In this episode, Janina travels to Croatia, a country best known for its coastline, history and food - but still widely misunderstood when it comes to wine. She is joined by Miquel Hudin, American-Croatian wine writer and founder of the Vinologue book series, to explore Croatia’s regions, indigenous grape varieties, travel tips, and the wines that best represent this diverse and historic wine country.
From Dalmatia to Istria, coastal vineyards to continental regions, this is a deep yet accessible guide to Croatian wine for curious drinkers and travellers alike.

A quick shout out to this episode’s lovely sponsor Viavinum. I’ve got a special discount code that could earn up 5 or even 8% off your wine tour. Find details at the bottom.*

Shownotes

01:50 Fun fact: Zinfandel is Croatian - the genetic link to Crljenak Kaštelanski.

02:25 Via Vinum Wine Tours and bespoke wine travel experiences.

03:48 What makes Croatian wines special - why they’re worth exploring and travelling for.

05:12 Which region best represents Croatia today?

05:59 The impact of tourism on Dubrovnik and Dalmatia after Game of Thrones.

08:00 A three-day wine itinerary in Croatia - where to go and why.

10:00 The wine or region that first sparked Miquel’s passion for wine.

11:49 Is Plavac Mali the most widely planted indigenous red grape?

13:12 Miquel’s personal connection to Plavac Mali and its link to Zinfandel.

13:38 Plavac Mali explained - style, structure, alcohol and flavour profile.

15:41 Why Miquel chose to write the books he did – Dalmatia, Herzegovina and beyond.

18:38 Tasting Pošip – introducing the Stina project.

21:06 Janina’s tasting notes on Pošip – texture, minerality and freshness.

22:22 What makes the Stina project unique - limestone, design and terroir focus.

23:46 Buying the wine in the UK - Stina Pošip (£29 at Strictly Wine).

25:30 The new era of Croatian winemaking after independence.

31:46 What to expect from entry-level vs premium Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana).

34:13 Comparing Pošip and Malvazija Istarska – savoury vs aromatic styles.

35:06 Teran explained – what should people expect from this red grape?

38:20 Teran described in simple terms – “Maybe if Malbec was crossed with Sangiovese?”.

40:26 How far back does winemaking in Croatia really go?

41:47 The most magical winery or vineyard experiences in Croatia.

44:22 How climate change is reshaping Croatian vineyards and regions.

46:36 One bottle to represent Croatian wine – Miquel’s pick.

48:08 Other Croatian grape varieties worth knowing.

51:57 The standout wine of the last year. Visit Hudin’s Top 100 2025.

* VIAVINUM WINE TOURS:

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Book a customized wine tour of more than 6 days / 5 nights through my trusted travel partners and use my code EATSLEEPWINE to unlock an exclusive discount:

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Right now, the full range of private tours isn’t live on the website as they’re being refreshed for the new season — but if you're ready to plan something unforgettable, this is the perfect time to design your own bespoke wine adventure.

 📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you! 🥂

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list