If I had to summarise Croatia in two words I would simply say ‘raw beauty’. I went there to know more about their wines. Croatia is a very old wine-producing region and they have a lot of indigenous grape varieties that you and I have perhaps never heard of. These include Malvazija, Istria Malvazija, Debit, Pošip, Plavac Mali and Teran that are grown with the usual Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons of the world. A majority of the boutique wineries there have really small production.
STROLLING THROUGH ZAGREB
Zagreb, the capital city is tiny and gorgeous. Walk around the old town and take in Jelačić Square, visit the Zagreb cathedral and the St. Mark’s Church. In the evening you must stop at Tkalčićeva, which is packed with bars, restaurants and café’s all lined up on either side with outdoor seating as well.
The Dolac Market is also a great place to stroll around. Adorned with beautiful colours of fruits and vegetables, I found this market to be fascinating. I visited a couple of wineries, one called Petrač which is not too far away from Zagreb and another called Galić in Kutjevo which is a couple of hours away. Kutjevo is a major wine producing region in Croatia with multiple wineries.
ISTRIA
Istria is another destination that caught my fancy. Owing to geographical factors, the place has a heavy Italian influence, which can be seen in the language spoken and the food consumed.
I stayed at the gorgeous Meneghetti Wine Hotel. This boutique property by Relais & Châteaux collection has luxurious rooms overlooking vineyards. The wine served here is highly recommended. Drive to Rovinj, which is by far one of the most stunning postcard towns I have ever visited.
Wine lovers must-visit a few other wineries in Istria such as Matosevic which offers Alba, Aura and Kozlović known for its ultra-premium wine as well as some authentic selections.
ISLAND HOPPING
You cannot visit Croatia and miss staying on one of their islands. I would recommend the island of Pag which attracts a huge summer party crowd like Ibiza where massive clubs set up base for the summer. But it’s not all party, you could move away from that part of the island and be in a completely different and peaceful setting. I stayed and had a meal at Boskinac winery on the island of Pag.
Go further down the Adriatic and please stop and stay in the tiny little town of Skradin. The Bibich winery which is close by makes some truly exceptional wines and is well worth a visit.
DUBROVNIK
Once you have had your fair share of nature, head further down to Dubrovnik. On the way I would recommend visiting the Saints Hills winery which as the name suggests is on a hill and offers great views, wine and a great restaurant to stop for lunch.
Dubrovnik has become hugely famous because of the popular drama series Game of Thrones, which is shot in the old walled fortress of the town. The old town gives you a medieval sort of vibe with bell towers, ancient churches and a gorgeous jetty as well. Besides the main street Stradun within the old town there are tiny lanes offering a plethora of wine bars, restaurants and the well-known Irish bar.
Croatia is awakening from its turbulent past and is now moving towards being a popular tourist destination worldwide. There is so much more to explore in the tiny towns on remote islands. For instance, the Blue Grotto and other walled towns that are lesser-known.
If you are looking to temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of city life then Croatia should definitely be on your list.
Nikhil Agarwal
