Korula for Wine Lovers – Poip and Grk Wines Private Tour

Explore Korula’s Unique Indigenous Wines on a Private Tour

The Korula for Wine Lovers – Poip and Grk Wines Private Tour offers an engaging and authentic taste of Korula Island’s renowned white wines. Priced at $276.86 per person, this experience lasts approximately 3 hours and includes pickup and group discounts, making it a convenient way to explore the island’s rich viticultural scene. This private tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about and taste Korula’s indigenous grapes: Poip and Grk.

Participants visit two acclaimed wineries in Lumbarda and Rnovo, discovering award-winning wines, and enjoy scenic drives that showcase the island’s lush landscapes. The tour ends with a breathtaking viewpoint above Korula Town, offering a nearly touchable view of the historic red rooftops. The experience combines wine tasting, island scenery, and local culture, making it a compelling option for those seeking an authentic Croatian wine adventure.

Key Points

• Private, guided experience focused on Korula’s indigenous Poip and Grk grapes
• Visits to two renowned wineries: Bire in Lumbarda and Tasovac in Rnovo
• Award-winning wines, including Grk Defora which won a Platinum Award in 2021
• Includes wine tastings, snacks, and scenic drives across the island
• Ends at a stunning viewpoint overlooking Korula Town
• Easy booking with mobile tickets and pickup options

Korula’s Indigenous Grapes: Poip and Grk

Korula’s white wines are famous for their crispness and unique character, primarily made from Poip and Grk grapes. The Lumbarda village is especially known for Grk wines, with Bire Winery producing award-winning Grk Defora—a Platinum Award winner in 2021. Meanwhile, Poip grapes thrive in the inland villages and are often compared to Chardonnay for their versatility.

This tour offers a rare opportunity to compare these two grapes side by side. The wines are generally described as similar to Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, giving wine lovers a chance to appreciate their distinctive qualities. The tasting sessions aim to make the differences clear, helping you form your own opinion about the island’s native varieties.

Visiting Bire Winery in Lumbarda

The tour begins at Bire Winery, a family-run hotel in Lumbarda celebrated for its consistently award-winning Grk wines. Bire’s Grk Defora has received international recognition, including the Decanter WWA Platinum Award in 2021. The tasting room provides a cozy setting where you can sample award-winning wines and learn about the production process.

The one-hour visit includes an explanation of the winery’s history and winemaking techniques, giving insight into what makes Bire’s wines stand out. The focus here is on Grk, the island’s signature grape, and its potential for producing wines with exceptional quality and character.

Tasting at Tasovac Vinery in Rnovo

Next, the tour visits Tasovac Vinery, housed in a beautifully restored family home in Rnovo. The winery features both indoor and outdoor seating, creating an inviting atmosphere. Tasovac’s wines have also won awards from Decanter WWA and other organizations, adding to the credibility of their offerings.

Along with several tastings, a snack is served, making this stop both a sensory and social experience. The one-hour visit provides an opportunity to explore the nuances of Poip wines, which are typically associated with the island’s interior villages. Visitors gain an understanding of the differences between Poip and Grk and the specific terroirs that influence their flavors.

Scenic Drives Between Vineyards and Villages

Traveling between Korula Town, Lumbarda, and Rnovo, the tour offers scenic drives through picturesque vineyards and along quiet island roads. These drives allow for a relaxed appreciation of Korula’s landscape, characterized by rolling hills and lush greenery.

The route is carefully designed to showcase more of the island’s natural beauty beyond the wineries. This visual journey complements the tasting experience by providing a sense of the environment where these indigenous grapes are cultivated. The tour’s short drives are comfortable and give ample opportunities for photo stops and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

The Final Viewpoint Over Korula Town

As the tour concludes, visitors are taken to a viewpoint above Korula Town. The panoramic vista presents a nearly touchable view of the city’s red rooftops, which date back over 1,000 years. This stunning lookout offers a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to reflect on the island’s history and heritage, tying together the themes of tradition and authenticity that define this wine tour.

This ending spot is a highlight, giving guests a memorable and picturesque finale to their three-hour experience, with impressive vistas that linger in memory.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Tour Structure

The tour starts at Autobusni Kolodvor Korula in Korula Old Town, a centrally located spot easy to access. It is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, which offers a more personalized experience. The pickup service adds convenience, especially for those staying nearby or in different parts of the island.

The duration of approximately 3 hours balances wine tastings with scenic drives, making it suitable for most visitors. The tour is designed to be accessible and welcomes most travelers, although participants must be 18 or older to taste alcohol. The group discounts can make this experience more affordable for larger parties.

Why This Tour Stands Out for Wine Enthusiasts

What makes this private Korula wine tour particularly appealing is its focus on indigenous grapes and award-winning wineries. The chance to compare Poip and Grk wines side by side is rare and educational for wine lovers. The guides’ knowledge, as reflected in highly positive reviews, enhances the experience, making complex wine profiles accessible.

The scenic drives and viewpoints elevate this outing from a simple tasting to a full sensory exploration of Korula’s landscape and heritage. The personalized nature of the tour ensures a relaxed pace and tailored experience, suitable for those wanting a deeper dive into Croatian wines.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a rich experience, it is relatively short, which means the tastings are concentrated within three hours. Guests should be prepared for limited time at each winery, and those seeking an extensive wine journey might want to combine this with other experiences. Also, the tour is not suitable for underage guests, and the private format means it may be more expensive than group alternatives.

Participants who prefer more extensive wine education or larger winery visits might find this tour focused more on local authenticity and quality rather than sheer volume.

Experience the Authentic Flavors of Korula

This tour encapsulates the essence of Korula’s wine tradition, emphasizing local grapes, award-winning wineries, and breathtaking views. It offers a personal, informative, and beautifully scenic way to spend a few hours on the island, especially for individuals passionate about wine or seeking a cultural experience beyond the typical.

The combination of knowledgeable guides, delicious wines, and stunning vistas makes this a standout choice for wine lovers visiting Korula. It’s a well-balanced experience that provides insight into both the culinary and natural beauty of this historic island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to introduce guests to Korula’s indigenous grapes, making it accessible for all levels of wine knowledge. The guides share explanations that help guests understand the differences and qualities of the wines.

Can I purchase wines during the tour?
While the reviews mention that Grk wines are so good that they are bought to take home, the tour itself focuses on tastings and does not specify if wines are for sale on-site. It is common to purchase bottles directly from wineries afterward.

Are snacks provided during the tour?
Yes, at Tasovac Winery, a snack accompanies the wine tasting, enhancing the experience. The focus remains on local wines complemented by light bites.

What is the price of the tour?
The experience costs $276.86 per person, which includes guided tastings, snacks, and transport. It offers good value considering the private, personalized nature and the quality of the visits.

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, making it suitable for most visitors looking for a short, impactful wine experience that also showcases Korula’s scenery.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour features pickup options, and transport between the town and wineries is part of the experience, ensuring a comfortable and easy journey through the island.

This Korula for Wine Lovers tour delivers a focused, authentic, and scenic exploration of Korula’s native wines, perfect for those eager to deepen their understanding of Croatian wine culture amid beautiful island landscapes.