with mandarin and candied orange notes. And for a sweet finish, Prvi Poljubac (their white Prošek-style dessert wine) was absolutely delicious.
Visiting Tips: Book in advance by emailing [email protected]. Tastings typically include 7–8 wines plus four of their infused olive oils and bread. And a heads up that it’s cash only.

Duboković Wines, Jelsa 301, 21465, Jelsa

Vina Carić

If you want great wines in a town that’s fun to explore, Vina Carić is the perfect stop. It’s in Vrboska, known as “the Venice of Hvar,” with canals and little bridges you can wander along before or after your tasting. The entrance feels like a secret garden, with a door that opens into an enclosed patio adorned with greenery.

Ivo Carić founded the winery in 1993, and his wife Ivana now manages marketing and sales. She also serves as president of the Hvar Winemakers’ Association. Their nephew Ljubo helps with winemaking, while Ivo focuses on the vineyards. They grow a wide mix of indigenous grapes like Plavac Mali, Bogdanuša, Kuč, Maraština, Darnekuša, and Pošip, along with a few international varieties.

When I visited, Ivana greeted me in the tasting room and had set up a full spread of local meats, cheeses, olives, and other small bites. As she poured each wine, she filled me in on the grape varieties, vineyard locations, and winemaking techniques.

The wines were excellent across the board, and I loved how the pairings enhanced the flavors. Ivana also shared that they’re building a new winery on the edge of town that will eventually include a kitchen, so the food element will only get better.

Stone entrance to Vina Carić in Hvar, Croatia, with green double doors leading into the winery's inviting courtyard.

Glass of red wine and a bottle of Vina Carić’s 2022 Jubo’v blend set on a tasting table inside the winery.

Wines to Try: The Bogdanuša was bright and refreshing with lemon-lime notes and nice minerality, and it paired perfectly with salted anchovies. I also loved the Jubo’v red blend of Plavac Mali, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, paired with prosciutto and a hard cheese coated with lavender. And the 2016 Plovac Ploški was smooth and delicious, with fig, dried fruit, and black cherry notes.
Visiting Tips: It’s best to make an appointment since they often host groups and want to make sure they can accommodate you. Email [email protected]. They offer several tasting options with 4–5 wines paired with cheeses, meats, salted anchovies, and even chocolate.

Vina Carić, Vrboska 211, 21463, Vrboska, Croatia

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Vinarija Braća Plančić

Exterior of Braća Plančić Brothers Winery, with a wooden barrel sign mounted above a green door on a pale stucco building.

If you’re looking for a casual-style tasting with excellent wines, Braća Plančić is a great stop. It’s in the inland village of Vrbanj. The setup is simple with a few wooden tables outside that make it feel like you’re visiting someone’s home.

The Plančić family has been growing grapes here for generations. Brothers Antun and Mario started the winery in the 1980s. And Antun’s daughter, Magdalena, stepped in more recently. They focus on Hvar’s indigenous grapes, including Bogdanuša, Parč, Plavac Mali, and Darnekuša.

When I visited, Mario was pouring the wines and sharing stories, including how the island is known for reds but he prefers their whites for everyday drinking. It made the experience feel personal, unrushed, and genuinely local.

I loved the range of styles, from bright and refreshing whites to modern-style blends and traditional reds. It was a fun spot to learn about local grapes and taste a wide variety.

Glass of white wine next to a bottle of Ager from Braća Plančić, part of a tasting experience at this Hvar winery.

Tasting plate with prosciutto, aged cheese slices, and black olives served at Braća Plančić winery on Hvar.

Wines to Try: The Pharos Grand Cru 2016 was a standout for me. The Plavac Mali comes from their best micro-location, Dubje. And they add Darnekuša to the blend for freshness and softer tannins. Magdalena’s Moderna Superbus was another favorite. It’s her modern take on a red blend with Plavac Mali, Darnekuša, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. I also loved the Ager White’s bright acidity, lemon-lime notes, and clean, refreshing finish.
Visiting Tips: Tastings are by appointment only. Email [email protected]. You can choose between basic or reserve options that include a mix of white, rosé, and red along with cheese, olive oil, olives, and bread.

