Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon

Monday, April 28, 2025

Our Tenerife Island explorations led us to discover Teide National Park, Canary Islands wines and more

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean filled with sea days is the perfect opportunity to do wine tastings. We enjoyed two wine tastings during these sea days. However, when our first port of call after eight sea days took us to Tenerife de Santa Cruz, Canary Islands we were ready for land based activities. We decided for our first onshore activity would be a visit to Tenerife's National Park. While touring Tenerife's Teide National Park our guide introduced us to Tenerife wines. Who would have thought that our Tenerife explorations would lead us to an introduction to local wines.

Tenerife de Santa Cruz, Canary Islands © Spaswinefood

It was early morning when we landed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. We were excited to be visiting the Canary Islands.

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean © Spaswinefood

Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands

After eight days, even relatively calm sea days, we were ready for being on land. We were so excited to arrive in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. We choose to visit Teide National Park, which is centered on Mount Teide, the highest mountain of Spain (3,718 meters high). Mount Teide is the highest volcano in the Atlantic Ocean islands, and the third highest volcano in the world (measured from its base on the ocean floor it is 7,500 meters high). Pico Viejo (3,135 meters high), part of the Teide volcanic complex, is also within the national park, and is the second highest volcano in the Canary Islands. Mount Teide and Pico Viejo are the only two peaks in the Canary islands rising above the 3,000 meter level. Pico Viejo volcano is part of the Teide volcanic complex, which began forming around 200,000 years ago. Its crater is one of the satellite craters around Teide. Pico Viejo last erupted in 1798. Mounte Teide is an active Volcano.

Welcome to Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

The park covers 18,990 hectares, located in the La Orotava municipality, was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on June 28, 2007. The park is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.

It was a bright sunny day as we approached Mount Teide. We stopped at the pullout and took pictures.

Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

Watching the Clouds Go By,Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

Posing, Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

After stopping to view Mount Teide we drove further into the park. We made a brief restaurant stop for coffee. After coffee it was onto another stop, just pass the visitors center. Here we took a walk on a trail near Garcia's Rocks.

Garcia Rocks, Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

It was good timing to walk the trail and take in the views.

Trails, Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

It was quite interesting to walk along the path of old volcanoes.

Teide National Park, Tenerife © Spaswinefood

Volcano Info, Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

Along the way we managed to see a few local birds.

Taking in the Views, Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

Bird Friend, Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

For those interested in fauna and flora this area is interesting to explore.

Across the way, not far from the visitors center, there is a church. Given the limited time for the tour we did not visit the church.

Church, Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

For visitors who enjoy exploring nature I highly recommend a visit to Teide National Park. Besides getting some insights into the volcanic history of the park during our visit we were also introduced to some of the fascinating history of the early people, Guanches. Guanches, indigenous people, who first inhabited this area during the first millennium BCE, are believed to be of North African descent. They lived in relative isolation and harmony with each other until the 15th century, when the Islands were colonized by the Spanish. Each summer the Guanche inhabitants would abandon their settlements, between the arid coast and the mountains, and climbed up into the mountains to spend several months in small, stone shelters. They took their flocks of goats with them. In summer, the coastal pastures dried up, but up near the mountain top, the goats could feed there. They stayed until the first rains fell in the lower parts of the island, and the pasture grew again.

The Guanches developed their own culture and beliefs, undoubtedly influenced by the looming mountain at the center of their island home. Mount Tiede was a sacred mountain to the Guanches, like Mount Olympus was to the Greeks. Hence they had their own mythology centered around Mount Tiede. For example, when Mount Tiede erupted, it was customary for the Guanches to light bonfires to scare away Guayota, the god of the underworld.

On the way back to the port we transitioned into the landscape and vegetation near the coast.

Leaving Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

Then further along we drove by lush pastures.

Spring Time Fields, Tenerife © Spaswinefood

Spring Blooms, Tenerife © Spaswinefood

Teide National Park, Canary Islands Wines and More

Besides visiting this beautiful park, and discovering some of its volcanic history we were informed about the Canary Islands wines. In fact before arriving at the restaurant for our coffee stop the guide brought up the topic of Canary Island wines. Someone picked up a bottle during the stop.

Gran Tehyda Tinto, D.O. Valle de la Orotava, Canary Islands, Spain © Spaswinefood

After a little research I discovered that this particular wine is produced from a local red grape variety, Listan Negro. I have also discovered that there are 80 grape varieties grown on the islands, with 24 of them being local varieties, like Listan Negro and Listan Blanco. After this first introduction to Canary Island wines we decided to go next day in search of Tenerife wines to taste. The guide on the tour worked at a winery on Tenerife. Unfortunately his winery was closed while we were in port; so I checked out some Tenerife wines at a Santa Cruz restaurant next day.

