Wine Tasting Zadar & The Top 8 Wineries In Zadar

Croatia is packed with sights and experiences, but if you’re a wine lover (as I am), you’re in for a serious treat. The country is full of wineries, but there are only a few in the Zadar Region. Here are the wineries in Zadar that stand out far above the rest for me.

Do you love a glass of vino?

Let’s explore these top wineries in Zadar to get your taste buds tingling and the outstanding wine you can enjoy here.

1. MasVin Winery

While MasVin might not have the history of Kraljevski (see below), it still has an impressive story behind it, as well as some award-winning wines to try. MasVin is dedicated to producing locally grown produce, such as olive oil, figs, and wine, to restore the local area’s economy following the homeland war.

This has brought jobs to the region, as well as a huge interest in its delicious fare! The winery is part of a cooperative, ‘Olive and Wine,’ and was established in 2006.

Set in an equally scenic location, MasVin is around 45 minutes drive away from Zadar, in a pretty village called Palaca. The area has been agriculturally important for decades, and the scenery is rural, taking you far away from the tourism boom and beaches you’re used to. A trip to MasVin is ideal for an afternoon out.

In addition to olive oil and figs, you can also try and buy several types of wine.

Main Wines You Will Find

• Crljenak (White): A strongly flavored wine that goes well with meat
• Cabernet Sauvignon (Red): This is a strong-tasting red wine, which has hints of ripe berries.
• Crljenak (White): This is a mid-dry wine, which has a soft taste and is ideal with chicken.
• Cuvee (Red): This is a mixture of everything and has a varied, dry taste.
• Dux Croatorum (Red): Quite sweet for red wine, this wine has hints of sour cherries and blackberries.
• Merlot 2016 (Red): One of the award-winning wines of the area, with a velvety plum taste
• Shiraz – Syrah (Red): This is a violet-colored wine that goes really well with barbecued meats.
• Marastina Chardonnay (White): It is ideal to pair with fish, lamb, or chicken; this is a dry white wine.
• Yellow Muscat (White): A mid-sweet white wine with berry and floral hints
• Rose (Rose): The classic pink wine with a very fresh taste

Surely, there’s plenty in there for you to try your taste buds on!

Several group tours are on offer (like this one, which we wholeheartedly recommend), but you need to book 24-48 hours beforehand to be sure of a place. The tour will take you around the vineyards and allow you to taste wines and other products created on the grounds, such as fig products and olive oil.

Of course, you can also buy any products or wines you like the taste of, with a small discount for purchasing on the day.

2. Degarra Winery

A relative newcomer to the Zadar winery world, Degarra Winery opened its doors in 2012 and is a former army barracks site. With the motto ‘New and Original,’ you can expect some rather mouth-watering wines coming your way, but the scenery is pretty impressive, too!

The Degarra Winery grapes are grown on what is known as the Ravni Kotari, which is set amongst 1.8 hectares of rolling fields and trees.  

The winery was initially founded by the Pestic and Sulentic families, opening one large winery, which nowadays serves various delicious red, pink, and white choices.

Degarra Winery is a great day out, and the wine-tasting room is a short Uber ride from the center of Zadar. You can taste delicacies such as Cabernet, Merlot, Marastina, Plavin, and Syrah.

The winery’s most famous and prized choice is the Bomary, a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. If you’re a lover of sparkling wine, Degarra Winery is also where the first Zadar-produced fizz came from!

Aside from wine tasting, you can also taste some delicious locally produced fare, such as cheeses, olive oil, and fish, as the Degarra Winery has teamed up with local families to showcase the area’s most delicious treats.

Main Wines You Will Find

• Degarra Bonterra – A combination of Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah
• Degarra Bomary – A special blend of Merlot, Plavin, Syrah, and Marastina
• Degarra Posip – Derived from the Posip grape
• Degarra Rose – A combination of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon

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3. Fiolić​ Winery Tasting Room

Croatia is packed with sights and experiences, but if you’re a wine lover (as I am), you’re in for a serious treat. Croatia is full of wineries, but there are only a few in the Zadar Region to see—and one is just a few minutes drive from the city center—and it caters to small, intimate groups only!

Hello there, social distance-friendly activity! 

The Fiolić​ Winery is ideal for spending an hour or two on a hot summer’s day. The team from Fiolić​ Winery has set up a wine tasting room that can accommodate up to 12 people, and they offer three types of experiences for you to have.

In their comfortable tasting room, you can learn about their collection of fresh and aged wines. While you are there, you can also taste fig and cherry liqueurs—both served with local delicacies.

Of course, the wine is excellent, but make sure that you try the liqueurs while you are there. There are two, one from sour cherry maraška and one from figs. The liqueurs have been awarded prizes and have received recognition on both local and international levels.

Fun fact: The liqueurs are made using traditional handmade methods, and during production, desalinated seawater is used, giving the liqueurs their unique taste!

4. Kraljevski Winery

Kraljevski Winery is located around 12 km from Zadar in the beautiful Northern Dalmatia region. The plus point of this particular winery isn’t just the beautiful scenery or the delicious wine; it’s its location.

It’s just over a 10-minute drive away from Zadar, so you can easily take an afternoon off from your beach fun and enjoy some wine tasting.

