Konavle wine tasting tour from Dubrovnik with 2 vinery’s

Konavle is one of those places where wine feels tied to the land, not just the bottle. This half-day tour links Dubrovnik with two small family wineries in Konavle, plus a bit of sea time in Mlini. You get to taste local grapes that many people have never heard of, like Malvasia Dubrovačka bijela and Maraština.

I really like the way this trip mixes wine with food. At both stops you are served homemade plates, and the tastings focus on local varietals, not just the usual international crowd. Guides such as Miro, Marco, and Ivo have a reputation for making the ride friendly and informative, and that matters because Konavle is better understood than just driven through.

One thing to consider: the “two wineries” model is compact, and the second tasting can feel more low-key than the first. If you expect a long, chatty, guided wine seminar at every stop, you might want to ask questions while you’re there so you get what you want.

Key highlights you should care about

• Two family wineries in Konavle: BRAJKOVIĆ in Zastolje and VODOPIĆ in Konavle
• Local grapes you can actually taste like Maraština, Malvasia Dubrovačka bijela, Veritas, and Vranac
• Food included with tastings at both stops, plus wine liqueur and small sweet treats
• A seaside bonus stop in Mlini to reset after the tastings, with optional drinks and food
• Short 4 to 6 hour format that works well for cruise days and tight Dubrovnik schedules
• Private tour option for small groups if the minimum group size is not met

Konavle wines: why local grapes matter more than the label

If you like wine, but you also like stories, Konavle is a smart choice from Dubrovnik. This region grows both world-famous grapes like merlot and cabernet sauvignon and also serious local varieties that are not grown anywhere else in quite the same way. The tour’s tasting lineup is built around those “you need to try this” grapes.

What really caught my attention is the conservation angle. Malvasia Dubrovačka bijela and Maraština are described as varieties that were close to disappearing, and protecting them is treated as a priority. That means your tasting is not just about flavor, it’s also about keeping a grape heritage alive. You can taste the difference when a winery focuses on local identity rather than copying what sells elsewhere.

Also, Konavle has a coastal-to-hilly feel, and that shows up in the wines. Expect a range of styles across reds and whites, and enough variety in the tastings that you can compare how each grape behaves.

The 4 to 6 hour flow from Dubrovnik: a realistic half-day plan

This is a 4 to 6 hour outing, built to be manageable in real life. You get pickup offered, and you use a mobile ticket, so you are not dealing with paper ticket chaos. The group size can run up to 99 travelers, but the actual tastings happen in small winery settings, so your experience depends a lot on how many people arrive at the same time.

A good part of the structure is that you are not stuck only inside wineries. You get a third stop in Mlini, which gives you a mental break from tasting, and a chance to enjoy the coast after wine.

From a planning point of view, I think this tour fits best if:

• you want a wine day without sacrificing a full Dubrovnik evening
• you are curious about local grapes more than collecting souvenirs
• you like a “two wineries, one easy bonus stop” itinerary

If you are chasing a slow, long lunch, this is not that kind of trip.

Stop 1 in Zastolje at BRAJKOVIĆ: Malvasia and Maraština plus homemade plates

Your first winery stop is Zastolje, at BRAJKOVIĆ. The setting is described as an oasis in the heart of Konavle, and that is exactly what you want for the first tasting: calm ground under your feet, time to settle in, and hosts who can take you through what you are actually tasting.

At BRAJKOVIĆ, you try four local wines:

• Malvasia
• Maraština
• Veritas
• Vranac

That lineup is useful because it mixes both familiar and unfamiliar for most people. Veritas and Vranac, in particular, are great grapes to taste side by side with Maraština and Malvasia so you can start spotting patterns in style.

On top of the four wines, you also get:

• one wine liqueur
• arancini, a sweet made from orange peel
• a homemade plate with bread, extra virgin olive oil, cheese, dry bacon, and dry sausage

Admission for this stop is listed as free. In practical terms, it means you are not paying extra once you arrive, and you can focus on enjoying the tasting and the food pairing.

One extra tip from real-world experiences: if the winery offers handmade goods, bring some cash. At least at one point, small handmade items like embroidery and wine-related gifts have been cash only. Even if you do not plan to shop, having a few bills helps you avoid that awkward, do-not-buy-your-way-out-of-the-moment problem.

Stop 2 in Konavle at VODOPIĆ: a second tasting with Merlot and rosé

Next you move to Konavle for the second winery stop at VODOPIĆ. Like the first place, this is also presented as a small family winery, and the tasting experience is set up similarly, with a local focus.

At VODOPIĆ, you try four wines:

• Malvasija
• Maraština
• Merlot
• rosé

Notice the balance: you get to compare Maraština and Malvasija against a more international reference point (Merlot), plus a rosé. That is one of the smart moves in the tasting plan. It helps you answer questions like, Is this regional flavor coming from the terroir, or is it specifically tied to the grape?

You also get:

• one wine liqueur
• a homemade plate featuring bread, olives, cheese, prosciutto, and buđola

Buđola is a Dalmatian-style smoked item, and it tends to add a savory punch to the tasting. If you enjoy food-driven tastings, this stop can be the one you remember after the day ends.

