Croatia's stunning coastline and picturesque islands have long been a magnet for yacht enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of sun, sea, and adventure. Amid the tranquil water and ancient towns, a new innovative service has emerged to further enhance the yacht charter experience. Intrigued? Meet AlmaBura, Croatia’s first personal wine shopping service, which provides tailored selections of the finest Croatian wines for yacht charters and their esteemed guests.
Photo credit:
Anna Stoecher / AlmaBura
A Bespoke Experience in Croatia
AlmaBura is not just another yacht provisioning and supply company. Founded by Charine Tan, a wine judge and co-author of the book "Cracking Croatian Wine," and Ana Hozjan, a wine marketing consultant, they aim to become the trusted contact for all things gastronomy in Croatia.
Your experience as a guest starts with a free demo call, where the AlmaBura team learns about your preferences and desires. Next, you will complete a five-minute online questionnaire, followed by a consultation call with the AlmaBura team -- who will further define your wine preferences. For AlmaBura, it's all about what you like, not what you "should" like. Finally, the AlmaBura team will source and deliver the wines to your yacht, saving you time and hassle. This bespoke service can also extend to other gastronomic experiences, such as truffle hunting, winery visits, olive oil tastings, or food and wine pairings on board.
Riding the Wave of Personalization
"Over the past few years, we've received inquiries from A-list guests who want to learn more about Croatian wines but don't know where to start, what to try, or what to expect. They often seek specific champagnes or cult wines that aren't typically available from yacht provisioning companies. Our goal is to provide the maximum to guests in this segment and turn them into ambassadors of the finest Croatian wines and gastronomy," says Ana Hozjan.
In collaboration with MMK Systems’s Booking Manager, a leader in yacht charter reservation systems, AlmaBura's personal wine shopper service is now available on the Booking Manager platform. This partnership allows agencies, charter companies, and their clients to access and offer this unique wine-related service.
Martina Hršak, the Chief Operating Officer at MMK Systems, says, "This partnership aligns with both companies' commitment to expand, enrich, and personalize their clients' experiences."
Industry trends underscore the rising demand for themed yacht charters. Catering to such niche market needs can help yacht charter companies and agents diversify the market and elevate the levels of personalization and luxury expected in the industry.
“Through AlmaBura’s personal wine shopping service, we aim to combine gastronomic experiences, cultural narratives, and personalized luxury to help Croatia's yacht charter industry create a differentiated experience. By targeting our marketing efforts toward charter guests, we are also uniquely positioned to help Croatian wineries reach premium wine consumers," said Charine Tan.
In a world where personalization is king, AlmaBura is sailing into uncharted waters, offering a unique and enriching experience to those who want more from their yacht experience in Croatia. With a team of wine experts and a commitment to your individual preferences, AlmaBura is on a mission to make your yachting adventure even more unforgettable by pairing it with the finest Croatian wines.
Photo credit:
Anna Stoecher, Taryn Elliott, Matej Čelar, Jacob Lund/ Almabura