Braća Plančić, Vrbanj 191, 21462, Vrbanj, Croatia

The Best Hvar Wine Tour

Close-up of a hand scooping ripe olives during harvest on Hvar, surrounded by leaves and sunlight. — Left: Olives at Božić Uje, Middle: Terra Arhaica cookies, Right: Mikletovi honey tasting

Traditional Hvar cookies and pastries, including iced shapes like hearts, stars, and buildings with “Hvar” and “Terra Achaica” written in icing. — Left: Olives at Božić Uje, Middle: Terra Arhaica cookies, Right: Mikletovi honey tasting

If you want to experience Hvar without worrying about logistics, I highly recommend booking a tour with Debonda Traveling. I did a wine and food tour with Zorana and loved it. She grew up on the island (back before there was electricity and running water in her village), so you’re not just tasting wine, you’re getting the real story behind the place.

On my tour, we visited Duboković Wines, and Zorana also built in other stops that made the day feel extra special, including:

Terra Arhaica: One of my favorite experiences of the trip. We visited a traditional family home, learned about local food and wine traditions, then sat down for a homemade lunch (gregada fish stew, tingul chicken, gnocchi), plus tried their Prošek dessert wine.
Mikletovi: Honey tasting with flavors like lavender, rosemary, strawberry tree, and sage (plus their homemade wine and grappa).
Božić Uje Oil: We stopped spontaneously during harvest and I got to taste olive oil fresh off the press.

If Zorana is booked up (her tours are popular), another great option is the Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner. It includes hotel pickup, visits to two family-run wineries with tastings, and finishes with an authentic 3-course Dalmatian dinner.

🚌 Book a Tour with Debonda Traveling
🚌 Book the Hvar Small Group Wine Tour

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Where to Stay For Hvar Wine Tasting

Modern lounge area at Adriana Spa Hotel in Hvar Town, featuring plush cream-colored sofas with teal and navy cushions, low tables, and large windows overlooking the harbor. — Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel

Waterfront dining table set for four at Adriana Spa Hotel, overlooking Hvar Town’s harbor and its iconic red-roofed buildings across the water. — Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel

Hvar Town is the best place to stay on the island. You can walk everywhere, the restaurants and bars are close, and the ferries drop you right in the harbor. It’s lively in the summer, so if you like having things to do at night, this is the place to be. If you’re visiting during peak season, Stari Grad is a great alternative. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and close to many of the wineries.

Here are two places I recommend in Hvar Town:

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel – Adriana has one of the best locations in town, right on the harbor. Breakfast is included with both a buffet and a la carte menu. I loved sitting on the patio and taking in the morning harbor views. The rooftop terrace is perfect for a glass of local wine at sunset, and dinner at the hotel restaurant was one of my favorites. The indoor infinity pool connects to the spa, which has multiple saunas, a steam room, and a relaxation area included with your stay.
Hotel Park Hvar – Hotel Park is a more budget-friendly option in the same central area, just steps from the harbor. Rooms are comfortable and come with a breakfast buffet each morning. There’s also a cocktail bar attached to the hotel, which makes it convenient for a relaxed drink at the end of the night.

🏨 Book the Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel
🏨 Book the Hotel Park Hvar

Where to Dine on Hvar

Generous serving of grilled scampi on a wooden plate, accompanied by a side of arugula. — Left: Scampi at Val Marina, Middle: Macondo, Right: Pizza at KOGO

Narrow stone alley lit by warm lanterns with white wooden tables outside Macondo restaurant in Hvar. — Left: Scampi at Val Marina, Middle: Macondo, Right: Pizza at KOGO

Hvar Town has no shortage of great restaurants, especially if you love seafood. Here are a few favorites I’d happily go back to.

