Konavle wine country makes Dubrovnik feel bigger. This tour sends you into the Konavle valley to taste rare local grapes and meet the people behind the wines, all with a guide like Miro, Marco, or Ivo.

What I like most is that you get two very different small producers in one day, plus snacks and drinks served right there. It also includes an easy bonus stretch along the water in Mlini after the tastings.

A possible drawback: the feel of the second winery experience can vary, since it’s run by a different host and the welcome is not always equally talkative. Also, at $225.31 per person for a 4–6 hour day, you’ll want to be sure wine tastings are your thing.

Konavle: Where Local Grapes Outshine the Usual Picks

Konavle is one of Croatia’s wine corners you don’t hit by accident. It’s on the northeastern and western side of the region, and it’s known for focusing on both international grapes and local varieties that still carry the taste of place. If you’re tired of wines that all taste like they came from the same playbook, this is a breath of fresh air.

The big win here is the emphasis on indigenous grapes. You’ll see names like su plavac mali, vranac, kadarun, and dalmatinka, plus the conservation story behind grapes that are close to disappearing. Two standouts are Malvasia Dubrovačka bijela and Maraština—the kind of varieties that make your Dubrovnik day-trip feel like something you can’t just recreate at home.

What You’ll Taste and Why It Matters

This is not a one-note tasting. At each winery, you’ll be served a set of around 4 local wines, plus a wine liqueur and a homemade food plate. That structure matters because it lets you compare styles quickly—reds versus whites, lighter local bottles versus richer ones—without spending your whole day chasing down labels.

You’ll also get the human part of wine. The experience is designed around small family wineries, where the tasting is tied to what the owners grow and why they grow it. In the best moments, you’ll hear straight from the people who make the decisions in the vineyard, not just a script.

One more practical detail: some of the homemade items you might want to buy can be cash only, so bring some along if you’re planning to take gifts home.

Key Details That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• Two family wineries in Konavle for a focused tasting day rather than a long bus crawl
• 4 local wines per stop plus wine liqueur and a homemade food plate
• Guide-led context on regional varieties, with memorable hosts reported by past travelers
• Scenery time in Konavle, plus a relaxed finish in Mlini
• Option to go private for small groups if the minimum isn’t met for shared pickup

Zastolje at Winery BRAJKOVIĆ: A Cozy Start with Malvasia and Maraština

Your first stop is in Zastolje, where the winery BRAJKOVIĆ feels like a quiet pocket of Konavle. It’s a small family place, and the whole setup is built around hospitality: you don’t just stand around tasting; you get fed and you get to settle in.

Here’s what you can expect in the tasting lineup:

• Malvasia
• Maraština
• Veritas
• Vranac

Plus 1 wine liqueur.

The food pairing is the kind of simple, local comfort that makes wine taste better. You’ll be offered arancini (made from orange peel) and a plate of homemade products that can include bread, extra virgin olive oil, cheese, dry bacon, and dry sausage.

Why this matters: Malvasia and Maraština aren’t the grapes most people first think of when they picture Croatian wine. This stop gives you a chance to understand how local varieties can taste crisp, floral, or textured depending on how they’re grown and made. And Vranac, being one of the region’s more well-known names, anchors the experience so you can compare local style with something that’s easier to recognize.

If you want a smooth start, this first winery is the one to savor slowly. Past experiences with hosts here have been praised for warmth and clear explanations, which sets you up for a better second stop.

Konavle Proper at Winery VODOPIĆ: Reds, Rosé, and the Local Classics

After Zastolje, you head deeper into Konavle to Winery VODOPIĆ. This is another small family winery, and it’s a different vibe from the first place—same local focus, but with a lineup that leans more into the local favorites and widely grown grapes.

Your tasting at VODOPIĆ typically includes:

• Malvasija
• Maraština
• Merlot
• Rose

Plus 1 wine liqueur.

Food comes with it again: a homemade plate that can feature bread, olives, cheese, prosciutto, and buđola.

The big value here is contrast. By the time you reach VODOPIĆ, you’ve already sampled the local grapes, so Merlot and Rosé don’t feel random. Instead, they become comparison tools. You can ask yourself which flavors are distinctly Konavle—and which ones simply follow international trends.

One thing to keep in mind: the welcome and conversation level can vary by host. If you’re the type who loves long explanations while tasting, go with a flexible mindset. When the host is in full teaching mode, it’s a highlight. When they’re more hands-off, you may feel more like you’re tasting with minimal storytelling.

