Wine-lovers who are looking for excellent wine experiences will find that the lush inland areas of Istria, the so-called, “Green Istria,” ensure endless stunning wineries boasting delicious Croatian wines that are well-worth visiting. The more serious wine-lovers could even visit various regions to sample their wines while on vacation in Croatia and go on wine-tasting tours of different wineries. However, those who are after a more unique wine experience who have found a villa in Hvar or a holiday rental in Dubrovnik should seek out one winery, in particular, Edivo Vina Winery: Croatia’s first, and only, underwater winery.
An especially appealing option for those who love both wine and diving, this singular gem of a winery is located off the Peljesac peninsula, in Drače, around halfway along the coastline of Croatia between Hvar and Dubrovnik. Founded by Edi Bajurin who combined two of his favourite hobbies and tested a theory he had that storing wines underwater would keep them at a perfect and constant temperature. After much experimentation and creating specific corking and storage methods to suit an underwater home, Bajurin began producing his underwater wines. Aged for between 18 and 24 months, the wines then emerge covered in barnacles and seashells to particularly picturesque and charming effect. So, even if the whole process and idea doesn’t actually have official word on whether it is truly any better, the whole experience of the winery is pretty magical and worth checking out for yourself.
Diving enthusiasts can join tours down under the water and select their own underwater treasure for themselves but those who are a little less keen about that side of things can equally simply enjoy the bar and sampling wine by the sea while their adventurous travel companions tire themselves out – perfect for everyone involved!
Melanie Green, a honeymooner who visited last year had this to say of the unique diving and wine experience at Edivo Vina Winery, “I’ve had this experience on my bucket list for 10 years and it did not disappoint. My fiancé became dive certified so we could dive on our honeymoon. My now husband and I shared this experience on Day 3 of our marriage and it was just amazing. The staff during the dive and the wine tasting were so friendly and knowledgeable and shared fun stories of their trials and experiments of making this experience a reality. 100000/10 recommend.”
Another reviewer, Devan Pulliah, meanwhile, who didn’t do the diving part of this experience, noted that there is still plenty to enjoy during a visit: “Located on the side of the road this little wine tasting shop has a good ambience... The waiters are friendly the service is good depending on the number of people needing to be served... The wines are decent... The unique thing is that some of the wines are stored at sea for a year...the others are normally stored... For around 10 euros you get the tasting of red or white wines with a little platter... Walk to the village after the tasting it's lovely...”
So, if you love to dive and you love wine or you just want to sip wine on the coast while enjoying a holiday in Croatia, then consider stopping by the underwater winery, Edivo Vina Winery!
