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Krolo Winery
An innovative approach to life
When Dražan Krolo started his company, wine was not in the equation. An engineer by trade, entrepreneur by heart, Dražan entered the construction business and made a name for himself as one of the most innovative and creative people in the industry. Soon, his other patented inventions such as custom spit roasts for lamb and pork and handmade fireplaces where up and running and selling worldwide.
Wine came into the equation years later, when his core businesses where stable enough, Dražan and his wife Karolina turned their attention to a new labor of love. A family estate and a winery in a small village just outside of Trilj called Strmen Dolac combines the most important things in their lives; innovations, hard work, love and family.
A small vineyard in a foggy and secluded part of Dalmatian hinterland, successfully grows Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay and of course Zinfandel (Crljenak Kaštelanski). In the cellar, Dražan has successfully continued his innovative ways with new technologies and projects. And results are outstanding; their Zinfandel is one of the most sought after wines in Dalmatia and their powerful Cabernet-Merlot blends and lively and fresh Chardonnay are not far behind.
Dražan and his family created a small paradise for themselves away from the stress of urban lifestyle and are more than willing to welcome all people with open minds into their winery, vineyards, house and their hearts.
Contact us to set up a visit to this secluded family estate, or visit it as a part of our tour of Dalmatian Hinterland. Private tastings, lunches, production and vineyard visits all are options; you just have to open your mind to a different kind of Dalmatia, an innovative one.
Bedalov Winery
Hedonism through centuries
Located in Kaštel Kambelovac, the third of seven historic cities of Kaštela, Jakša Bedalov is continuing the tradition of hospitality and winemaking that has been present in his family for over 400 years. Bedalov family prides itself on organically growing only indigenous, to the world unknown varietals, such as Ninčuša, Babica, Ljutun and Dobričić. The staples of the house are Zinfandel (or Crljenak as they call it in Kaštela) and Plavac Mali, the famous and powerful offspring of Zinfandel. Jakša is planning to reunite the whole family of grapes in one majestic cuvee where mother and father, Crljenak and Dobričić will be blended with their famed son Plavac Mail creating a reunion for the ages.
Other than making wine and liquors Jakša grows Mediterranean spices in his garden and uses them extensively in his cooking. He is known as one best chefs among winemakers and he is also a trained sommelier. Watch out for the incredibly special and unique Zinfandel risotto.
View for the tasting room terrace, at approx. 400 m altitude, is the most complete panoramic view of Kaštela, Split and the surrounding area, all the way to the islands, that you can get without getting into a helicopter and flying over the bay.
If you want to set up a visit to the winery, taste wine at the 400m high tasting room and learn more about the true origins of Zinfandel join us on our “The Birthplace of Zinfandel” tour or contact us for a separate winery visit. As mentioned, Jakša is an amazing chef, and can prepare a delicate tasting menu to accompany his wines, or guide you through a whole four course meal or original and fresh Croatian food paired with unique and interesting wine from his vineyards.
Putalj Winery
Investing in a passion
The story of Anton Kovač and Putalj winery is a story of passion. Only a few people in the world have a true love in something as simple as wine. Anton does. Upon selling a large chunk of land to a supermarket chain Anton decided, that rather than retiring, he will invest in something he adores. Fast forward a few years and Anton is sitting in a modern cellar, with a newly planted Zinfandel vineyard. Located in Kaštel Sućurac, the first of seven towns of Kaštela, Anton works his own vineyard at 400 m altitude by hand, and year after year produces better and better wines. Anton has also planted Plavac Mali (the widely popular Zinfandel offspring) and has started to experiment with a rose wine made from Zinfandel (dry, not connected to Franzia’s White Zinfandel “style” in any shape or form).
If you want to set up a tasting at the winery, go see the 400m high vineyard and learn more about the true origins of Zinfandel join us on our “The Birthplace of Zinfandel” tour or contact us for a separate winery visit. Anton is always glad to meet wine enthusiasts from around the world and will welcome you with a selection of his wines and incredible cheese, oil and bread.
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