Mlini Beach Break: The Easy End to a Wine-Focused Day

The last part of the tour is a bonus stop around Mlini (Mlini-Srebreno). It’s not just a transfer point. You’re given about 2 hours to decide what you want to do with your time.

This is where you can keep things low-key:

• Choose a beach bar for a drink (wine, beer, cocktail, or juice)
• Maybe eat pancakes
• Or just walk the seaside and take in the fresh air and view

This stop is a smart design choice. Konavle tastings can warm you up and slow your pace. Ending by the water helps you reset before heading back toward Dubrovnik. It also gives you control—if you’re tired, you can sit. If you feel good, you can wander.

The Guide Experience: Miro, Marco, and Ivo Set the Tone

A lot of the enjoyment on this kind of day depends on the guide. This tour can be led by different guides, including Miro, Marco, and Ivo, and each brings a distinct energy.

In the best cases, the guide adds more than timing. You get route context and useful info about what you’re seeing on the drive. Guides also tend to be flexible—adjusting the day to your pace and interests rather than treating every stop like a chore.

If you’re hoping for a tour that feels like a friend showing you the area, look for that interactive tone. The guide is also the glue between two wineries that could otherwise feel like separate, disconnected tastings.

Price and Value: What $225.31 Buys You

At $225.31 per person, you’re paying for a few things at once: transport from Dubrovnik, time in two wineries, and the tasting setup at both places. The length is about 4 to 6 hours, which is short enough to fit into a busy Dubrovnik schedule without turning into a full day.

What makes it feel like fair value is what’s included:

• Snacks at the wineries
• Alcoholic beverages during tastings (and wine liqueur)
• Admission is listed as free at both winery stops

But here’s the practical check: you should book this mainly if you genuinely want wine tastings and local food. If your goal is more scenic sightseeing than tasting, you may find the budget heavy for a two-winery format.

Also, because there’s a minimum group size requirement (minimum 4 people), you may be offered a private alternative when the group is smaller. That matters if you prefer a quieter day and more direct attention from the guide.

Who Should Book This Konavle Wine Tour

This tour fits best if you fall into one of these categories:

• You want to taste local varieties like Malvasia Dubrovačka bijela and Maraština, not just international grapes
• You like small winery settings where the tasting is part of the family operation
• You want a Dubrovnik day trip that feels off the main tourist loop without requiring you to plan anything
• You enjoy meeting people who can explain what’s in the glass and why it’s grown that way

If you’re a hardcore wine nerd who wants a deep technical seminar, you might find the time is a bit short. But if you want an authentic day with real local flavors, it’s a strong match.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few small moves can make the day smoother:

• Bring some cash if you might buy homemade goods. Some items may be cash only.
• Wear something comfortable for short winery walks and driving time. You’ll be moving between Zastolje, Konavle, and Mlini.
• If you’re sensitive to alcohol, pace yourself at the tastings. Each stop includes multiple wines plus liqueur.
• Ask the guide to point out local grape differences if you see the lineup changing (especially between Malvasia/Maraština and the Merlot/Rosé at the second winery).

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of the Mlini finish. It’s what keeps the day from feeling like a straight line of drinking and sitting.

Should You Book? My Take

I’d book this Konavle wine tasting tour from Dubrovnik if you want an authentic wine-focused day with two small family wineries, local snacks, and time outdoors in Mlini. The strongest element is the chance to taste Konavle’s own grapes—especially the local varieties that aren’t common on standard wine routes.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting a perfectly uniform, high-energy welcome at both wineries. One stop may feel more talkative and warm than the other, and at this price, you should go in wanting wine tastings and homemade food as the main event.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Konavle wine tasting tour?

The duration is about 4 to 6 hours.

How many wineries do you visit?

You visit 2 wineries: BRAJKOVIĆ in Zastolje and VODOPIĆ in Konavle.

What tasting items are included at each winery?

At each winery, you get tasting of 4 wines, plus 1 wine liqueur, along with a homemade food plate.

Is pickup offered from Dubrovnik?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Are admission tickets included for the winery stops?

Admission tickets at the winery stops are listed as free.

Is there a stop after the wineries?

Yes. There’s a bonus stop in Mlini, with about 2 hours for a beach bar drink, pancakes, or a seaside walk.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and alcoholic beverages are included as part of the tastings.

What if fewer than 4 people book?

The tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If that minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered an alternative or a full refund, and there’s also an option for a private tour for small groups.

Do I need cash for anything during the tour?

Some homemade goods available at the wineries may be cash only, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash if you plan to buy gifts.