Peljesac and Ston Private Wine Tour with Tastings from Dubrovnik

This Peljesac and Ston private wine tour from Dubrovnik offers an enriching full-day experience for those eager to explore Croatia’s renowned wine region. Priced at $371.67 per person, the tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, beginning with a 9:30 am pickup. The journey includes visits to up to three boutique wineries, tastings of red and white wines, and opportunities to sample local products like cheese, olive oil, oysters, and mussels. The private nature of the tour ensures personalized attention from your guide, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tailored experience with fewer crowds.

While the tour is comprehensive, it does not include entrance tickets to the Ston city walls or salt pans, nor does it cover lunch, giving travelers flexibility and control over additional expenses. The tour is suited for most travelers, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and delicious tastings. It’s a well-rounded option for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy Croatia’s coastal charm in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Private wine tour from Dubrovnik with pickup and drop-off included
• Visit up to three boutique wineries with tastings of red and white wines
• Stops at historic sites including Mali Ston, Ston, and scenic drives through Dingac
• Taste local products such as cheese, olive oil, oysters, and mussels
• Seven to eight-hour experience, ideal for those seeking an immersive day
• No entrance fees for salt pans or city walls are included, offering flexibility

Exploring the Peljesac Peninsula and the Historic Walls of Ston

The Peljesac Peninsula stands out for producing some of Croatia’s best wines, along with high-quality olive oils and fresh seafood. This tour captures the essence of the region with visits to boutique wineries and scenic photo stops. The journey begins with a 10-minute stop in Mali Ston, where a brief walk introduces the salt business and oyster farming traditions that have shaped the area for centuries. Here, you’ll see sights such as the Toljevac Fortress and Koruna Fortress, and learn about the importance of salt production.

Next, the tour moves to Ston, a medieval city famous for its 5.5 km-long city wall, which ranks as the second-longest preserved wall in the world. A 35-minute visit allows for a quick exploration and a coffee break, set against the backdrop of this impressive fortification stretching from the sea to land. The historic charm and panoramic views of the coast make this stop a highlight for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike.

Visiting the Heart of Winemaking in Potomje

The village of Potomje is the tour’s centerpiece for wine tasting. Known as Peljesac’s most famous wine-growing area, nearly every family produces and sells wine, reflecting a deeply rooted tradition. The stop lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, during which guests visit two carefully selected wineries. These visits provide an intimate look at family-run vineyards where the focus is on handcrafted wines, both red and white, making it a perfect stop for wine connoisseurs.

The scenic drive through the Dingac tunnel offers breathtaking views, especially of the Dingac wine-growing zone, where vines grow on hills inclined at 40-60 degrees. A 10-minute photo stop captures the dramatic landscape, with vistas of Islands Mljet and Lastovo, as well as local fishing villages like Trst. This segment emphasizes the unique terrain and climate that contribute to the exceptional quality of the region’s wines.

Sampling Local Delights and Learning about Olive Oil Production

Throughout the tour, travelers sample a variety of local products. At the wineries, at least one stop includes a small snack, often featuring cheese, while tastings focus on Croatian wines and liquors. The olive oil presentation is a highlight, where the guide explains the traditional process of production, giving insight into the region’s culinary heritage.

The oyster and mussel farm in Mali Ston offers the chance to savor freshly harvested oysters and seafood delicacies. This experience emphasizes the region’s reputation for seafood quality, complemented by the salt pans, which showcase the historic salt-making industry that helped shape the local economy.

Scenic Drive through Dingac Tunnel and Coastal Views

A distinctive feature of this tour is the scenic drive through Dingac tunnel, which provides a visual feast of the surrounding landscape. The photo stop in the Dingac wine-growing zone highlights the spectacular hillside vineyards growing at steep inclines, with views extending towards adjacent islands and villages. The drive combines natural beauty with geographic marvels, making the journey as engaging as the stops themselves.

Discovering Ponikve Valley’s Historic Wines

On the return leg, the tour includes a 40-minute stop in Ponikve valley, a region with a medieval reputation for producing red wines enjoyed by Dubrovnik aristocrats since the 13th century. Visiting three family-owned wineries, guests learn about traditional wine-making methods that have persisted through centuries. These family wineries offer a personal touch and a chance to taste distinctive wines that reflect the area’s deep-rooted tradition.

Transportation and Guide Service Quality

The tour uses air-conditioned minibus or private car, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day. The English-speaking driver/guide leads the experience, sharing insights about the region’s history, culture, and wine-making stories. Many reviews commend guides such as Miho, Ivo, and Stefan for their friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized approach, making each stop both informative and enjoyable.

Flexibility and Additional Costs

The tour includes hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off, removing logistical concerns. Tasting sessions at three wineries are included, with small snacks offered at least once. However, entrance tickets to the Ston city walls or salt pans are not included, and travelers should budget additionally if they wish to explore these attractions further. The tour does not include lunch, giving participants flexibility to dine at their own pace and preference.

Booking, Availability, and Cancellation Terms

Most bookings are made 94 days in advance, reflecting high interest and popularity. The tour operates with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind for flexible planning. It is designed for most travelers, with reviews highlighting effortless experiences regardless of age or background.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This private tour suits wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and those eager to enjoy scenic coastal views. The combination of tastings, cultural stops, and beautiful landscapes makes it ideal for visitors who appreciate a mix of culinary delights and historic exploration. The personalized approach and intimate winery visits are especially appreciated by guests seeking a more authentic, less commercialized experience.

Peljesac and Ston Private Wine Tour: Final Thoughts

This full-day private experience from Dubrovnik offers a comprehensive look at Croatia’s premier wine region. The up to three boutique wineries, combined with visits to historic sites like Mali Ston and the medieval city of Ston, create a rich tapestry of scenery, history, and flavor. Many guests praise the friendly guides and delicious tastings, making the tour a favorite for those wanting a personalized, immersive day.

While it doesn’t include entrance fees for some attractions, the flexibility and quality of experiences compensate well. The scenic drives and authentic family wineries make this tour stand out among Croatia’s wine excursions. It is especially recommended for wine lovers and history buffs who appreciate a relaxed pace and expert storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes wine and liquor tastings at three wineries, a small snack at at least one winery, an orientation tour of Ston, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are also provided.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entrance tickets to Ston city walls or salt pans are not included. Tour participants should budget separately if they wish to enter those sites. Lunch is also not included, offering flexibility for personal dining choices.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with a start time of 9:30 am. It’s a full-day activity that balances sightseeing, tasting, and scenic drives.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as it requires no special physical requirements. The private nature makes it adaptable for personal needs, and the comfortable transport ensures a relaxed experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 94 days in advance, reflecting high demand. Early booking is recommended to secure preferred dates.

This Peljesac and Ston private wine tour from Dubrovnik combines gastronomy, history, and scenic beauty into a memorable day, offering genuine insights into Croatia’s coastal traditions and wine craftsmanship.