Pelješac: Wine and Oyster Country in Croatia

Experience the magic of the coastal countryside.

Cloaked in vineyards and painted with desolate Adriatic coves, Pelješac is one of Croatia’s best kept secrets. 70 kilometers outside of Dubrovnik, the region is home to quality wines, fresh oysters, and endless seaside views. Pelješac is ideal for the traveler looking for an authentic experience, removed from overbearing tourism marketing.

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you my very first Youtube video! Subscribe to my channel for more!

Visiting the Trsteno Arboretum

A visit to Pelješac is an easy day-trip from Dubrovnik, or a stop along the way of an epic Croatian road trip. I would recommend going for an entire day, and getting up as early as 6 or 7 in the morning. Once you experience its beauty, you’ll see why. The best way to explore is by car or taking a private tour.

The scenic roads from Dubrovnik wind along the Adriatic shoreline, as they draw nearer into the countryside. Any road-side stop is fair game for a photo op. But while making your way to Pelješac, you have to stop at the Trsteno Arboretum.

Tresteno is Croatia’s oldest arboretum, most famously known for being a major filming location for the hit series Game of Thrones. You may recognize some of these places from the 3^rd and 4^th season. (If you’re visiting and you’re a student, bring your student ID for a discount!)

Wine and Oyster Country

While driving into the peninsula, you’ll immediately notice the limitless spotless seashores. But not only is it a haven for crystal clear waters, it’s also home to some of Europe’s freshest oysters. Many oyster shacks are as easy as a stop along the highway. Within a reputation for being both fresh and cheap, Pelješac oysters are sold throughout Croatia.

A trip to Pelješac wouldn’t be complete without visiting the local wineries. Quality over quantity is seen within the several mom-and-pop shops. The region produces mainly red wine from Plavac Mali grapes, with Pošip being one of the most popular types. Pelješac has great conditions for wine for three conditions: ten hours of sunlight in the summer, slanted hills, and a prime location next to the sea.

I visited the Rozic winery, which had an impeccable view paired with top-end wines. The mineral rich soil of the Rozic vineyards produces rose, semi-dry white, and dry red wines from Plavac and Pošip grapes. In all honesty, Rozic is my favorite wine I’ve ever tried. It’s pure, fresh, and gives you a full-body happiness without the headache the next day. The regional wines provide an authentic taste of Croatia.

The Magical Coastal Countryside

The entire peninsula stretches over 350 square kilometers, so it’s pretty impossible to see the entire region in a day. Ston is the main town of Pelješac, with little village cafes and the second biggest walls in the world (next to the great wall of China! More about this in a video and blog post to come.)

The best way to experience Pelješac is just to follow the shoreline and find a quiet spot to take in the coastal countryside.

But despite the delicious oysters, the quality wines, and the pristine nature, the region is yet to be overrun by tourists. Pelješac is truly a treat for both the senses and the taste buds.

Please comment below what you think of my first Youtube Video (Vlog)! If you have any questions or comments about Pelješac, leave me a comment below as well!

Tune in next week, because I’m posting the second Pelješac where I explore the great wall of Europe!