Who doesn’t love a good wine tasting experience? We know we do! But it gets even more special when you realise you can level it up to a whole new dimension.
If you’re looking for wine tasting near Split, you might first think of heading inland to the small villages known for their local producers. But why not take it a step further? Try to combine a private boat trip to one of the islands with a relaxed sampling session.
Sailing and wine are what it’s about – instead of rushing from one place to another, you get to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and taste wines where they’re actually made. All while spending a day on the sea. And when it comes to doing this properly, there’s one island in the Adriatic that sets itself apart.
Why Vis is perfect for wine experiences
Apart from being a famous stop on every island-hopping route, Vis stands out as one of the best places to sample Croatian wines. What makes it great is the proximity of vineyards, wineries and sea. Everything sits within easy reach, so planning a day that combines these activities feels simple and natural, not a hassle that you may expect.
Croatian islands and wine go hand in hand. The slower pace of life adds to the experience, making it feel more personal. Vineyards on Vis grow on mineral-rich soil, and are shaped by sun, salt and wind. That’s exactly what every glass of Croatian wine tastes like. If you’re keen on trying the best wines during your stay, look no further – Vis is the place to go.
Top wine varieties from Vis you must try
On Vis, the most recognised wines come from Vugava and Plavac Mali, while a few other varieties are produced in much smaller quantities. Vugava is a local white, most grown around the inland fields around Komiža, and it’s known for its full body, higher alcohol, and soft aromas of ripe stone fruits and Mediterranean herbs. Plavac Mali, on the other hand, thrives on the island’s sunny, sloped vineyards, giving bold reds with firm tannins, dark berry notes, and a hint of spice. Together, they show two very different sides of Vis: one fresh and aromatic, the other rich and structured.
While Vugava and Plavac lead the way, you’ll also come across other native varieties. The most common is Maraština, which adds a subtle variation to the island’s wine scene.
What makes these wine sorts even more special is tasting them right on the island, in the area where the grapes are grown. If you want to get a deeper sense of the experience, there are a couple of wineries you could pay homage to.
Wineries to visit in Vis
One of the best places to experience Croatian wines in a more personal setting is Lipanović Winery, set just outside Vis town in a quiet, inland location. Known as one of the best wineries on Vis Island, it focuses on the island’s key varieties, giving you a clear sense of what makes them unique. Tastings here feel relaxed and unforced, often guided by the people behind the wine. This adds a more authentic layer to the whole experience.
Now, be honest, is there a better way to slow down for a few hours?
Alongside the famous Lipanović, a few other wineries stand out if you want to explore Vis through wine. Roki’s Winery offers a more traditional experience, usually paired with simple, homemade food, such as traditional Dalmatian peka, homemade bread, octopus salad and so on. Being tucked away from the seaside gives it more of an authentic vibe. The rustic interior will give you a warm, pleasant feeling, which makes you want to stay longer than planned.
If you plan to try their peka, it’s best to book in advance so the staff has enough time to prepare everything for you.
Wine tasting in Vis is special, partly because of the small family producers. Often unmarked and producing for their own joy, these are the people you usually come across by chance. Moreover, their space doesn’t even have to be a terrace. Sometimes it’s a tavern or a simple cellar where the owner pours you a glass and starts telling the origin story. With no polished schedule and aesthetic setup, you realise that the point may be in truly being in the moment.
Tips for combining wine tasting with a boat trip
There is no other way to reach Vis other than arriving with a boat. Therefore, combining exploration with a boat tour and enjoying local cuisine and wines seems like a natural way to explore the island.
The key is to keep the day balanced. Don’t try to fit too many stops in one day. Give yourself enough time to enjoy each place.
An ideal daily flow is spending a couple of hours swimming in bays around the island and spending the morning in the sun. If you have time, visit the renowned Stiniva bay and get a glimpse of one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
After you explore the island, head inland for lunch and stay for the late afternoon wine tasting, ideally when the heat starts to drop. It’s worth choosing one or two wineries or local taverns rather than rushing between several.
Luckily, if you book a private tour with Condor Yachting, the skipper can recommend some of the best spots for swimming and wine tasting, according to your preferences, so you can have a day to remember.
When is the best time for wine tasting on Vis
The best time to go wine tasting on Vis is from September to October, when the island slows down and everything starts to revolve around the harvest. The weather is still warm but softer, the crowds thin out, and wineries have more time to welcome guests properly. It’s the perfect moment to try Vis’ signature varieties like Vugava and Plavac Mali, often right where they’re grown.
There’s a different energy in the air during this period. Picture a blend of work, tradition, and celebration away from the tourist crowds.
Plan your visits from early afternoon into the evening, when the light softens, the heat eases off, and tastings naturally stretch into long, relaxed conversations over a few extra glasses.
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If you decide to visit some of the most refined wineries in the area, make sure not to rush between them, trying to fit quantity over quality. Instead, enjoy being in the moment – sit with local producers and listen to their stories as you sip on something they made themselves. Add a boat into the mix and it all clicks: a swim stop before wine tasting, and a slow day that leads into a beautiful sunset with a glass of wine in hand.
Sounds like your kind of day? We can make it come true.
Book today with Condor Yachting and have a day to remember.