Island, wine & olive

The journey begins with a private collection from your villa and takes you on a scenic adventure to the historic Napoleon Fortress, perched 250 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Hvar Town and the surrounding islands.

As the tour continues, you will travel along the charming old road that winds its way through the heart of the island. Along the route, you will pass picturesque villages and fragrant lavender fields, offering a true taste of Hvar’s timeless beauty.

Your second stop brings you to the serene St. Roko’s Chapel, a truly hidden gem that offers a stunning overlook of the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stop provides the perfect opportunity to take in the natural and cultural significance of this ancient landscape.

Finally, you will reach the town of Jelsa, the home of Duboković’s wine cellar. Mr. Ivo Duboković is a man who is not afraid to experiment with wines and olive oil – and that’s what makes him so special.

Ivo Duboković stands out as one of Croatia's most innovative winemakers, known for pioneering white macerated (orange) wines on Hvar. While he's acclaimed for his red wines, notably Medvid and Medvjedica, his journey to winemaking wasn't straightforward. Born above the very cellar he now manages, Ivo initially pursued a career in economics and marketing in Zagreb. It was his father's prime vineyard locations and an underused wine cellar that inspired Ivo to enter the family business. Driven by a quest for excellence, he developed Medvid, now celebrated as a cult red wine from the Croatian Plavac Mali grape.

In a cosy corner of his konoba, a table awaits you, adorned with a tablecloth, candelabra, and an array of bread and cheese. The wines have been decanted for a couple of hours and are complemented by a carefully curated selection of music. As you start sampling, you’ll find yourself all ears as one of Croatia’s most innovative winemakers shares the story behind his craft.

Duboković draws inspiration from his family’s centuries-old winemaking tradition. He reflects on the methods of his father and grandfather, who produced white wines that remained delightful even after 14 years. Unlike artists who may see results in months, winemakers must wait years to assess their creations. Thus, Ivo’s cellar is filled with various trials – different vintages, grape varieties, and barrel types.

Duboković’s wines, which emphasise natural processes and organic products, can be found at desks of top restaurants in Croatia, Switzerland, Germany, and recently even in France. These artisanal wines, produced in limited quantities, are exclusive and highly sought after.

In addition to wine, you will also taste a wide variety of aromatised olive oils which he produces – with standout flavours including rosemary, basil, and chilli.

The tour concludes with a transfer back to your villa, following the delightful degustation experience.

Do you think you will have worked up an appetite from all the sampling and tasting? We think so too. Extend your Experience with a visit to a family-owned local restaurant (konoba) after you’re finished at the wine cellar.

Savor a delicious, authentic three-course Dalmatian dinner that perfectly caps off your adventure:

Some of our more remotely-located villas may have a surcharge for collection and return.

For bookings of this Experience made more than 60 days in advance of your arrival date at your villa, the following conditions apply:

For bookings of this Experience made 60 days or less in advance of your arrival date at your villa, the following conditions apply:

Please read our full Experience booking terms before booking.