Split: Katela Wine Tasting and Food Pairing

If you’re contemplating a day of wine and culinary discovery in Croatia, a private tour in Katela might just be the perfect fit. This experience takes you to two very different but equally compelling wineries—one modern and perched atop a hill, the other traditional and by the sea. While I haven’t done this tour myself, I’ve gone through the details and reviews, so I can share a balanced picture of what to expect, including the highlights and some considerations to keep in mind.

What really draws me to this experience are the personalized attention—it’s a private tour, so you get a tailored journey—and the chance to taste locally crafted wines paired with delicious local snacks. I also appreciate the blend of modern and traditional settings, which promises diverse atmospheres and wine profiles. A potential drawback? The price tag of $758 for just two people might seem steep for some, especially if you’re not a big wine enthusiast or looking for a more casual outing. That said, for those who truly want a curated, luxurious experience, it’s worth considering. This tour is ideal if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Croatian wine, enjoy expert-guided tastings, and savor carefully curated food pairings.

Key Points

• Exclusive, private experience with personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.
• Two contrasting wineries offering a mix of modern style on a hilltop and traditional seaside charm.
• Tastings of local wines, each with distinct characteristics, paired with food to enhance flavor.
• In-depth insights into wine and food pairing, making the experience educational yet relaxed.
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics.
• Memorable souvenirs in the form of tasting notes, helping you remember your favorites long after.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Katela: A Blend of Modern and Traditional

This tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation, giving you a sense of ease from the start. The transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, driven by a professional English-speaking driver—no fuss, just focus on relaxing and taking in the scenery. The journey itself is part of the experience, as you cruise through the lush Dalmatian landscape en route to the two wineries.

The Modern Winery: Top of the Hill

Your first stop is a modern winery, situated at the top of a hill. The setting immediately offers striking views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Here, the focus is on contemporary winemaking techniques, which often translate into a clean, precise taste. You’ll be guided by experts who explain the winemaking process and tell you about the grape varieties used.

The tasting here includes three wines paired with a local snack. Reviewers have noted the quality of the wines and the engaging explanations from guides, who are clearly passionate about their craft. The modern style tends to emphasize clarity and expression of terroir, making it a great first stop if you want to understand the lighter, fruit-forward side of Croatian wines.

The Traditional Winery: By the Sea

Next, you’ll visit a traditional seaside winery, which provides a stark contrast. Its roots stretch deep into local history, with a more rustic, authentic atmosphere. Some reviews mention that this winery offers a cozy, welcoming vibe—like visiting a friend’s home. The focus shifts from modern techniques to traditional methods, which often produce richer, more robust flavors.

Here, you’ll indulge in a three-course food pairing with three types of wine. The culinary component is thoughtfully curated, offering artisanal cheeses, local delicacies, and other regional specialties. Many guests appreciate how the food enhances the wines, helping to reveal different layers of flavor that might not be obvious on their own. Plus, you’ll learn the principles behind pairing wine and food, making it an educational experience as well.

What to Expect Throughout the Day

The entire experience is designed to be relaxed yet informative. From the moment you’re picked up, the tone is friendly and personalized. The guides are well-versed, sharing insights into grape varieties, winemaking traditions, and the region’s viticultural history.

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The wineries and their surroundings

Expect stunning vistas at both wineries—rolling vineyards on the hilltop, and the shimmering sea just nearby at the seaside winery. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, making it easy to unwind and enjoy the tasting without feeling rushed.

The tastings

The first tasting focuses on local wines with unique characteristics, complemented by a snack that highlights regional flavors. The second is more comprehensive, with food and wine pairings that are carefully chosen to bring out the best in each. Comments from previous visitors highlight the quality of the wines and the food, with many saying it exceeded expectations in terms of both taste and presentation.

Learning and personalization

One of the tour’s strong points is the personalized attention—the guides answer questions, share stories, and tailor the experience based on your preferences. You’ll come away with tasting notes and a better understanding of Croatian wine culture, which makes the experience more meaningful.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a lot for the price. Included are pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, transportation in a comfortable vehicle, and the guided tastings—three wines and a snack at the first winery, and a three-course food pairing with three wines at the second. It also covers insurance and VAT, so no hidden costs.

Extras like additional drinks or a bottle of wine are optional and can be purchased in the wineries if something catches your eye. Keep in mind, this is a private experience, meaning you’ll have the host’s full attention, which heightens the overall sense of luxury and focus.

Who is this best for?

This experience is most suited for wine enthusiasts or travelers who want a more refined, educational tasting. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a personalized, private outing and are willing to pay a premium for quality and exclusivity. It’s not suitable for children under 18, so plan accordingly.

Analyzing the Value

At $758 for two people, this tour isn’t a budget option, but it does reflect the level of personalized service, private transportation, and high-quality tastings involved. If you’re someone who truly appreciates wine, local gastronomy, and a relaxed, intimate setting, this can be quite a worthwhile splurge.

Previous reviews echo this sentiment, with many praising the guides’ knowledge and the high standard of wines and food. One reviewer said, “The guide was very knowledgeable, and the wines were excellent—each one had its own character.” Another appreciated the thoughtfully curated food, noting it “complemented the wines beautifully.”

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re visiting Split or Dalmatia and want to deepen your appreciation for Croatian wines, especially in a private, relaxed setting, this tour offers a genuine chance to do so. It suits those who enjoy culinary experiences, are curious about local traditions, and prefer a more comfortable, intimate outing rather than a large group tour.

Keep in mind that the experience is tailored and leisurely, making it perfect if you’d like to spend a few hours learning, tasting, and soaking in the views. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more casual, self-guided tasting, this might not be the ideal choice.

The Sum Up

This private wine tasting and food pairing experience in Katela offers a thoughtfully curated introduction to the region’s viticultural scene. You’ll explore both a modern hilltop winery and a traditional seaside hotel, sampling a variety of wines paired with regional foods. The guides’ knowledge and personal touch elevate the experience, making it more than just a tasting but an educational journey into Croatian wine culture.

While it’s a pricier option, the value lies in the exclusivity, expert guidance, and the chance to savor local wines in stunning settings. It’s best suited for wine lovers, foodies, or travelers wanting an intimate, high-quality experience that combines scenic beauty with culinary delight.

If you’re looking for a memorable, personalized way to appreciate Croatia’s wine heritage, this could be just the ticket. Just be prepared for the investment and enjoy the relaxed, flavorful journey.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18, as it involves wine tasting and adult-focused activities.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers private pick-up and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable vehicle, guided wine tastings (three wines with snacks at the first winery, and a three-course food and wine pairing at the second), insurance, and VAT.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes, additional drinks or bottles of wine are available for purchase in the wineries, but they are not included in the tour price.

How long is the tour?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, expect a private, relaxed experience typically involving visits to two wineries with time for tastings and food.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Just bring a camera to capture the beautiful views and your tasting notes. Dress comfortably and be ready to enjoy a leisurely day of wine and food.

Is this experience flexible?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, and the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in planning your trip.

If this sounds like your dream wine day in Croatia, it’s worth considering for a special, intimate experience that combines taste, scenery, and learning.

You can check availability for your dates here: