(New York, NY) – The beautiful coastline and distinguished cultural sites aren't the only reasons to visit Croatia this season- the historic vineyards and local delicacies are redefining tourism with a gastronomic twist.  The inaugural conference on the Tribidrag variety will host journalists, experts and connoisseurs from around the world, as they learn about the history and characteristics of the grape variety while enjoying local treats and tastings of 20 different Tribidrag selections from all corners of the globe.  Split, a Croatian town on the Adriatic coast, is the picturesque setting for this event, and boasts a balanced mix of aqua coastline, historic architecture, and dense culture.

The first day of the event kicks off a stunning ferry ride to Brač and visit of the local winery (Stina i Senjković) complete with a wine tasting and paired local delicacies.   Guests will also be able to eat and drink their way through the history in Kaštela, the home of the world's oldest castle, with a tour that incorporates culture and gastronomy.  The second day of the event continues with a visit to Kaštela, a nearby town marked by 20 castles with more than 2,000 years of recorded history.  Located on a quiet bay, it is the perfect backdrop to explore cultural sites while sampling the local flavors and enjoying a specially curated selection of Tribidrag.  The day begins with a tour of Kaštel Sućurac and a traditional a capella performance.  Ships will then take journeyers for a sail to Vitturi Castle, with a stop at Kaštilac and along the coast of Kaštela before mooring at Kaštel Lukšic, where more castle exploring will commence- of course completed with local delicacies and wines from the Kaštela Bay area.  The tours, which are led by local experts, give a glimpse into the rich history of Kaštela, while the wine tastings are hosted by expert sommeliers.

The conference continues with another day of Tribidrag.  Renowned sommeliers will lead a journey through wines from United States Zinfandel to Primitivo in Italy and Croatian Tribidrag.  Each tasting has been thoughtfully curated and separated by breaks for coffee and local treats, and the day will commence with a special guest and speaker interviews.  The conference aims to bring together connoisseurs and enthusiasts of all likes to showcase Croatia's contribution to the wine industry and explore the expansive grape variety through tastings, presentations and exploring vineyards.   

Additional excursions include a trip to Polača, Ražnjevićeva dvori, A.D. 1307, located in the historical centre of the Polača village, in the ancient agricultural area of Ravni kotari in North Dalmatia, with exploration of the adjacent vineyards and lush olive groves as well as a lunch at Kraljevski vinogradi Petrčani.  Here, The Royal Vineyards Ltd Zadar produce some of the leading wine varietals, including Pošip, Crljenak and Plavac mali.  

The Royal Vineyards are situated on the southern slopes above Petrčane and Punta Skala, and they are focused on lower production of premium wines from the original Dalmatian grape varieties.  The view from the vineyards is breathtaking, overlooking the city of Zadar, the islands of the Zadar archipelago and Velebit.  A trip to Zadar is also planned with a local guide.

About Croatia

Stretching along the Adriatic Sea, just a stone's throw from Central Europe, Croatia is a country defined by a rich cultural legacy. Today, history perfectly combines with a youthful spirit and vibrant energy that prove irresistible to those seeking diversity. Breath-taking natural beauty, endless coastlines, diverse gastronomy, adventure, sports and wellness, can be enjoyed all year round. Whether exploring the old city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, island-hopping around the Split archipelago, truffle hunting in Istria, paragliding across the Plitvice Lakes, delving into Zagreb's streets and hidden passages, birdwatching in Kopacki rit, partying the night away at Zrce beach in Novalja or taking time out with the family on Zlatni Rat beach, there truly is something for everyone in Croatia.

For more information on Croatia, please visit: http://croatia.hr

For more information on the Tribidrag conference, please visit http://tribidrag.org/