As a statement of the rise of Croatian wine, it could not be starker – the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers Association is heading to Dalmatia to discover the original Zinfandel in Dalmatia.
Croatian wine, little known on the international scene until recently. An estimated 130 mostly unpronounceable indigenous varieties, unheard of in international wine circles.
Except…
In 2001, the University of Davis in California provided conclusive proof that one of them – the typically linguistically challenging Crljenak Kastelanski – was in fact the 100% DNA ancestor of Zinfandel. Original Zin, it seems, comes from Kastela.
The discovery is one that is about to get a lot more publicity, with the announcement of a fascinating trip by the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers association, working with Food and Wine Trails and local partners Secret Dalmatia, bringing American Zinfandel enthusiasts into the heart of original Zin territory in Dalmatia with a unique tour. In their own words…
Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is launching a fascinating opportunity for wine lovers to taste and travel through the ancestral home of Zinfandel with some of California’s most famous Zinfandel producers and their Croatian counterparts.
A connection between Californian and Croatian wines was established in 2001 when scientists at the University of California, Davis, traveled to Croatia and worked with scientists at the University of Zagreb. They confirmed a link between the genes of California Zinfandel and vineyards near the city of Split, Croatia. This brought the wine-world’s attention to a country that until then was more celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, medieval walled-cities and stunning azure seas.
The Roots of Zinfandel is the first tasting and travel program to bring Californian and Croatian wine producers together with wine enthusiasts. The breathtaking Dalmatia coastline will serve as the backdrop for travelers to find their own private island or hidden cove, explore a rich culture and historical sites, relax on the beach, and indulge in the mouth-watering local cuisine with wines to match.
The five-day program will be based in Split at the Radisson Blu Hotel. This four-star property overlooks a beach near the medieval city center. The program’s first two days is a conference based at the hotel that features a winemaker reception, panel discussion, and the opportunity to taste and compare California and Croatia Zinfandel with producing winemakers.
Then for the next three days you’ll enjoy a series of field-trips and winery visits to surrounding islands and country-side, with each day featuring conversations with Croatian winemakers and sommeliers, lunches, dinners and great sightseeing.
And, the best part! You’ll be traveling with fellow wine lovers who share a passion for Zinfandel and want to explore the world of wine in a whole new way. This incredible journey promises new adventures as we explore the history, gorgeous landscape and wines of Croatia! It’s also the perfect opportunity to make lifelong memories and new friends.
Day 1 | April 30, 2017 | Arrive in Split, Croatia | [D]
Arrive independently to Split, Croatia and transfer on your own to the hotel.
Welcome Reception and light buffet dinner with fellow wine enthusiasts and Dalmatian and ZAP winery hosts.
Day 2 | May 1, 2017 | Technical Tastings & Panel Discussions | [B, L, D]
Begin the day with a wonderful buffet breakfast served in one of the hotel’s restaurants.
Spend the day at the hotel participating in technical wine tastings and panel discussions led by Dalmatian and ZAP winery hosts. Lunch today will be served in the hotel’s Fig Leaf restaurant
This evening you are invited to attend a special Gala Wine Dinner held on the restaurant’s beautiful terrace.
Day 3 | May 2, 2017 | Brac | [B, L]
Begin the day with a wonderful buffet breakfast served in one of the hotel’s restaurants.
Today, the group will take a 50 min ferry trip to the beautiful island of Brac and visit two wineries and at one, a wine-paired lunch.
Day 4 | May 3, 2017 | Kastela Wine Region | [B, L]
Begin the day with a wonderful buffet breakfast served in one of the hotel’s restaurants.
The group is off for a day in the Kastela wine region with a tour, tasting, and lunch at Babic Wiinery. After lunch you’ll take a boat ride to see the charming town of Skradin located along the river Krka, and visit the nearby Krka National Park and it’s famous waterfalls.
Day 5 | May 4, 2017 | Diocletian Palace & Farewell Dinner | [B, L, D]
Begin the day with a wonderful buffet breakfast served in one of the hotel’s restaurants.
Today is about the food. After having the morning free, you’ll be a guest for lunch hosted by Split’s top wine restaurant. After your meal, you’ll tour the 1700-year-old Diocletian Palace, a filming location of HBO’s television series, Game of Thrones.
Spend the afternoon exploring Split on your own or enjoying the resorts’s facilities. For more information on the Radisson Blu Resort visit HOTEL.
For more information, visit the Food and Wine Trails website.