Teide National Park © Spaswinefood

On a personal note, I loved being introduced to new wines during our travels. While typically my wine country travels takes me to wine regions around the world it also fun to have this wine adventure at sea, and at port stops along the way. It is always exciting to make new wine discoveries.

While Cruising: Wine and Food Adventures © Spaswinefood

I invite you to join me in my Atlantic Ocean travels to Tenerife, Spain and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations.

CHEERS!

Sharon

March 2025

Tenerife, Canary Islands

TransAtlantic Travels: Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona

National Park, Tenerife © Spaswinefood

Onboard Views, Santa Cruz de la Tenerife © Spaswinefood

Sunrise, Atlantic Ocean © Spaswinefood

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Friday, April 25, 2025

Living the Croatian wine country dream: Wines of the Saints

When you get to hangout at Wines of the Saints then you know, you are living a Croatian wine country dream. After a brief stay in Dubrovnik's historic center, off we went to the Pelješac Peninsula on a wine adventure. Our spring time travels took us through charming family-owned Pelješac Peninsula vineyards, a sub-region of the South Dalmatia wine region. Saints Hills Winery is located in the Pelješac Peninsula village of Oskorušno. This boutique family winery, built on the site of an old stone house, is the perfect place to kick-off a Croatian wine journey.

The Cellaring Wines of the Saints, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

We were indeed excited to begin our wine country explorations at Saints Hills Winery.

Estate Vineyard, Saints Hills Winery, Oskorušno © Spaswinefood

Saints Hills Winery, Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia

Croatia has four wine regions: Istria and Kvarner, Dalmatia, Slavonia and Danube, and Upland Croatia. Dalmatia's Pelješac Peninsula, with its inspiring landscape, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rugged cliffs attracts outdoor enthusiasts. For sure there is lots to explore along, its coastline's hidden coves and bays, trails, and of course, let's not forget olive groves and vineyards. Besides enjoying the Pelješac Peninsula natural beauty, it is a paradise for oenophiles, a region renowned for its robust red wines, particularly Plavac Mali.

I had come to Saints Hills Winery to experience first hand Croatian wines. Croatian wines have been on my radar for quite awhile. In fact, ever since I first tasted Croatian wines at the 2017 Balkans International Wine Competition in Sofia, Bulgaria. My Croatian wine journey continued with ordering some wines for at home vine-filled explorations. Of course Saints Hills wines were on my list. For me however, there is no substitute for researching and experiencing the wines where they are grown. Fortunately, this month I did just that.

Welcome to Croatia's Wines of the Saints

Upon arrival we toured the winery (vinaria) and enjoyed learning about its operations. The staff at Saints Hills Winery went over and beyond in welcoming us on that cool April day.

Welcome to Saints Hills Vinaria (Winery) © Spaswinefood

Saints Hills Winery was founded in 2006. This family winery's dream is to present Croatian wines that are made in a modern way, and respectful of nature. Their children (Lucia, Roko and Ante), as are each of their vineyards (St. Lucia, St. Roch and St. Anthony), and olive orchard, are named after a saint. Hence Saints Hills wines can be appropriately referred to as Wines of the Saints. Moreover, to ensure the production of quality wines, Michel Rolland, a family friend and world renown oenologist, is a consultant with the winery.

We began our winery tour in the tank room. Here we learnt about the various fermentation processes.

Tank Room, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

Our visit to the barrel room included an overview of the aging processes for the various wines produced at this winery.

Barrel Room, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

For special group tastings they have a tasting table in the cellar area.

Tasting Table Awaits, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

Their cellar, where the special wine bottles are stored, is quite stunning. Seeing the Treasury Room on their website is no substitute for being there.

Cellar, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

Throughout the property there were signs of ongoing spring activities. I loved seeing the flower boxes.

Wine Boxes and Flowers, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

Spring Blooms, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

A Saints Hills Spring © Spaswinefood

While touring the winery seeing the wine tags on the boxes reminded me of my first tasting of Saints Hills wines. My earlier Plavac Mali wine adventure began with some research on Saints Hills wines. These earlier virtual wine travels prepared me for our visit to Croatia's Saints Hills Winery.

Visiting in early spring I could see that the winery was gearing up for visitors. While taking in the estate vineyard views I noticed the just planted vegetable garden.

Vegetable Garden (right front), Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

Perhaps few insights into the Pelješac Peninsula Saints Hills wines should be made with Dingač and Postup appellations where its Plavac Mali grapes are grown.

