Our Story
I first explored Croatia, and more specifically the Dalmatian coast during a summer holiday in 2008. At this time, Croatia was still a relatively unexplored destination for Scandinavians looking to spend some time in the sun. To me, the small town of Biograd na Moru (“white city by the sea”) was a truly untouched gem in a paradise unlike anything else I’d seen before. Like so many other people, I was amazed by the beauty of the crystal clear blue water and white beaches, as well as the taste of the Dalmatian cuisine and the genuine warmth of the people.
Despite my fascination for the Croatian coast, it wasn’t until ten years later in 2018 that I became a regular visitor in Croatia as part of my job at the time. Apart from doing business in the region, I also had the pleasure of meeting a number of passionate people who introduced me to the Croatian wine and food scene. I was amazed by the diversity and complexity of the wine, and the richness of the food. But it was not until I stepped foot into Zoran’s award-winning Wine and Cheese Bar Paradox in Split, that I truly understood the quality and beauty of Croatian cuisine. I had the pleasure of experiencing a wine tasting that took me through a journey of the main wine regions in Croatia spanning from Slavonia, Croatian Uplands, Istria, and finally, Dalmatia.
Zoran Pejović, a hotelier and wine expert with 20 years of experience from the international wine industry.
“Most people have no clue Croatia even produces wine, but the vast majority adore it and would love to be able to get a piece of it on a regular basis.”
The wine tasting left me fascinated, but it also raised a lot of questions for me. How have I never heard of this before? Is Croatia unknown to people as a wine region or is it just me that has been completely oblivious? After leaving Croatia this time around I set out to find answers to these questions. I not only asked people if they knew about Croatian wine, but I also introduced them to a small selection of what Croatia has to offer. Friends, family, and colleagues have all helped me come up with a clear answer to my questions: Most people have no clue Croatia even produces wine, but the vast majority adore it and would love to be able to get a piece of it on a regular basis.
Croatia, as we know it today, has 2500 years of wine production history and 130 indigenous grape varieties.
With 2843 hours of sun per year, Hvar is the sunniest island in the Adriatic.
While all wine regions in Croatia have their own charm and specialities, Dalmatia, and specifically the island of Hvar, with a vast variety of wines and several indigenous (native) grape varieties, has a special place in my heart. Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast between the islands of Brač, Vis and Korčula. The island is approximately 68km long with a high east-west ridge of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite. Hvar's climate is archetypal Mediterranean.
I first visited Hvar and some of its gifted winemakers in summer 2019 and yet again I was fortunate enough to attend wine tastings organised by Zoran. Ever since, I’ve been wanting to make wine from the island of Hvar accessible to people outside of Croatia. Luckily Zoran, who has an even greater passion and knowledge about wine shared this desire.
Yours truly, Sara Rasmussen, wine lover and Croatia fan girl.
“A taste of Hvar, wherever you are.”
This quote came to me while looking out over the lake in my hometown in Sweden, contemplating life and longing for a zip of Croatian wine. By that time it was obvious what we had to do and the rest is history as they say.
I hope you will like Hvar wine and what we have to offer. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help navigating the world of wine from the beautiful island of Hvar. Both Zoran and I are here to share our passion for wine and Croatian wine from the island of Hvar in particular.
Love,
Sara