Croatia's wine tourism expands with new Lovor Bistro in Opatija and Zagorje wine hotel

Lovor Wine & Bistro, opened in Opatija a little over a year ago, combines high‑end Mediterranean cuisine with a curated selection of Croatian wines. The venue highlights local seafood, steaks, and signature desserts such as tableside tiramisu, while its summer menu adds dishes like linguine with clams and a wood‑fired grill concept in partnership with WOW Grill. A wine bar operates nightly until 2 a.m., offering tastings from Istria, Dalmatia and other Croatian regions, alongside signature cocktails.

In the Zagorje region, a new wine hotel featuring 11 rooms, a modern tasting room, cellar and meeting facilities has opened under the Vitus winery and Trgocentar group. The project aims to revive autochthonous grape varieties that were near extinction, having already saved about 20 local cultivars, including the historic white grape starohrvatska belina. Two virus‑free clones of this variety have been released with full county co‑funding, and the first plantings are underway at local wineries. The hotel serves as a showcase for premium Croatian wine tourism, offering guests a blend of accommodation, wine education and regional identity.