A new concept to develop quality tourism in central Hvar, based one of its biggest attractions. Meet the growing team.
Of all the undeveloped tourism on Hvar, no area has more potential than its wines. Attracting international attention and acclaim, Hvar winemakers now export from California to China, from Britain to Singapore. And yet there is little in the way of wine tourism on Hvar for those wanting to discover the island’s wines while visiting.
Until now. Working with the Hvar Wine Association, Total Hvar is delighted to be spearheading a new concept in Hvar tourism – through its wines. Working with winemakers, restaurants and other partners, we will shortly be launching a range of wine tours and tastings on the island, which also tell the incredible 2400 year history through our Hvar Wine Time Traveller concept.
We have international partners in the form of agencies looking to develop gastro tours in Dalmatia, as well as arrangements with winemakers on islands such as Brač and Korčula, which will allow tours of the best wineries on these other islands for guests wanting to enjoy an extended wine tour of the Dalmatian islands.
We are in the process of talking to partners, and this page will be updated as we add more names to the team. Please find below more info about the people involved in the project. To learn more about Hvar wines, why not follow our wine blog?
If you are a winemaker, restaurant, accommodation, agency or other business interested in joining and contributing to the project, please contact us on [email protected]
The Winemakers
Andro Tomić
One of Croatia’s most charistmatic winemakers, from Playboy pinup to defender of Prošek, a visit to the Romanesque tasting rooms of Andro Tomić is one of the top attractions on Hvar. Educated in France but with Hvar in his blood, Tomić combines indigenous and international grape varieties with his international experience to produce a range of outstanding wines. Export markets include America, Canada, Germany and the UK. Learn more about Tomić at www.bastijana.hr
Ivo Duboković
What started out as a hobby in 1999 after opening a bottle of his father’s 8 year-old white wine and finding it excellent, has become a meteoric wine-making career in a short time for Ivo Duboković. The country’s leading ‘garage’ maker, Ivo has followed his instincts and produced a range of 11 highly original wines, each with its own story. The most popular, 2718, is sunshine in a bottle, reflecting the hours of annual Hvar sunshine. His intimate konoba tasting experience is not to be missed.
Ivo Carić
The rising star of the Hvar wine scene, the Carić winery in Svirče has had an excellent last 12 months, starting exports to America, winning medals at the Grand Balkan Wine Tasting in Sofia, and starring in various wine guides with their Plovac Ploški. A small family business with a commitment to the indigenous grape varieties of Hvar, their refusal to compromise on quality or authenticity is paying dividends. Ivana Krstulović Carić is president of the Hvar Wine Assocation, and the winery has its own shop in Hvar Town at Riva 17. www.vinohvar.com
Svirče Cooperative
Formed in 1919, the Svirče Cooperative is currently the largest winemaker on Hvar and based in the heart of the village of wine of the same name. it is one of the country’s best producers of organic wines, and indeed produced the country’s first organic plavac mali in 2003, a wine which won organic gold at Bio Fach in Germany last year. A tour of the winery brings out the story of Hvar wine in the socialist era, while the range of wines for sale offer something for every budget. www.pz-svirce.hr
Teo Huljić
One of the attractions of a wine discovery tour of Hvar is the sheer diversity both of the micro climates and also the producers. Teo Huljić in Jelsa is a small producer with a growing reputation, and he completes his gastronomic credentials with a fine organic restaurant in the heart of the old town of Jelsa.
The Restaurants
Me and Mrs Jones, Jelsa
Jelsa’s leading restaurant since it burst onto the scene three years ago, Me and Mrs Jones is now starting to attracting diners away from Hvar Town with its innovative menu, fine wine list and delightful waterfront location. Owners Jurica and Josipa are committed wine lovers and firm supporters of the island’s wine industry – a lovely spot for a chilled waterfront glass or two, or a bottle while discovering the excellent menu.
Nono, Jelsa
Located at the back of the old town of Jelsa, Nono is an authentic traditional konoba dining experience with quality Dalmatian fare and a selection of the best island wines. Lovingly renovated with attention to authentic detail, Nono has a great ambiance, and has recently extended its outside dining space in a very pleasant courtyard.
Kod None, Svirče
Svirče, 3km from Jelsa, is the village at the heart of the Hvar wine story, and the heartbeat of the village is Kod None restaurant (which translates as ‘At Grandma’s’). Located close to the entrance of the village after the church, Kod None is a delightful konoba with a quality traditional Dalmatian menu. A strong supporter of the local wine industry, the restaurant is one option for a structured tasting of the wines of Ivo Carić.
