Seven days. Four wine regions. One unforgettable adventure through the most beautiful vineyards, cellars, and tables of Croatia — guided by the same passionate experts who inspired the acclaimed TV show V is for Vino.
Day 1 · Sunday, June 21
Welcome to Zagreb
Your Croatian wine adventure begins in Zagreb - a city that immediately charms visitors with its elegant blend of Austro-Hungarian grandeur and vibrant contemporary energy. After you settle into your centrally located luxury hotel, we'll meet at the iconic main square and set off on a leisurely guided walk through the Upper Town. You'll discover the breathtaking Cathedral, the mysterious Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata), the striking St. Mark's Church with its colorful tiled roof, and the Lotrščak Tower - all steeped in centuries of history. We'll then glide down to the Lower Town on one of the shortest funiculars in the world, a charming 66-second ride that has been delighting visitors since 1890.
The evening belongs to good wine, great food, and new friendships. Dinner is reserved at Restaurant Korčula - the very same restaurant where Vince and Tomislav from V is for Vino began their Croatian wine adventure during filming. It's the perfect place to raise a glass, swap stories, and get excited about the days ahead.
Overnight: Luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Zagreb.
Day 2 · Monday, June 22
Međimurje & Varaždin - The Northern Jewels
After a leisurely hotel breakfast, we head north - just 90 minutes from Zagreb - to Međimurje, Croatia's northernmost wine region and one of its best-kept secrets. Nestled in a gentle landscape where four countries meet on the horizon, this region produces some of the country's most elegant sparkling wines and aromatic whites.
Our first stop is the stunning Mađerkin Breg vineyard, where the owner himself, David Štampar, will welcome us personally. From the vineyard's hilltop viewpoint, on a clear day you can see Slovenia, Austria, and Hungary - a view that alone is worth the journey. We'll sip his acclaimed sparkling wines and still wines surrounded by vines and birdsong.
Our trip takes us to one of Međimurje's most treasured landmarks: a perfectly preserved historic watermill on the Mura River, where flour was ground for centuries using nothing but the power of flowing water. We'll explore the mill and an interactive exhibition at the nearby visitor center. Weather permitting, we'll cross the river on a traditional wooden raft - a one-of-a-kind experience.
Lunch is served at the restaurant of Terbotz Castle - a fairytale setting for a feast of local specialties: pumpkin seed oil drizzled over fresh salads, slow-cooked pork confit known as meso z tiblice, and the beloved Međimurska gibanica, a layered pastry filled with walnuts, poppy seeds, cottage cheese, and apples. Food doesn't get more authentic than this.
In the afternoon, we drive to Varaždin - a baroque gem that once served as Croatia's capital city. After a guided walking tour through its exquisite historic core and some free time, dinner awaits at The Family restaurant, a place unlike any other. The walls are lined with photographs, trophies, and jerseys celebrating Croatia's greatest football moments - because the owner is none other than Zlatko Dalić, the legendary coach of the Croatian national team. As we dine, Dalić and his 'Vatreni' will be competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, chasing a third consecutive World Cup medal after silver in Russia and bronze in Qatar. There's magic in the air.
Overnight: 4-star hotel in Varaždin.
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Day 3 · Tuesday, June 23
Slavonia - Ancient Cellars & Golden Wines
We leave the lush greenery of Međimurje behind and head east into Slavonia - Croatia's golden heartland, often called the breadbasket of the nation. But Slavonia is also home to Graševina, Croatia's most widely planted white grape variety, and to what may be the oldest continuously operating wine cellar in this part of Europe.
The Kutjevo wine cellar was built by Cistercian monks in 1232 - nearly 800 years ago. As we walk its ancient stone corridors, our guide will share the almost-too-good-to-be-true legend that Empress Maria Theresa and the dashing Baron Trenk once spent a few memorable days locked inside the cellar together. Wine and romance, apparently, were never in short supply.
Lunch is at the nearby Restaurant Vinkomir, where we'll savor two Slavonian icons: a silky Graševina wine soup - yes, wine soup - and the famous Slavonian kulen, a robust, paprika-spiced sausage that has been delighting palates for centuries.
The afternoon delivers a beautiful contrast: after visiting one of Europe's oldest cellars, we step into one of Croatia's most modern and technically advanced wineries - the celebrated Galić Winery. Behind its sleek exterior lie surprising stories and exceptional wines waiting to be discovered.
We spend the night at a winery guesthouse in Kutjevo, where the day winds down slowly and pleasantly — the way wine country evenings should. Football fans, take note: Croatia plays its World Cup match tonight, and you can be sure every café in town will be buzzing. This is your chance to experience the electric atmosphere that sweeps through Croatia whenever the national team plays. An unforgettable cultural moment.
