Twice the Wine – Two wineries half day tour, with delicacies

If you’re craving a deeper look into Hvar’s wine scene beyond just tasting in a busy restaurant or cellar, this small-group half-day tour might be just what you’re after. It offers a relaxed, intimate experience of two carefully selected wineries, combined with regional snacks and some stunning scenery. We’re not claiming to have been there ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it looks like a pretty solid way to spend an afternoon if you love wine and want to explore the island a bit more than just Hvar town.

What really stands out about this tour is the opportunity to visit both a boutique winery and a family-run estate, each offering their unique take on Croatian wine. Plus, the small group size—capped at just seven or eight people—means you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guides seem genuinely knowledgeable and friendly. The only thing to keep in mind? It’s about four hours total, so if you’re expecting a long, in-depth wine course, this is more of a tasting experience with a scenic twist.

If you’re someone who enjoys tasting thoughtfully made wines, appreciates good views, and wants a taste of local culture, this tour is likely to suit you. It’s especially great if you’re staying on Hvar and want to see beyond the town, or if you’re just starting to explore Croatian wines and want to learn more in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit two distinctive wineries, each offering a different perspective on local wine production.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect beautiful views, especially at Lacman Family Winery, where the terrace overlooks the sea.
• Regional Food Pairings: Tasty local snacks and delicacies are included, enhancing the tasting experience.
• Small Group: Limited to 7-8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate atmosphere.
• Flexible Booking & Free Cancellation: You can easily reschedule or cancel, making it low-stress.

Why You Might Want to Book This Tour

This tour is perfect if you’re looking to sample a range of Croatian wines in a relaxed environment, without the fuss of large groups or rushed winery visits. If you’re interested in learning about Hvar’s wine from vine to glass, and enjoy pairing tastings with regional snacks, you’ll appreciate the details packed into this half-day experience. It’s a good choice for curious wine lovers, travelers who want to see a bit more of the island, or those who simply love a scenic, laid-back outing. However, if you’re after a full-day deep dive into wine or prefer private tours, you might want to look elsewhere.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Stop 1: Dubokovic Wine

Your journey starts at Ivo Dubokovic’s boutique cellar in Jelsa. This is the kind of spot where you can get a real sense of local craftsmanship. Reviewers consistently mention the authentic, cozy atmosphere, which makes the tasting feel like a visit to a friend’s cellar rather than a commercial operation. Dubokovic is recognized as Croatia’s leading boutique winemaker, so the wines here are crafted with care and a focus on quality.

Expect about an hour at this stop, where you’ll sample some of his best offerings. The experience here is free, but you’ll want to really pay attention to the details about each wine, as guides often share interesting insights about the winemaking process, grape varieties, and regional characteristics. One review notes that both wineries provide a good tasting experience, with a friendly host eager to share knowledge.

Stop 2: Lacman Family Winery

Next, you’ll head up to the Lacman Family Winery, perched in a quiet hilltop village. This is where the scenery really shines—imagine sitting on a veranda with a panoramic view of the sea. Here, you’ll enjoy about five different wine courses paired with home-made delicacies. The setting is relaxed, and the atmosphere is more of a casual, friendly gathering.

The tasting session lasts around an hour, and the included snacks are described as traditional Hvar-style treats—cold cuts, regional finger foods, and local specialties. The combination of delicious wine and tasty snacks makes for a memorable experience, especially as you sit outside and take in the natural beauty around you. Travelers have raved about the variety of wines and the generous pours, making it good value for the price.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Transportation & Group Size

Transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps the journey comfortable, especially if the weather’s warm. Since the group is limited to just seven or eight people, it’s easy to have a more personal chat and ask questions. The meeting point is centrally located in Hvar town, at Trg Sv. Stjepana, making it easy to find.

Timing & Duration

Starting at 4:00 pm, this tour is ideal if you want to fit in an afternoon activity without cutting into your evening plans. It’s roughly 4 hours long, giving enough time to relax at each winery without feeling rushed. You’ll be back at the start point at the end, so it fits well into a laid-back day on the island.

What’s Included

Beyond the two wine tastings, the tour includes local snacks, bottled water, and a COVID disinfection kit, which adds a layer of comfort and safety. The wine tasting sessions feature either four or eight courses—most reviews mention a generous sampling, so you’ll likely leave feeling satisfied.

Price & Value

At around $162 per person, the cost might seem a little steep for a half-day, but considering the inclusion of multiple tastings, regional delicacies, private transportation, and the small group setting, it offers good value. Travelers consistently mention that the guided experience enriches the tasting, turning it into more than just sipping wine—it’s about learning and appreciating the local culture.

Real Traveler Feedback: Insights from Reviews

Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, with one saying, “Leo was a brilliant guide that told us so much about Hvar.” Others praise the scenic views and the variety of wines, especially at the second winery. A common theme is the generous tastings and the opportunity to try different wine styles, including the intriguing orange wine mentioned in one review.

Several reviewers appreciate that the tour takes you outside the usual tourist spots, allowing you to see more of the island’s countryside and experience local hospitality. The food served is also a highlight—people mention it as delicious and authentic, enhancing the tasting session.

Some note that the second winery’s ambiance, combined with the panoramic terrace, makes for the most memorable part. One reviewer says, “Getting to visit two wineries, each very different in their own way, was a great way to learn about Dalmatian wines.”

The Downsides and Things to Consider

While most reviews are glowing, a few points are worth noting. The tour is not long, so if you’re hoping for a deep-dive into wine production, this might feel limited. Also, since the tour operates in the late afternoon, it might not be ideal for early risers or travelers with tight schedules.

The group size is small, which is great for intimacy, but it means you’ll want to book early, especially during peak season. The price is reasonable given what’s included, but it’s still a significant spend for a half-day activity.

And lastly, while the tour is suitable for most travelers, it’s primarily a tasting experience—so if you’re looking for a full winery tour with extensive cellar visits, this might not meet that expectation.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine lovers who want a relaxed, taste-focused outing with a side of beautiful scenery. If you appreciate local culture and enjoy pairing wine with regional snacks, you’ll likely find this tour very satisfying. It’s also a good pick for those wanting to see more of Hvar beyond the town, with a more personal touch from guides who are eager to share their knowledge.

It’s less ideal if you prefer a packed, full-day exploration or are looking for private, exclusive tours. But if you enjoy small-group experiences, appreciate good value, and want a taste of authentic Croatian wine culture, this tour could be just right.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 4 hours, starting at 4:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point in Hvar town.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get visits to two wineries, a 4 or 8-course wine tasting, traditional regional snacks, bottled water, private transportation, and a COVID disinfection kit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults, focusing on wine tastings and regional delicacies, so it’s not geared toward children.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just wear comfortable clothes and perhaps a sense of curiosity; everything else, including transportation and tastings, is provided.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan without stress.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You’ll sample a variety of local varietals, including at least four different courses, with some reviews mentioning unique wines like orange wine.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the maximum is seven or eight travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Trg Sv. Stjepana in Hvar town, a central location easy to find.

The Sum Up

The Twice the Wine half-day tour on Hvar offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, expert-guided tastings, and regional flavors. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to learn more about Croatian wines without committing to a full-day or private experience. Travelers consistently praise the guides, the variety of wines, and the picturesque settings, making it a dependable option for a memorable afternoon.

If you’re eager to experience authentic, locally produced wines in a relaxed, small-group atmosphere, this tour delivers good value and genuine insights. It’s especially suited for curious wine lovers, travelers wanting a taste of local culture, or anyone looking to see a different side of Hvar beyond the bustling town.

Keep in mind, if your goal is a comprehensive winery tour or a private experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a fun, informative, and scenic wine tasting outing, Twice the Wine ticks a lot of boxes—and leaves most travelers quite satisfied.

Hope this helps you decide if this tour is right for you. Cheers to your trip planning!