Wine has been made in Dalmatia since around 2200 BC. Greek and Roman rule expanded the trade, and wine from the Croatian coast was shipped across Europe.
Dalmatia includes islands, coastal areas and the inland zone of Dalmatinska zagora. Northern Dalmatia generally makes fresher, livelier wines with more acidity than the south. Debit and Maraština are its principal white grapes, while Plavina is an important red. Debit can be mineral and lime-toned, with freshness similar to Sauvignon Blanc. Inland Dalmatinska zagora can show a more continental character than the coast.
Central and Southern Dalmatia has Mediterranean conditions and richer styles of Plavac Mali. Its white grapes include Pošip, Grk, Dubrovnik Malvasia and Maraština. Plavac Mali differs markedly between Dingač, Postup and inland Pelješac fields. Across the region, native grapes produce fruity wines in the warm, sunny climate.
Inside the region
6 named areas
Each guide keeps its place within Dalmatia clear, with a direct route back to the map.
- 01Dalmatinska zagoraNo producers listed yetDalmatinska zagora sits within Dalmatia, Croatia.
- 02Dingač1 producerDingač is steep Pelješac limestone above the Adriatic, where Plavac Mali becomes powerful, tannic and salty.
- 03PonikveNo producers listed yetPonikve sits within Dalmatia, Croatia.
- 04Primorska HrvatskaNo producers listed yetPrimorska Hrvatska sits within Dalmatia, Croatia.
- 05Sjeverna Dalmacija1 producerSjeverna Dalmacija sits within Dalmatia, Croatia.
- 06Srednja i Južna DalmacijaNo producers listed yetCentral and southern Dalmatia are hot, rocky and windy, so Plavac Mali and Pošip carry ripe fruit with an Adriatic edge.
Producer profiles
Begin with this selection, or open the full directory when you want every producer currently placed in Dalmatia.
- Black Island Winery D.O.OKorčula Island estate making Pošip from 25 family-farmed terraced vineyards in Smokvica village.
- Testament WineryOrganic vineyard wines from Jadrtovac near Šibenik, pairing lees-textured Pošip with barrique-aged Babić.