Learn more about Zinfandel origin
Can you imagine a better way to lull away in the afternoon than sipping regional wines while tales of “mysterious wine” that became an All-American favorite tantalize your taste buds?
Taste the nectar of gods on a 2-hour guided wine tasting tour in Kastela and discover the true origins of the “American Classic”, Zinfandel wine, deriving from an old and almost forgotten Croatian variety, Crljenak Kaštelanski. Visit local wine-maker and sample several diverse wines from some of the oldest vineyards in Kastela. Learn more about local wine producing traditions and typical grape varietals. Tour the wine cellars, hear first-hand the funny anecdotes and secrets of Dalmatian wine making and explore the art of food and wine pairing: today's sensory exploration ends with a food tasting of special selection of wines, homemade olive oils alongside some traditional delicacies.
This tour is all about discovering what's beyond the obvious: smells, colors, flavors, feelings... The taste. As Salvador Dali once said: “Someone who knows how to taste never drinks wine again. Instead, he discovers its secrets”.
Highlights
- Spend time with a local wine producer learning how wine is made
- Find out more about the fascinating local wine making traditions
- Discover the true origins of the “classic Zin”, one of America's favorite wines
- Sample a selection of local wines and home-made olive oils
- Enjoy a platter of traditional Dalmatian delicacies and light conversations
- Learn the 'right way' to taste wine and discover its secrets
- Explore the basics of food and wine pairing
Quick facts
- Tour type: Wine tasting tour
- Departure: Split - Kaštela - Trogir
- Start time: Flexible
- Duration: 2 hours
- Schedule: Year round
- Price: 60 € per person
What to expect
You will be picked up by air-conditioned minivan and taken to Kastela – one of Croatia’s most esteemed wine-making regions. We will be visiting either Kovac’s family winery in Kastel Sucurac, or Bedalov winery in Kastel Kambelovac. Both renowned wine makers, these families hold a long tradition of wine producing in this area and are winners of many esteemed awards. Once arrived, you will be welcomed by the host and introduced to the world of wine making in Kastela. You will hear many wine-related anecdotes, tips and advices on how to properly taste wine and how to distinguish different types. What’s more intriguing, you will find out about the hidden roots of one of the most popular wines in America, Zinfandel. Despite Zinfandel has long held the thrones as America’s great and unique wine, believed to be as American as baseball and called “a California original”, recent discoveries have revealed that Zinfandel is in fact Croatian Crljenak Kastelanski, which found his way to the United States in the 19th century and became widely known by variations of name “zinfandel”. To quench your thirst after so much talking about wine, at the wine tasting session you will have the opportunity to sip on different glasses of wine made by the owner. You will be served different varietals such as Marastina, Mladinka, red Plavac Mali or Babica, and hear tasting tips that will help you distinguish the characteristics of different grapes that are used. As you sip, you will savor some traditional local snacks, a choice of cold or hot plates, selection of chesses or prosciutto, and enjoy conversation with the owner, hearing some more wine making tips & tricks. Your tour ends with a drop-off at the start point.
Good to know: Numbers are limited on this small-group tour to ensure a personalized attention from your guide.
