Are you in the mood for a relaxing weekend surrounded by breathtaking scenery and delicious wine? Then you should definitely consider a wine-tasting adventure in Croatia's Primorje region, where the rolling hills and fertile land have been producing some of the world's best wines for centuries. Among these lands lies the Vinodol Valley, a name that has been passed down through the ages, from the Greek geographer Slilaks to the Latin phrase "Vallis Vineari," which the Croats later converted into a one-word name, a name that has become synonymous with the region's finest wines.
Visit to Award-Winning Winery Pavlomir
As we venture into the valley, the first thing that captures our attention is the stunning landscape. The rolling green hills in every direction, as far as the eye can see, give us a glimpse of the area's agricultural importance. The mild Mediterranean climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for grapevines to thrive, making Vinodol Valley one of the most significant wine regions in Croatia. The area is known for its indigenous grape varieties, including the famous žlahtina, which produces a crisp white wine that's unique to the region. This type of grape was completely forgotten until Miroslav Palinkaš decided to get involved in this story and return Žlahtina to the place where it originated. The wines produced by Pavlomir Winery, under his guidance, has received numerous awards for its exceptional wines, including silver and bronze medals at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 and the International Wine Challenge. These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Pavlomir team, who strive to produce wines of unparalleled quality year after year. The sparkling wines "1288" and "San Marino" are particularly noteworthy, with the latter being the only top sparkling wine of the Žlahtina sort.
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Sipping a Glass of Pavlomir's Finest Wine
Winery spans over 40 hectares of land, with 31 hectares dedicated to vineyards. They produce about 150,000 liters of wine annually, which is really impressive, don't you think? The vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, basking in the warm Mediterranean sun. The air is rich with the scent of ripe grapes and the earthy aroma of the surrounding soil. And in the heart of the vineyard lies a wine cellar and tasting room. Every wine lover knows this is the right place to be. As you step into the tasting room, you will be enveloped with a warm yet cozy atmosphere. Here, along with the famous Žlahtina, you can try Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rośe Ružica Vinodola, and sparkling wines 1288 and San Marino. As you sip on a glass of Pavlomir's finest wine, you can't help but be transported back in time to a place where wine was not just a drink but a way of life.
Ružica Vinodola
If you decide to visit Pavlomir Winery during the middle of August, you will witness one of the most important events for not only Pavlomir but the whole Vindol Valley – Ružica Vinodola. It's a renewed old, traditional event where local girls, but also from the neighborhood, compete - not only for their beauty but also for their winemaking skills – from grape picking and grape-stomping to their knowledge of wine... It is a really fun event!
Impressive Viewpoints
End your Vinodol wine trip with the "Eyes of Vinodol". There are six viewpoints from which you can enjoy an impressive view of the entire Vinodol Riviera. Three are located in the District of Vinodol; Mahavica, Pridva, and Slipica, and three are located in the town of Novi Vinodolski, Gradina, Sviba, and Kuk.
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