Wine Tasting Round Trip from Hvar – Family Winery at a Hilltop

Exploring Hvar’s Hilltop Winery: A Tasty and Scenic Wine Tasting Experience

When it comes to wine tasting tours around Hvar, this particular excursion stands out for its blend of authentic local flavors, breathtaking scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a well-rounded way to enjoy Croatia’s renowned wines without the fuss of large, commercial wineries. The experience focuses on a family-owned, hilltop winery that offers a more personal touch, paired with homemade delicacies and spectacular sea views.

What we love most about this tour is its combination of scenic drives through lavender fields, intimate tasting sessions on a veranda, and the chance to explore a small traditional village. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the total duration, including transportation, might stretch beyond the 3 hours listed, making it slightly longer than expected. This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed, authentic experience—especially if you’re a wine lover eager to taste Croatian wines in a charming setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Family Winery: Experience the hospitality of a small, family-run operation with a focus on natural wine production.
• Scenic Setting: Enjoy your tasting on a veranda with stunning views of the sea and lush hills.
• Six Course Tasting: Sample four different wines paired with local homemade delicacies, including cheeses, cold cuts, and finger foods.
• Convenient & Private: Includes private transportation, pickup options, and a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
• Beautiful Drive: The journey from Hvar town takes you through lavender fields, adding to the visual pleasure.
• Flexible Exploration: During breaks, you’re free to explore other parts of the winery like The Deck, Gazebo, or Terrace and even take photos.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Transportation

The tour kicks off at Trg svetog Stjepana in Hvar, where your private, air-conditioned vehicle awaits. The inclusion of transportation ensures a stress-free transfer, allowing you to relax and soak up the Croatian countryside even before the tasting begins. The drive, typically around 30 minutes each way, takes you through fragrant lavender fields—a highlight for many reviewers. One guest noted that the total “time isn’t 3 hours, it’s more like 4,” which is worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule but also a sign of an unhurried, scenic journey.

The Winery & Tasting Session

Lacman Family Winery forms the heart of the experience. Here, you’ll be seated on a veranda overlooking a traditional hilltop village, enveloped by the peaceful sounds of nature. This is where the moderated, guided tasting takes place—an opportunity to learn about the winery’s natural production methods directly from knowledgeable hosts.

Guests have reported enjoying 4 wine courses paired with local homemade snacks, including cheeses, cold cuts, and finger foods. One reviewer praised the charcuterie board, calling it “exceptional,” with a good variety of meats, cheeses, and breads that paired beautifully with the wines. The atmosphere is casual but informative, and the setting is perfect for those who want to savor each sip without feeling rushed.

The Wines & Food

While the specifics of the wines are not detailed, reviews suggest that the selection is impressive and Croatian. The wines are described as good quality, and the “natural” aspect of the winery emphasizes purity and authenticity. The food complements the wines well, adding a hearty, local flavor to the experience.

One guest observed that the staff was “polite and knowledgeable,” which enhances the experience, especially for those new to Croatian wines. However, note that the food isn’t tailored for non-meat eaters, which could be a consideration for some travelers. The overall tone is relaxed, and you’re encouraged to explore the winery spaces like The Deck, Gazebo, and Terrace, take photos, or simply enjoy an extra glass of wine.

The View & Atmosphere

The view from the terrace is widely celebrated—stunning sea vistas combined with lush green hills create a tranquil backdrop for your tasting. Several reviews mention that you can enjoy wine on a terrace with a view, making this a memorable highlight. It’s a peaceful spot that invites slow sipping and admiration of nature’s beauty, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

Post-Tasting & Additional Exploration

During breaks, guests are free to explore other parts of the winery. This flexibility adds value, as it allows you to take photos or simply soak in the surroundings at your own pace. The winery spaces like The Deck and Gazebo offer additional spots for enjoying your wine or snacks, often with fewer crowds and more privacy.

Pricing & Value

At $93.52 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic drive, intimate wine tasting, homemade food, and breathtaking views. For those who appreciate a more personal setting and are interested in Croatian wines, this cost aligns well with the overall experience. You’re paying not just for the wines but for the relaxing atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and the chance to learn about traditional winemaking methods.

Compared to larger, more commercial wine tours, this experience emphasizes authenticity and intimacy, which many reviewers seem to value. The inclusion of private transportation and exclusive access to the winery spaces adds to the perceived value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts eager to taste Croatian wines in a calm, scenic environment. It’s also perfect for couples and small groups looking for a relaxed, authentic outing. If you enjoy outdoor settings with stunning views, and want to combine sightseeing with wine tasting, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, travelers expecting a full day of wine-focused activities or a variety of wine regions might find this a bit limited in scope. It’s more about quality over quantity, and the scenic drive and peaceful setting make it ideal for those who want a gentle, memorable experience.

Final Thoughts

This Wine Tasting Round Trip from Hvar offers a genuine taste of Croatia’s natural winemaking tradition. The combination of beautiful scenery, knowledgeable hosts, homemade delicacies, and an intimate setting makes it a worthwhile choice for those seeking authentic experiences. It’s especially suited to travelers who enjoy relaxed afternoons, scenic drives, and good wine rather than fast-paced tours or large group settings.

While the tour might run slightly longer than the listed 3 hours, the extra time is often spent enjoying the views or exploring the winery’s picturesque spaces. The private transportation and flexibility to explore on your own add to the overall value, making it a memorable, low-stress adventure.

For anyone wanting to savor Croatia’s wine culture in a peaceful, beautiful setting, this tour achieves that beautifully—delivering a taste of local life with each sip and each view.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation, with pickup available from your location in Hvar. The total drive time is about 30 minutes each way.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, but some guests note that including transportation, it might feel closer to 4 hours altogether.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll enjoy a four-course wine tasting, with each wine paired with local homemade delicacies like cheeses, cold cuts, and finger foods.

Can I explore the winery during breaks?
Absolutely. Guests are free to wander around different areas such as The Deck, Gazebo, or Terrace, and take photos when spaces are available.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or non-meat eaters?
The food primarily features local, traditional snacks with meats and cheeses, so vegetarians might find limited options. The review mentions no specific vegetarian alternatives are provided.

What’s the best way to book this experience?
You can reserve your spot through platforms like Viator, which offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This private, scenic wine tasting tour from Hvar offers a genuine glimpse into Croatia’s natural wine-making scene, paired with stunning views and delicious local flavors. Whether you’re a wine lover or someone seeking a peaceful escape, it’s a journey worth considering during your stay.