Overnight: Winery guesthouse in Kutjevo.
Day 4 · Wednesday, June 24
Plešivica - Croatia's Champagne Country
After a cheerful breakfast (and celebrating Croatia's victory!), we head toward the heart of the country. Our destination today is Plešivica - a wine region not featured in the V is for Vino series, and yet one of Croatia's most exciting wine stories. Known as Croatia's Champagne, Plešivica's cool mountain slopes produce outstanding sparkling wines and distinctive orange wines that have wine lovers talking.
We begin with a visit to a small family-run cooperage - a disappearing craft few travelers ever get to witness - where barrels for aging wine are still crafted by hand, using techniques passed down through generations. You'll see the tools, learn the craft, and gain a whole new appreciation for what goes into every barrel of wine you'll ever taste.
Lunch is at a winery celebrated for its exceptional sparkling wines and amber-hued orange wines - a perfect introduction to this distinctive style. The meal itself is something special: traditional, home-cooked food prepared by the winemaker's mother and grandmother, using recipes that have never left the family kitchen. It's the kind of lunch money can't usually buy.
In the afternoon, we visit one of Plešivica's most prestigious estates - a family whose wines are served at their own Michelin-starred restaurant. A guided tasting through their portfolio rounds off a day that has redefined what Croatian wine can be.
Overnight: 4-star hotel near Plešivica.
Day 5 · Thursday, June 25
Istria - Where the Show Was Born
Today we arrive in Istria - the sun-drenched, Adriatic-kissed peninsula that was the heart and soul of the V is for Vino series. This is where most of the show was filmed, and where Croatian wine truly comes into its own on the world stage.
We begin at the Kozlović Winery, one of Istria's pioneering wine estates and arguably the most beautiful winery on the peninsula. The family has been crafting exceptional wines here for generations, and a guided tour of their stunning cellar - followed by a tasting of their finest bottles - is an experience that sets the tone for everything Istria has to offer.
Lunch is at an excellent local restaurant just steps from the winery, serving traditional Istrian cuisine: truffles, prosciutto, fresh pasta, and olive oil so good it deserves its own tasting. After lunch, we drive to the charming hilltop village of Višnjan. Fans of the show will recognize it immediately - the final scenes of V is for Vino were filmed here, at the intimate jazz & wine bar Truba. We'll stop for a drink, soak in the atmosphere, and feel the quiet magic of this place.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy freely in Poreč - a beautifully preserved Roman and Byzantine town on the Adriatic coast. Stroll the ancient streets, dip into the sea, or simply sit at a café and watch the world go by.
Dinner is at Restaurant Spinnaker in Poreč - the same restaurant where Vince sat down with local winemakers during the filming of the show.
Overnight: Hotel in Poreč (2 nights).
Day 6 · Friday, June 26
Medea, the Adriatic & the Brijuni Islands
This morning we visit the second Istrian winery featured in V is for Vino - Medea. Unlike Vince's visit, which was battered by the famous Istrian bura wind, we're counting on June sunshine to let us fully appreciate what is one of the most scenically spectacular vineyards in all of Croatia. A guided tasting follows, with wines that beautifully reflect the rugged character of this coastal landscape.
After the tasting, we drive to the charming seaside town of Fažana for lunch at the acclaimed Alla Beccaccia restaurant, where fresh Adriatic seafood and Istrian specialties take center stage.
From Fažana, we board a boat bound for the Brijuni Islands National Park - and prepare to be astonished. This archipelago feels like it belongs in a fairy tale: a safari park roams its meadows, dinosaur footprints are preserved along the shore, Roman ruins date back two millennia, and the whole island was once the private summer residence of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. During his reign, Brijuni hosted some of the 20th century's most glamorous guests - Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor among them. Today it belongs to all of us.
We return to Poreč in the evening, relaxed and full of stories.
Overnight: Hotel in Poreč.
Day 7 · Saturday, June 27
Farewell Zagreb - Until We Meet Again
All good things must come to an end - but not before one final chapter. We make our way back to Zagreb, the city where our journey began, for a last guided walk and a celebratory farewell lunch in the heart of the Croatian capital.
As we raise our glasses one final time, we'll look back on seven extraordinary days: four wine regions, ancient monasteries and Michelin stars, World Cup magic, dinosaur footprints and Adriatic sunsets, winemakers who welcomed us like family, and flavors that will linger long after the trip is over.
Croatia - by the glass. We hope you'll be back for more.
