Korcula Wine Tasting -- book in advance?

I do not know about wine tasting (I would try google--I did out of curiosity and found one resource that looks helpful: https://www.bronwyntownsend.com/blog/wine-tasting-in-lumbarda-korcula-island-croatia), but it is easy to get to Lumbarda by bus. It was only moderately more difficult by bike. The path may have improved in the years since I did this, but back then you rode along a busy road (and you know how rental bikes can be--not always the best). Once you are there, however, riding among the vineyards is dreamy. We enjoyed the beach there as well, though there are better beaches on the island.

There’s a pretty decent Facebook group called Korcula, Croatia Travel 2024/2025. It might be helpful.

I did a day in Lumbarda last June and it was lovely. There are mini-tram tours to local wineries, but I would recommend doing this on your own as it’s quite easy. There’s a place right on the main intersection of Korcula where you can rent scooters, bikes or e-bikes. I went with an e-bike. The ride was pretty easy with e-assist. Some of it is on a road but there are few cars. If you go by bus or water taxi you are kind of a far walk from the wineries.

I visited Vitis and Sabulum and recommend both. Sabulum has an absolutely incredible view, with less people, and incredibly kind owners (a high bar in friendly Croatia.) Food is fresh and often right out of the winery gardens, come hungry. Note: the wineries don’t open until the afternoon, so check the hours. Vitis was a little busy, but the two of you ought to be fine. There’s a couple beaches close by too. Strangely, I thought the sand beach was kind of gross. Guess I got used to all the rocks.

I feel like it’s important to note that these vineyards are small and variety is limited. An ancient wine called Grk is the star, and the other grapes are grown to pollinate the Grk. So, these places are basically serving the same three wines. It’s an old and proud viniculture, but it’s a far cry from France or Italy. It’s a nice day out for the scenery and experience, but maybe less the wine itself.

For a more extensive foray into Croatian wines (and a banging charcuterie plate) I highly recommend Bokar wine bar in Korcula old town. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable, and can explain a great deal about Croatia’s wine culture and some of its inherent challenges, if you’re interested.

We took the hop on, hop off water taxi to Lumbarda and then walked to several wineries. Sabulum was our favorite, and their Grk is excellent. No reservation was necessary. The water taxi also stops at Badija and Vrnik which were fun for a quick exploration. If you are looking for a restaurant, then take a look at Aterina in the Old Town. We were lucky enough to snag a table, but reservations are advisable.

I can also recommend Bokar Wine Bar in Korćula Town and the hop on hop off boat (I just spent my time that day at beaches and not wineries).