Wine Tasting by Sea: Visiting Hvar's Best Coastal Wineries by Boat (2026)

The Most Scenic Wine Tasting in Croatia

Hvar has been producing wine for over 2,400 years — the ancient Greeks planted the first vines here in the 4th century BC. Today, the island's southern coast is home to some of Croatia's most exciting small wineries, many perched on dramatic cliffs above the Adriatic.

The best part? Several of these wineries are most easily reached by boat, making a wine-tasting day trip one of the most unique experiences you can have on the island.

The Star Grape: Plavac Mali

The signature red grape of Hvar is Plavac Mali — a bold, full-bodied red with dark fruit, spice, and minerality. It's genetically related to Zinfandel, so if you enjoy Californian reds, you'll love this.

The best Plavac Mali comes from vineyards on steep, south-facing slopes directly above the sea — exactly the terrain you'll see on Hvar's southern coast between Sveta Nedjelja and Ivan Dolac. The combination of intense sunlight, sea spray, and rocky soil produces grapes with extraordinary concentration.

Zlatan Otok: The Underwater Cellar

Located in the village of Sveta Nedjelja, Zlatan Otok is one of Croatia's most famous wineries and a highlight of any south coast boat trip. What makes it unique for boaters is its private marina — you can pull your boat right up to their pier and walk straight into the winery.

Head downstairs to explore their underground cellar at sea level, where wines age in barrels just metres from the Adriatic. Then sit down for a tasting — their Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru is a powerful red that captures the intensity of the Hvar sun, and the white Pošip is crisp and refreshing after a morning on the water.

Pair the tasting with a light lunch at their terrace restaurant — a plate of local pršut (dry-cured ham), Paški sir (aged sheep's cheese from the island of Pag), olives, and freshly baked bread, all overlooking the sea. It's the kind of lunch that makes you never want to leave.

Ivan Dolac: The Steepest Vineyards in Europe

Just east of Sveta Nedjelja, the tiny village of Ivan Dolac clings to cliffs so steep that harvesting is still done by hand. These are some of the most dramatic vineyards you'll ever see — vertical rows of vines dropping toward the turquoise sea.

The Plavac Mali from Ivan Dolac is consistently among Croatia's top-rated reds. Several small family cellars welcome visitors by appointment — your skipper can help arrange a tasting.

Tomić Winery: Hvar's Wine Pioneer

While not directly on the south coast, Andro Tomić in Jelsa is one of Hvar's most respected producers and well worth a visit if your itinerary allows. Known for their exceptional Bogdanuša (a white grape unique to Hvar, meaning "God-given") and premium Plavac Mali.

A Sample Wine & Swim Itinerary

A wine-tasting stop pairs perfectly with our South Coast tour. Here's a full-day itinerary:

1. 10:00 — Depart Hvar Town, cruise along the dramatic south coast
2. 10:30 — Swim at Red Rocks or Dubovica Bay
3. 12:00 — Arrive at Sveta Nedjelja. Underground cellar visit, wine tasting, and a pršut & cheese plate at Zlatan Otok
4. 14:30 — Cruise to Ivan Dolac for photos of the cliff vineyards + optional second tasting
5. 15:30 — Afternoon swim at a hidden south-coast bay
6. 17:00 — Return via Pakleni Islands with a sunset swim at Palmižana

Practical Tips

1. Book ahead — Especially in peak season (July/August), winery restaurants fill up fast. Call at least a day in advance.
2. Pace yourself — The Hvar sun is strong. Drink water between tastings and let your skipper handle the driving.
3. Check the wind — Sveta Nedjelja is exposed to the south. If there's a strong Jugo (south wind), docking can be difficult. Your skipper will always check conditions first.
4. Buy bottles to take home — Prices at the cellar door are much lower than in shops. Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru is a perfect souvenir.

Want to combine wine tasting with a private boat tour? Browse our tour routes or contact us to plan a custom wine day.