Croatians are justifiably proud of their wines, many of which are made from indigenous grapes and are full of character. In addition to visiting wineries, where there’s a good chance that the winemaker will show you around, I highly recommend trying some of the country’s many inviting wine bars. I found five along the Dalmatian Coast that I enjoyed immensely, as well as one that is best avoided.

D’vino Wine Bar Dubrovnik

Located just out of the fray to the north of the Stradun, D’vino is cozy and friendly rather than fancy and stylish. The cheerful bartender, Tony, made me feel right at home, and the English menus with well-chosen wine flights make this bar an ideal place to introduce yourself to Croatian wine. The flight of whites included examples from three contrasting regions: a focused and minerally Malvazija from Istria; a juicy and ethereal Pošip from Korčula farther south; and a spicy but polished Graševina from Slavonia, a cooler region south of Hungary. I also tried the red flight, comprising one powerful Plavac Mali each from the Pelješac Peninsula, the more highly regarded Postup region and the most coveted vineyards of Dingač. Both flights proved delicious and illuminating.

D’vino Wine Bar Dubrovnik
Palmotićeva 4A, Dubrovnik. Tel. (385) 20-321-130