Blessed with more than 2600 hours of sunshine per year, Royal Vineyards near the island of Pag are the home to some of the finest Croatian wines.
Photo credits: Kraljevski vinogradi
Croatia is well known for its vast vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest wines. Positioned on hard Dalmatian stone and enveloped with the unique blend of air coming from the Adriatic sea and the Velebit mountain, Royal Vineyards near the town of Petrčane is one of the places in which you can see and try those exquisite varieties of wines.
Centuries-Long Tradition of Winemaking
The history of Royal Vineyards begins with Croatian king Petar Krešimir the 4th, who gave these lands near Petrčane to the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary in 1066. In 1072, one of the monastery nuns, sister Čika, decided to turn these lands into a vineyard, and thus began the process of creating what is today known as the Royal Vineyards. For hundreds of years, these lands produced high-quality wines with a specific aroma that had its roots in the hard Dalmatian soil in which the grapes had been planted.
Fast-forward into the 21st century, and you’ll see that these lands still produce some of the finest Croatian wines. But instead of a monastery, you’ll get to experience a place of relaxation and learning, in which traditional ways of producing wine are still honed and passed from generation to generation.
Results of a Special Microclimate
Overlooking the city of Zadar, the islands of the Zadar archipelago and Velebit mountain, Royal Vineyards are located on the hills near the towns of Petrčane and Punta Skala. The high quality of the grapes used in the production of Royal Vineyards wines comes from the perfect combination of green lands, blue sky, hot sun and clear blue sea. All of those elements work together to create a unique microclimate that’s ideal for the production of red and white varieties of wine. More than 2600 hours of direct sunshine per year provide enough warmth for the grapes to grow, while Bura and strong winds from the Velebit mountain constantly keep them fresh.
Finest Varieties of Premium Wine
To keep the quality and the aroma of their wine as high as possible, Royal Vineyards produce only five varieties of wine.
- Pošip
With a fruity taste, distinctive aroma focused on apricots and figs, and a dazzling golden colour, Pošip is a perfect addition to all fish dishes, shellfish and white meat. - Plavac mali
One of the best Croatian red wines, Plavac mali is distinguished by its deep ruby color and harmonious flavours dominated by fruity aromas of cherries and plums. - Crljenak
Crljenak is an old Croatian variety of wine that dates all the way back to the 15th century. It’s fruity and easy to drink, and its aroma is a perfect blend of blueberries, blackberries, plums and raspberries. - Rose Scuro
Perfect for spring and summer, Rose Scuro is a soft wine with a very unique floral aroma and strong cherry undertones. - Muškat
An excellent aperitif that’s often paired with light dishes, desserts and sweets, muškat is a sweet, semi-dry wine with a strong floral aroma.
If you happen to find yourself in Camping Village Šimuni, make sure to visit the ‘Mali Raj’ restaurant and enjoy a wide variety of these amazing wines from the Royal Vineyards.
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Now that you know all about the Royal Vineyards and best Croatian wines, all you need to do is book your ideal vacation in Camping Village Šimuni and start exploring local delicacies!