Pelješac Peninsula's Dingač and Postup Appellations

Through the Dingač Tunnel © Spaswinefood

Plavac Mali, the best known Croatian wine, the nation's most sought-after red wine, is one of Croatia's most planted varieties. It was the first Croatian grape to have its own appellation, Dingač. The Dingač appellation on Dalmatia's Pelješac Peninsula was established in 1961. Plavac Mali thrives here where it receives lots of sunshine and heat, and minimal rain during the late spring and summer. Wines bearing the Dingač name come from the southwest facing slopes on the steep coastline between the small villages of Trstenik and Podobuce.

Pelješac Peninsula's Dingač Appellation © Spaswinefood

Dingač, Croatia’s first appellation, continues to showcase Croatian Plavac Mali wine today.

Early Spring, Dingač Appellation © Spaswinefood

I immediately knew the Dingač appellation is special. It is special because very few vineyards are striking as these. Yes, vineyards in the Douro Valley and Châteauneuf-du-Pape will definitely your attention however, the Dingač vineyards are similarly, quite unique.

Taking in the Views, Dingač Appellation © Spaswinefood

Potomje Village, Dingač Appellation © Spaswinefood

Just a little west of Dingač, overlooking the bay of Orebic and the island of Korubuc beyond, are the vineyards of the Postup appellation. The Postup and Dingač appellations are the best-known examples of Plavac Mali wines. Plavac Mali gives low grape yields, producing concentrated wines. The result is Plavac Mali wines are rich, age-worthy red wines. Postup wines, although not quite as full-bodied, or complex as those of Dingač, are richer than those produced in mainland locations.

Saints Hills also produces Plavac Mali from grapes grown in the Komarna wine region, Croatia's youngest appellation. Komarna is located between the historic cities of Split and Dubrovnik. It is the first entirely ecologically certified region in the country. While its Plavac Mali is different, elegant with pronounced red fruit notes, more mature tannins, and less jam and plum notes, but not concentrated and powerful as those from renowned Dingač and Postup appellations. Valentina Silovic, Wine & More provides a comprehensive Plavac Mali overview of the different wine areas.

Other Saints Hills Experiences

Saints Hills also operates a guest house in Oskorušno. Saints Hills is a perfect place to stay. Guests with high expectations will not be disappointed. This old stone house offers everything a wine enthusiast needs. It is just perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in a winery experience, as we did.

A Saints Hills Winery Stay © Spaswinefood

Winery visitors can enjoy a wine tasting on one of their patio areas. The terrace patio overlooking the vineyard is perhaps the favorite.

Restaurant, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

At Saints Hills restaurant, you can pair a gourmet dinner with their wines. We did have this privilege during our visit. Thanks to our host Josefina Muscianisi Soldati, and to Chef Ivana Bjeliš. Josefina, has extensive experience in the wine industry. For me this experience was a lovely way to appreciate the property while learning about Croatian wine. We tasted some exceptional bottles of wine while we enjoyed a Michelin-worthy meal. During my wine travels I have experienced no shortage of great restaurants; so I know what it means to taste food that is made with love. It was a meal to remember and Chef Ivana created vegetarian version of her menu in addition to the regular version. Dishes tend to follow traditional Dalmatian recipes with a little twist from the chef who prepares food made with love. All ingredients are fresh and local, and vegetables and spices are grown in their garden. From beginning to end, we enjoyed every single bite. This is a chief is driven by passion and who cooks because she loves it so much.

When I think about our experience at Saints Hills, I recall how generous they were to us. We will always remember our Saints Hills experience.

Given Saints Hills produces Croatian wines outside Pelješac region we were able to explore these as well. Saints Hills has vineyards in Istria and Komarna. We began our wine tasting with an Istria Sauvignon Semillion blend.

Wine Tasting, Saints Hills Winery © Spaswinefood

Saints Hills Winery, Frenchie Vineyard Sv Ante, Istria 2024

Saints Hills Winery, Frenchie Vineyard Sv Ante, Istria 2024 © Spaswinefood

I loved this wine from their St Ante Vineyard, Istria and can see why it gets top reviews.

During dinner I was introduced to Saints Hills white wines from Istria and a Saints Hills Rosé (Saints Hills Dingac 'St. Heels' Sv Lucia Vineyard Rosé, Peljesac Peninsula).

Saints Hills, Dingac 'St. Heels' Sv Lucia Vineyard Rosé, Peljesac Peninsula

This is a most delightful Plavac Mali rosé wine.