Mojito Cocktail Bar, Jelsa
A newcomer on the Jelsa scene, Mojito has quickly established itself as the number one cocktail bar in Jelsa, and one of its most popular chill out zones with its waterfront location overlooking across the harbour from the old town. An innovative management team with a varied selection of events throughout the season, Mojito has a great wine list, and has plans for several wine-themed promotions throughout the season.
The Logistics
Hvar Touristik
Stari Grad’s leading tourist agency with a strong passion for central Hvar and its wine story, Hvar Touristik is responsible for organising the logistics for Hvar wine tourism. From transfers to private accommodation, Hvar Touristik has developed a reputation for reliability and personal service, and one of its directors lives in the heart of wine, in Svirče. www.hvar-touristik.com
The Accommodation
Villa Sophie, Svirče
What better place to experience the Hvar wine story than being immersed in the vineyards of the village of wine? Villa Sophie is a stunning stone renovation on the edge of the village, combining authentic Dalmatian character with modern conveniences, with a wraparound terrace surrounded by vines. To get the most atmosphere out of a Hvar wine tourism trip, there can be few better options.
Sunčani Hvar Hotels
For guests wanting to combine their trip with a little hotel luxury, look no further than Sunčani Hvar Hotels, the leading hotel group on the island. With its flagship waterfront hotels of Adriana, Riva and Amfora, there is plenty of choice for the visitor and, as a firm supporter of the island’s wines, tasting possibilities are easy to arrange. www.suncani-hvar.com
The Mainland Partners
Paradox Wine and Cheese Bar, Split
Opened in 2012, the rise of the Paradox Wine and Cheese Bar has been impressive. Quickly established as the number one eatery in Split on TripAdvisor, Paradox has become the Irish Pub of the wine drinking world in Dalmatia, offering a friendly welcome and outstanding selection of quality Croatian wines, none more so than from the island of Hvar. Paradox holds regular Hvar promotions, including a month of Bogdanusa in June 2013.
Other Island Partners
Miki Bratanić Konoba
The konoba is at the heart of the wine story of Dalmatia, and musch of this important heritage has unfortunately been lost over time. One man preserving the traditions is Miki Bratanić from Vrbanj, whose superbly preserved konoba in Vrbanj will soon be added to the list of cultural heritage sites. A visit to the konoba is a fascinating journey into the past, and the Matij Ivanić brand of Miki’s winds are a reminder of the 16th century hero of The Great Rebellion.
Hvar Adventure
Hvar’s leading activity specialist and a firm believer in the development of tourism on central Hvar, Hvar Adventure has the sailing expertise and boats to accompany you on tours of the wineries of Brač from Jelsa, to Korčula from Zavala, and on several other interesting vineyard/sailing tours from its new satellite office in Split. If sailing is not your thing, choose from a range of activities – rock climbing, sea kayaking, cycling and hiking. www.hvar-adventure.com
Secret Hvar
Quickly established as THE tour on Hvar, the Secret Hvar Offroad Tour takes visitors into the undiscovered Hvar away from mass tourism. Lavender fields, abandoned shepherd’s villages, the peak of the island. A story told with local and incredible depth of knowledge from local guide Siniša, the Hvar wine story is at the very heart of the secret Hvar story. Wine tours and vineyard visits can be tailored according to the wishes of the client. www.secrethvar.com
Promotion and Enquiries
Total Hvar
Founded in late 2011 by the author of Hvar’s only guidebook, Total Hvar has quickly become the prime source of information about the island, with more than 3,000 article in the first 18 months. The international reach of the website includes Interview of the Month in the newsletter of the Croatian Embassy in Washigton, articles published in New York magazines and Qatar Airways Inflight Magazine, several national newspaper and television appearances, and constant promotion of Hvar and the Hvar wine story via Google News. Working with international agencies and interested importers, Total Hvar is working with the Hvar Wine Association to assist with exports and incoming wine tourism. Working with a boutique agency with a reputation for quality culinary tours in Croatia, Total Hvar will handle all enquiries and booking requests. www.total-hvar.com
Hvar Wine Assocation
The Hvar Wine Association is the official body representing the winemakers of Hvar. Currently 12 members, the association’s membership is open to all winemakers on the island whose wine is registered. The assocation will be the focal point for the development of wine tourism on Hvar. www.hvar-otok-vina.org
We have various other partners involved, on Hvar, mainland Croatia and internationally whom we will be adding shortly. This initiative is open to anyone who has an interest in promoting wine tourism on Hvar. Please contact us on [email protected] To learn more about the Hvar Wine Time Traveller Concept, click here.