Val Marina

My top fine-dining pick. Val Marina is located inside the Adriana Hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor. The food was incredible. I started with mussels and octopus carpaccio plus a seafood sharing platter, then had giant scampi in olive oil and lemon-lime juice with focaccia. The chocolate marquise cake and pistachio soufflé were the perfect finish. They also have a great wine list with local producers, so it’s a good place to order a bottle.

Macondo

A Mediterranean spot with moody lantern lighting and a giant fireplace that makes it feel extra inviting at night. I loved Macondo‘s octopus salad, smoked fish pâté, and seafood pasta, but the must-order here is the gregada, the classic Dalmatian fish stew. It pairs really well with Croatian white wines like Bogdanuša and Pošip.

Dalmatino

Tucked on a side street near Hotel Park Hvar, Dalmatino is the perfect “treat yourself” dinner without feeling overly formal. It’s a steak and fish house with great service and even better food. I highly recommend the tuna steak (fresh spinach, tomatoes, pickled onions, and creamy hummus). And the wine list has plenty of Croatian and international options that work well with both seafood and steak.

KOGO

A more casual option right on the main square by the cathedral, with Italian and Croatian dishes. KOGO’s pizza is delicious. I had one with tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, and Parmigiano Reggiano. And the tiramisu was also a must. It’s a simple place to grab a glass of Croatian wine with dinner after a day of exploring.

FAQs About Wine Tasting in Hvar

When is the best time to visit Hvar?

May and June are ideal with warm weather and lighter crowds. Early July is great if you want to see the lavender fields in bloom. September to mid-October also works, but the island gets quiet fast and many places close by late October.

I don’t recommend visiting in winter as everything shuts down for the season. And peak summer brings more than 20,000 visitors per day, so I’d avoid most of July and August.

What’s the best way to get to Hvar?

The simplest route is flying into Split (SPU) and hopping on the fast ferry to Hvar Town. It takes about an hour. Or if you’re driving, you can take a car ferry from Split to Stari Grad. You could also fly into Dubrovnik (DBV) and catch a ferry from there. But it’s a longer ride and runs less often.

What wine is Hvar known for?

Hvar is best known for full-bodied red wines, thanks to the island’s intense sunshine. It’s often called the sunniest island in Europe, with around 2,700 hours of sunshine a year. But there are also a few local white varieties worth seeking out. Here are the main ones to know:

Plavac Mali (red): Hvar’s most important grape. It loves heat and sun, and it makes rich, full-bodied wines with higher tannins and darker fruit flavors. (Fun fact: it’s related to Zinfandel. Zinfandel’s Croatian match is Crljenak Kaštelanski, and Plavac Mali is one of its descendants.)
Darnekuša (red): A local Hvar grape you’ll see in blends and rosé. It helps add acidity and freshness and can soften Plavac Mali’s tannins.
Bogdanuša (white): One of Hvar’s signature whites. It’s usually crisp, light, and super refreshing, especially in warm weather.
Prč (white): Another local white variety you may see on Hvar, sometimes blended.
Pošip (white): Not unique to Hvar, but very common in Dalmatia and often grown on the island too. It tends to be fuller and more fruit-forward than Bogdanuša.

Are wineries open year-round?

No. Most wrap up the season around mid-October and reopen in spring. If you’re planning tastings, stick to May through early October when everything is running.

Do you need reservations for the wineries?

Yes. Some may take walk-ins, but it’s best to contact them ahead of time. Many don’t have online booking systems, and email is usually the way to reserve. The Hvar Tourist Board page is the best resource I found for up-to-date contacts.
Check out more winery etiquette tips.

How much are tasting fees?

Tastings typically run €20 to €40 depending on the winery and what’s included in the tasting.
See how this compares to wine tasting costs in other regions.