From Makarska Riviera : Wine Tasting Grabovac Tour

An Authentic Croatian Wine Experience with Scenic Highlights

This tour offers a delightful escape from the busy Makarska Riviera to explore Croatia’s wine-making traditions at the family-run Grabovac Winery. For around four and a half hours, you’ll enjoy a relaxed drive through picturesque countryside, sample five carefully curated wines paired with local cheeses and smoked ham, and take in breathtaking views of nearby lakes—namely the Blue and Red Lakes near Imotski.

What makes this outing particularly appealing is its combination of wine tasting with scenic photo stops—a combination that appeals to those who want more than just a sip of wine, but also to soak in the natural beauty of Dalmatia. The experience is well-suited for travelers seeking a blend of culture, scenic photography, and a taste of Croatian hospitality.

A single consideration is the 2.5-hour wine tasting at the winery, which means some might find it a touch lengthy if they prefer quick tours. However, for those who love savoring both wine and scenery, this extended tasting is a real bonus.

This tour suits wine lovers, countryside explorers, and anyone wanting a relaxed, authentic Croatian experience.

Key Points

• Authentic family-run winery providing genuine Croatian wine culture
• Beautiful lakeside stops offering excellent photo opportunities
• Five local wines tasted paired with cheeses, ham, and homemade bread
• Comfortable transport in modern air-conditioned vehicles
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before
• Ideal for relaxed afternoons with a focus on authentic experiences

An In-Depth Look at This Wine Tasting Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with pickups from four convenient locations in Makarska, including well-known hotels like Valamar Meteor and Hotel Osejava. This makes organizing your day straightforward, especially if you’re staying in central spots. Once everyone is on board, you’ll hop into a modern, air-conditioned van. The comfort of the vehicle is a plus, especially on warm Croatian days, and the roughly 50-minute drive sets the tone for a relaxing outing.

One of the first things you’ll notice is how smoothly the transfer runs, with the driver confirming pickup times and locations beforehand, according to reviews. This helps set expectations and reduces stress, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the scenery.

Scenic Stop at Imotski Lakes

About 15 minutes into the journey, the van makes a stop at the Blue Lake and Red Lake near Imotski. These lakes are highlights in their own right, famous for their impressive color contrasts and dramatic cliffs. Reviewers have praised the lakes as “breathtaking” and “interesting,” especially noting how good they are for photos and quick walks.

One guest remarked that the Blue Lake is “beautiful and clear, perfect for snapping a few shots,” while another found the Red Lake to be surprisingly deep and crater-like. These stops are brief but well worth it, offering a chance to stretch legs and take in some of Dalmatia’s natural beauty.

Visiting the Grabovac Winery

The heart of the tour is at the family-run Grabovac Winery, a place that has been producing wine for generations. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly hosts eager to introduce you to their high-quality Croatian wines. The tasting session lasts about 2.5 hours, during which you’ll sample five still wines, each accompanied by local cheeses, smoked ham, and homemade bread.

Guests consistently praise the extensive knowledge of the hosts, especially how they share stories about each wine’s origin, production process, and regional significance. Roko, a Croatian reviewer, noted that he was “truly satisfied with the overall experience” and appreciated the personal touch from the host, Milan.

The Tasting Experience

The variety of wines is carefully curated, with some reviewers mentioning they could taste up to 6 different wines if desired. The hosts are happy to offer additional tastings if you show interest, making it ideal for connoisseurs or those just curious to try more. The wines are described as “delicious” and covering both reds and whites, with some reviewers stating they bought bottles to take home.

Besides the wines, you’ll enjoy local cheeses and smoked ham, which perfectly complement the drinks. The homemade bread enhances the tasting, creating a true taste of Dalmatian tradition.

Tour of the Vineyards and Shop

After the tasting, there’s a chance for a stroll through the vineyards, where you’ll see how the grapes are cultivated in the peaceful countryside. Many guests find this quiet walk very relaxing and a good way to digest and appreciate the landscape.

Later, you can visit the winery shop to purchase bottles directly from the producers—some guests mention they left with multiple bottles as souvenirs or gifts. The overall value for money is high, especially considering the quality of the wines, the personalized service, and the scenic breaks.

Return Journey and Drop-offs

After about an hour and a half at the winery, you’ll hop back into the van for the 55-minute drive back to Makarska. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the return journey just as enjoyable as the morning’s start.

Guests are dropped off at their original pickup points, making the whole experience seamless from start to finish.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Given the $82 price tag, this tour provides a comprehensive experience combining scenic views, cultural insights, and quality wine tastings. The inclusion of five wines, local delicacies, lakeside photo stops, and transport makes it a solid choice for those wanting an authentic taste of Croatian countryside and wine culture without breaking the bank.

The flexible cancellation policy—up to 24 hours before—gives peace of mind in case your plans change. Plus, the option to “reserve now, pay later” suits travelers looking to keep their options open.

What We Love About This Experience

• The friendly, knowledgeable guides who add a personal touch and local insights
• The scenic lakes that are perfect for photos and a quick refreshment break
• The variety of wines and professional tasting that appeal to both casual drinkers and enthusiasts
• The relaxed pace, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon away from crowded tours
• The authentic family-run winery offering genuine Croatian hospitality

Slight Drawbacks or Considerations

Some guests mentioned that the wine tasting lasts about 2.5 hours, which might feel lengthy for those not deeply interested in wine or who prefer shorter tours. Plus, a review pointed out that the bus “smelled a bit of old smoke,” though this was not a common complaint and didn’t seem to affect the overall experience.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is perfect if you enjoy wine and scenic countryside and want to discover a local, family-led winery. It’s suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, love taking photos, and are curious about Croatian wine traditions.

It might not be ideal if you’re in a hurry or prefer more adventurous, activity-packed outings. However, for a balanced mix of culture, nature, and tasting, it offers excellent value and memorable moments.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including travel, lakeside stops, and the wine tasting.

Is pickup included?
Yes, you can be picked up from four nearby hotel locations in Makarska, making the starting process convenient.

What does the wine tasting include?
You’ll taste five still wines, paired with local cheeses, smoked ham, and homemade bread. You might also sample more if interested.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Absolutely. The winery has a shop where you can purchase bottles of your favorites.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While primarily a wine tasting, the scenic lakes and countryside are enjoyable even without drinking. However, most of the experience revolves around wine.

Are the guides English-speaking?
Yes, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide. Guests have praised guides like Milan and Mario for their friendliness and knowledge.

What about the transportation?
The tour uses a modern, air-conditioned van, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is extra time available at the winery?
Yes, guests can take a stroll in the vineyards and purchase additional bottles, making it a flexible experience.

Final Thoughts

This From Makarska Riviera: Wine Tasting Grabovac Tour combines spectacular scenery, authentic Croatian wines, and warm hospitality into a well-rounded, enjoyable half-day outing. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine scenic exploration with cultural and gustatory delights without feeling rushed.

The tour emphasizes local traditions, natural beauty, and quality—a true taste of Dalmatia that will likely leave you with new favorites and plenty of memorable photos.

Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or simply looking for a peaceful afternoon in beautiful surroundings, this tour offers value, authenticity, and a friendly welcome—a perfect way to deepen your Croatian experience.

Sources

https://www.getyourguide.com/makarska-l1331/from-makarska-riviera-wine-tasting-grabovac-tour-t613145/