Saints Hills Winery, Mala Nevina, St Ante Vineyard, Istria 2024

Saints Hills Mala Nevina comes from the Saint Ante vineyard in Radovani, Central Istria. This wine is a blend of Malvazija Istria and Chardonnay, and it gets tops reviews.

Saints Hills Winery, Le Chiffre Chardonnay, St Ante, Istria 2022

I loved this 100% Chardonnay, and it too gets top reviews.

We so enjoyed exploring their selection of premium wines, which also included their 2019 Plavac Mali wines. In an earlier post I explored 2015 Saints Hills Plavac Mali wines (see summary notes below). Of course coming to Saints Hills after being introduced to its Plavac Mali wines, I was excited to taste their 2019 vintage of Saints Hills Plavac Mali wines. YES! one of those was a Dingač.

Saints Hills, Plavac Mali, Sv Lucia Vineyard, Dingač 2019

While tasting Saints Hills wines we enjoyed some amazing platters. Let's take a peek.

The chef at Saints Hill Winery is amazing!

Now is the perfect time for a Croatian wine country dream. Special thanks to Mirena Bager at Croatian Premium Wine Imports for helping me plan our Croatian wine adventure. Also, special thanks to our Saints Hills hosts
Josefina Muscianisi Soldati, Hospitality Manager, and the Saints Hills staff

After this winery visit I can easily say Saints Hills is one of Croatia's best. We were impressed by its special charm and its wines. I would highly recommend
Kresimir Pehar, Dubrovnik 4 U Transfers for those who prefer a driver for your wine travels. I invite you to join me in my Croatian wine travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations.

Cheers

Sharon

April 2025

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Checkout the latest Croatian wines available in US at: Croatian Premium Wine Imports

February 2021 Notes: Tasting of Saints Hills Plavac Mali Wines

My Plavac Mali wine adventure began with some research on this wine.

After a little background research on Plavac Mali I was ready to explore the wines. Let me begin with sharing Saints Hills Plavac Mali.

From left to right these wines are:

1. Saints Hills Black 2016 - is a complex, medium-bodied Plavac Mali from Dingač and Komarna.

2. Saints Hills Plavac Mali St. Roko 2015

Here is a description of this wine by Croatian Wine:

Vineyard Sv. Roko is located near the base of the scenic Pelješac peninsula, just north of the point where it becomes the mainland. This region is called Komarna, known for winegrowing since the Middle Ages. The mystical, southwest slopes of St. Roko are extremely steep, extremely difficult to cultivate, and extremely full of limestone which protects the vine from drought. To survive, the vine has to grow deep under a protective layer to find the fertile red soil. Exposed to the sun and wind, the vineyards offer spectacular views of the bay, the sea and the Pelješac peninsula. These are extreme conditions for making wine, where no one has made it before.
This full bodied, dry wine of a clear ruby red color with purple nuances, is very often referd to as “The Sun’s Child”. The nose is full of rich fruity aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plum, followed by aromas of mediterranean spice such as mint and basil, and some oregano. The texture is complex, layered with fine aromas of vanilla and dark chocolate, plums and figs,as well as some earthy elements. The finish is long, with notes of berry fruit and black pepper. It is differed by very fine minerallity and freshness.
Food pairing: Osso-bucco, roasted pork.

3. Saints Hills Plavac Mali Dingac 2015 comes from Saints Hills St. Lucia vineyards, which are located in the famous Dingač apellation on the Peljesac Peninsula.

Croatian Premium Wines description of this wine follows:

The nose of this wine is dominated by aromas of ripe red strawberries that are intermixed with those of cream, clove and hints of earthy elements. Aromas of Mediterranean spices and vegetation characterize wine of ruby red color. A warm and full-bodied wine of very pleasant acidity, dominated by chocolate and ripe fruit. Intensive notes of coffee with nutty elements in the background round up this rich Plavac Mali.

I enjoyed getting to know these three Plavac Mali wines from Saints Hills. The wines certainly lived up to the following quote on the bottle:

Love and Passion

Tradition and Expertise

Makes this Wine Worthy of the Saints

Croatia's Saints Hills wines are indeed Wines of the Saints. I will conclude with saying It is so easy to fall in love with Saints Hills Plavac Mali wines.

Note: Part of my expenses for our Saints Hills Winery visit was covered by the winery. However, travel to/from Croatia, other travel and accommodations within Croatia were covered by Spaswinefood.

Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon

Monday, April 28, 2025

Our Tenerife Island explorations led us to discover Teide National Park, Canary Islands wines and more

Friday, April 25, 2025

Living the Croatian wine country dream: Wines of the Saints

Our Tenerife Island explorations led us to discover Teide National Park, Canary Islands wines and more

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