Now, a heads-up. Some guests have described the second winery as less chatty than the first, with a more hands-off pouring style. That does not mean the wine is bad, it just means you should be prepared to ask questions if conversation is your thing. A simple question like, Which grape is your favorite this season? can turn the tasting from passive to personal.

Mlini seaside reset: where the tour turns into a coast break

After the two winery stops, you get a bonus visit in Mlini, around 2 hours. This part is not a tasting factory. It is a chance to slow down and enjoy the Dubrovnik Riviera, Mlini-Srebreno area.

You can choose how you use the time:

• pop into a beach bar for a drink (wine, beer, cocktail, or juice)
• eat something like a pancake if you are hungry
• walk along the seaside for views and fresh air

This is a great finishing move because the wineries are the “sensory work” portion of the trip, and Mlini is the “you earned it” portion. It also gives you a flexible landing point if you are traveling with different energy levels in your group.

If you are planning photos, do a quick loop near the waterfront soon after you arrive. After you order a drink and start eating, your “best light” window can vanish fast.

Price and what $225.31 really buys you

At $225.31 per person, you are not paying for a single glass and a quick photo. You are paying for:

• two winery tastings with multiple local wines each
• wine liqueur at both stops
• homemade plates with local food components
• a short transfer day that pulls you out of Dubrovnik and back again
• a bonus stop in Mlini
• snacks and alcoholic beverages included

Is it expensive? It is not cheap. But it can feel fair if you compare it to the cost of private transport plus paying tasting fees separately plus eating on your own at the end.

Where the value conversation gets real is expectations. If you expected bottles left at your table, or a very long, super-structured meal, the format might feel tight for the price. If you came for the grapes, the local plates, and the change of scenery, the pricing makes more sense.

My advice: treat this as a “taste and learn” tour, not a “drink until you fall over” deal. The wines and food are the center. Mlini is the bonus.

Guides, comfort, and how the day actually feels

This is one of the strengths of the tour style: the drive is part of the experience. In real-world stories from the same operation, guides like Miro, Marco, and Ivo are praised for being helpful and informative, and for keeping things easygoing.

You will also want to care about the ride quality for a half-day. There is a mention of a clean, air-conditioned vehicle, and that sounds small until you are doing wine tasting in warm weather and you need your head to stay clear.

The day also comes with flexibility. Some experiences note that drivers and guides were willing to help shape the day based on what people wanted to see. That is another reason I like this kind of tour: you are not locked into a rigid script once you are on the road.

What to pack and how to get the most from tastings

You cannot “optimize” wine, but you can optimize your comfort.

Bring:

• a light layer for the ride and the seaside stop
• comfortable shoes for walking in Mlini
• your thirst managed with water between tastings
• a small amount of cash for any homemade goods that are marked cash only (at least at one winery, that has been the case)

Also, do not go in on an empty stomach. You get snacks and food at the wineries, but wine hits faster when you are underfed.

Finally, come ready to compare. Since you taste Maraština and Malvasija in both wineries, your best strategy is to remember what changed from stop one to stop two. That is where the tour becomes more than consumption, it becomes understanding.

Who should book this Konavle wine tasting tour

This tour is a strong fit for you if:

• you want authentic, local varietals rather than only international grapes
• you like the idea of food paired with wine at each winery stop
• you have limited time in Dubrovnik and want a half-day escape to countryside and coast
• you prefer a guided day but still want downtime in Mlini

It might not be ideal if:

• you hate any chance of a low-key second tasting moment
• you only want long, formal winery education
• you expect the day to function like a private chef meal, it is more straightforward than that

If you are sensitive to crowd levels, ask about a private tour for small groups. The tour maximum is listed as 99 travelers, and winery visits can feel busy if the day runs at high capacity.

Should you book it?

I would book it if your goal is a genuine Konavle tasting day with local grapes, homemade plates, and an easy seaside finish. The combo of BRAJKOVIĆ plus VODOPIĆ, plus Mlini time, is a practical way to see more than Dubrovnik while still getting back for dinner plans.

I would pause and consider your expectations if you want a deeply scripted wine lecture at every winery, or if you need lots of shopping time. The second stop is not guaranteed to match the first in vibe, and at this price point you should go in clear on what the tour does deliver: tastings, food, and transfers, in a tight half-day window.

FAQ

How long is the Konavle wine tasting tour from Dubrovnik?

It lasts about 4 to 6 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $225.31 per person.

How many wineries are visited?

You visit two wineries.

Where are the winery stops?

Stop 1 is in Zastolje at Winery BRAJKOVIĆ, and Stop 2 is in Konavle at Winery VODOPIĆ.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes snacks and alcoholic beverages.

Do I receive a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Is there a seaside stop after the wineries?

Yes. There is a bonus stop in Mlini for about 2 hours.

Is there an option for a private tour?

There is an option for a private tour for small groups. Also, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers (minimum 4). If there are fewer, they will offer you a private tour.

What is the minimum group size and what happens if it is not met?

The tour needs at least 4 people to run. If it is canceled because the minimum is not met, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a maximum number of travelers?

Yes. This tour/activity has a maximum of 99 travelers.