The hilltop location lends stunning views over the Adriatic, and the whole area, towering above Petrcane and Punta Skala, will take your breath away. The winery’s history is quite interesting, too, dating right back to 1066! The vineyards were put into production in 1072, with the land belonging to the Benedictine Monastery of St Mary, located in Zadar itself.

Enough about the scenery and history, though; what about the wine?

Most of the work in the winery is done by hand, which is thought to be what gives the wine such a distinct and sharp taste, as well as years of experience passed down through the generations. Kraljevski produces a mixture of white, red, and rose.

Main Wines You Will Find

• Posip (White): A strong-bodied wine with a taste of figs, apricots, and herbs
• Plavac Mali (Red): A native Croatian wine with hints of cherries and plums
• Crljenak (Red): Another native Croatian red wine that has a softer taste, with hints of blueberries, raspberries, and plums
• Rose Scuro (Rose): A delicate rose with flavors of ripe and sour cherries and strawberries.
• Muskat Zuti (White): This is a medium-dry wine with a yellow hue and a sweet flavor.

Enjoy the wine-tasting tour to learn about how these wines are produced and, of course, try them out for yourself. The winery is open to the public Monday through Sunday, with tastings from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. You don’t generally need to book unless you are in a group of ten or more.

Within this, you will get a tour of the vineyards and a tasting session. If you prefer, you can book a private tour and tasting session, too, but this will need to be pre-booked.

5. Vinarija Skaulj

In the middle of Ravni Kotar, Nadin, you’ll find Vinarija Skaulj, a large and popular winery that offers tours and wine tasting. The winery covers a huge 15 hectares amidst some of the most beautiful scenery possible.

Vinarija Skaulj is a family-owned winery that has been producing exquisite wines for generations. With a passion for tradition and a dedication to quality, it has established itself as one of the top wineries in the region. The winery’s idyllic location, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and olive groves, gives it a really tranquil vibe.

One of Vinarija Skaulj’s highlights is its commitment to using indigenous grape varieties. This allows it to showcase the unique flavors and characteristics that make Croatian wines so special.

In addition to wine tastings, Vinarija Skaulj offers guided tours of its vineyards and winemaking facilities. Here, you can witness the in-depth care that goes into cultivating and harvesting the grapes and the artistry behind the winemaking process.

Main Wines You Will Find

• Maraština
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Tomislav Cuvee

6. Vina Vinketa Winery

Nestled amidst rolling hills and overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Vina Vinketa Winery is an extremely picturesque place to visit. It’s definitely one for the camera. This family-run winery has been producing distinctive wines for generations.

As with many wineries in the area, Vina Vinketa Winery are committed to organic viticulture. The vineyards are meticulously tended to with sustainable practices, with a focus on enhancing the natural balance of the ecosystem.

The winery offers a range of tours and tastings, allowing visitors to explore the vineyards, cellar, and tasting room. You’ll have the opportunity to sample a diverse range of wines, from crisp and refreshing whites to full-bodied reds, each showcasing the unique flavors and characteristics of the local grape varieties.

In addition to its exceptional wines, Vina Vinketa Winery takes pride in its commitment to cultural heritage. The winery hosts regular events, workshops, and gatherings that celebrate the local traditions, making for an unforgettable wine experience that goes beyond just the taste.

Main Wines You Will Find

• Debit
• Plavina
• Syrah
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Grenache Noir

7. Karaba Wines

At Karaba Wines, the passion for winemaking runs deep. The vineyard spans several hectares, where the vines thrive under the Mediterranean sun and benefit from the gentle sea breezes that grace this coastal region. The winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology.

The winery prioritizes respecting the environment. It cultivates the vineyards using traditional and natural methods and produces its wines using only the highest-quality fruit. Each grape is handpicked and carefully selected.

When it comes to wine tasting, Karaba Wines goes above and beyond. The winery offers a warm and inviting tasting room where you can sample their award-winning wines while overlooking the dazzling views of the vineyard and the Adriatic Sea. The knowledgeable staff are eager to share the stories behind each wine, providing an educational and engaging experience.

Main Wines You Will Find

• Maraština
• Debit
• Crljenak
• Pošip
• Merlot

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8. Vina Buljat Zadar Region

Established by the passionate winemaker Juraj Buljat, Vina Buljat is a family-run winery that takes pride in producing high-quality, handcrafted wines. With a deep understanding of the region’s terroir and a commitment to sustainable viticulture, the Buljat family has created a range of wines that reflect the unique character and flavors of the Zadar region.

One of Vina Buljat’s standout features is its dedication to indigenous grape varieties. This winery particularly focuses on local grape varieties such as Marastina, which thrives in the region’s Mediterranean climate. These varieties not only add a distinctive touch to their wines but also contribute to the preservation of the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

Beyond the winery itself, Vina Buljat offers visitors the opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings. The winery is perched on a hill, providing stunning views of the vineyards, olive groves, and the Adriatic Sea. Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards and immerse yourself in nature, or relax on the winery’s terrace while savoring a glass of their exceptional wine.

Vina Buljat also offers food and wine pairing events. Taste the carefully selected local delicacies that perfectly complement the flavors of their wines, allowing you to truly appreciate the region’s gastronomical delights.

Main Wines You Will Find

• Maraština
• Chardonnay
• Merlot
• Soare
• Syrah
• Cuvée
• Rosé

These Zadar wineries are sure to please, especially when combined with exploring the city itself. Let us know what you think.