There are a lot of churches on Hvar Island and every single church is overlooked by a vineyard. Each vineyard church here on Hvar Island has characteristic form . The same can be said for vineyards.
Ancient Greeks brought vine to the island of Hvar in 4th B.C. and planted the first one somewhere in the large Stari Grad Plain which has remained partially covered by vineyards till present days. The most precious vineyards are located on the steep slopes in the southeren part of the island. These wonderfull terraced vineyards from times of land improvement are still cultivated. In the interior of the island there are vineyards which resemble a river meandering between hills. Stone vineyard churches, a kind of symbiosis of church with vineyard, witness the connection of the human spirit and faith with this generous plant which has raised generations of islanders as well as the inhabitants of the whole Dalmatia.
Hvar island vineyard tours - on Dalmatian coast in Croatia
Is there a generally recognized and world renowned Croatian wine? We must say no. Another paradox.
"The father went to America and the son remained in his native Dalmatia". No, this time is not a question of human fate but the fate of a variety of grape vine.
What's the connection betweeen Croatian grape variety Plavac mali and Americain most famous variety Zinfandel? Until recently it was the only Americain grape variety whose origin was not known. Today we know that Zinfandel wine is produced of grape variety which came from Dalmatia.
Wine trail on Hvar island in Croatia, vineyard tours
At the beginning of 20th century, Crljenak was replaced by more resistant variety Plavac mali in the whole Dalmatia.
Regardless of grape variety, on the island of Hvar a man has been sweating over his holy vineyard, a place where the sun joins the sea and the red soil . Another holy wine, "vinum de vitae" will be given as a present from the vineyard near the church.
This tour is designed for those who like good Hvar wine and vineyard countryside. On excursion Hvar holy vineyard tour you will learn a lot about vineyards and wines, about the connection between the Church and the wine; you will also enjoy beautiful sceneries and, of course, you will taste local wines in a relaxed atmosphere- without a strict evaluation of a sommelier.