Day excursion to discover the Pelješac Peninsula
Beginning from Korčula, depart the island in the late morning by private car and driver, crossing to the mainland by car ferry. Land in the town of Orebic on the Pelješac Peninsula. This narrow peninsula features a low rugged mountain range at its center, slopping directly into the clear waters at its shore.
Your driver will bring you to the Monastery of the Lady of the Angels for one of most spectacular views on the Adriatic!! Make sure to bring your camera.
The Pelješac Peninsula has been growing and producing wines for centuries. Many native varieties are produced almost exclusively in this area with its unique slopping hills, limestone and sandy soils,
Your team of specialists at Tasteful Croatian Journeys will recommend wineries based on your preferences and curiosities. Some of the local wineries include;
Wineries in the Pelješac Peninsula
The Pelješac Peninsula has been growing and producing wines for centuries. Many native varieties are produced almost exclusively in this area with its unique slopping hills, limestone and sandy soils.
Your team of specialists at Tasteful Croatian Journeys will recommend wineries based on your preferences and curiosities. Some of the local wineries include:
Miloš Winery – the oldest family owned winery on the Pelješac Peninsula. Specializing in producing different types of high-quality wine, with a focus on ecological production and the autochthonous grape variety of Plavac Mali.
Miloš has a unique story to tell of wine, land and family. Immediately after the fall of communism, Frano Miloš began purchasing land from the state-owned wineries, and developing his delicious ‘Stagnum’ range of wines. Since that time, Miloš has gained international recognition.
Grgić Vina – Established in 1996 by Miljenka “Mike” Grgich, with his daughter Violet Grgich, they produce the region’s most notable varieties, Plavac Mali and Pošip.
Grgić Vina’s mission is to represent these two wines in a very authentic way. All wines made in at Grgić Vina have been judged to be “Vrhunska Vina” (top premium wines), and his 1996 Plavac Mali has twice been recognized as the best Croatian red wine on the market.
Korta Katarina winery – Offering educational tours and tastings, the stunning villa and winery is the passion of Lee and Penny Anderson of Minnesota. Read a recent article from Forbes here to discover the story that lead them to Croatia.
Korta Katarina wines have received a number of accolades along with high ratings. The winery focuses on local native varieties, Plavac Mali (red), Pošip (white) and Rukatac (white), using the best quality French oak barrels for wine maturing.
Saints Hills’ Winery – Beautiful scenery surrounds you at the winery, location inland on the peninsula with breathtaking vistas, that give perspective to the tremendous work of the winemakers.
A family boutique winery, they successfully present Croatian wines and native varieties with modern production and a respect for nature. The winery produces four wines from different regions around Croatia. Each of the three vineyards and their olive orchard has been named after a saint. The beautiful scenery and elegant wines are made all the more special by the warm welcome of the kind, and knowledgeable team.
Vinarija Bartulović – Discover this sustainable vineyard and winery, one of the pioneers of private and organic wine production in the area.
At Vinarija Bartulović family traditions meet with modern technology and sustainable practices for an exciting wine story. Dry farmed with no insecticide or herbicide and the use of natural fermentation without filtering, produces wines that are true representatives of the local soil and climate. They focus on the native Plavac Mali (red) and Rukatac (white), while also offering guests a taste of Dalmatian cuisine at their wonderful Konoba (tavern).
After visiting the wineries, make your way to where this 70km long sliver of land meets the mainland in the small villages of Ston and Mali Ston.
Ston is home to the flats that for centuries have been producing the white gold of the ancient economy: sea salt. Since 1333 Ston was the second most important town in the ancient Republic of Dubrovnik.
The villages are protected and crowned by the longest fortification of walls in Europe. The walls were designed to protect local salt production and took about 200 years to build.
While visiting you may wish to walk the walls and visit the St. Jerome fortress.
Ston is also the home to centuries old oyster beds and continues to produce world class oysters. Stories linger of Roman emperors who insisted to only be served oysters from Ston. If fresh, succulent, oysters are of your pleasure, be sure to taste the oysters while you are here. Your team at Tasteful Croatian Journeys will arrange for you to enjoy a tasting of the freshest oysters, straight from the sea, as well as a special Oyster cruise – embark on a boat, enjoy cruising the untouched natural beauty of the protected eco system of Mali Ston bay, learn the ancient process of cultivating oysters before finally tasting one of the best Mediterranean oysters! Special experiences, romantic lunches or dinners can be arranged as well.
After discovering the peninsula, enjoy a fabulous meal!
Bota Sare is our favorite and the highest regarded restaurant in Mali Ston. The owners of Bota Sare in Mali Ston, the family Bozidar Sare, converted a 700-year-old medieval castle, into a world class restaurant and inn. All the ingredients used are produced or caught in the radius of 1000 yards from your table. The Mediterranean cuisine uses various edible plants, high-quality olive oil from the olive groves, and mussels and oysters from the owner’s own plantation near Banja Island.
For a traditional local culinary experience, visit the Konoba and family farm Antunović to enjoy authentic cuisine and local history. Located in a charming village, the home which is the Konoba (tavern) is over 300 years old. Enjoy their fresh, family grown produce, house made cheese, fine meats and quality wines. For a traditional experience, your Tasteful Croatian Journeys Concierge will make an advance request for the Peka – a dish which cooks meats and vegetables, “under the bell”. No visit is complete without saying hello to their donkeys! Donkey milk, similar to human mother’s milk and rich in vitamins, has numerous medical benefits. Wanda highly recommends tasting donkey milk at the family farm as a true authentic Dalmatian experience.
On your return to the island, enjoy a stroll in the seaside town of Orebic, learn the story of this small fisherman’s village.
The Pelješac Peninsula can be visited by sea as well as by land. Your Tasteful Croatian Journeys team will arrange for a private sailing or motor yacht charter, with a Captain and hostess. Discover the shoreline and adjacent island, swim in secluded coves, visit wineries, Ston, and enjoy a day customized to your wishes
