Hora Wine Farm, Stari Grad
I've come to the overwhelming conclusion that the best way to get to know more about a place is to learn from the locals. During our sailing trip to Croatia, we had the opportunity to visit Hora Farm in Stari Grad, Hvar. Our hosts were very excited about this part of the trip so I had high expectations.
The sunset view
When we got there we were met by Ana who was our hostess for the evening. She welcomed us to the wine farm and told us the history of the farm which was incredible. The Greeks had settled here in the 4th Century BC and they divided the land into 73 equal plots and they were given to the families to till the land and provide foods for themselves. And 2400 years later this same land is being used to produce everything that is produced in this farm. Everything is grown organically - the proper kind of food as Ana called (she used another term for the food that we've been eating) and being in that place after knowing that it's a UNESCO World Heritage site it truly humbled me.
As this was a wine tasting event we were given our first wine. The grapes were grown here and pressed into this light refreshing wine. Spending time in Croatia I came to realise that they are passionate about their wines and they do have some incredible varieties. When we were given our second wine, we were were given some bread, olive oil and a plate of anchovies, wild boar and some goats cheese. I don't know if it was the calming smell of lavender around us but that small dish was incredible. The little lesson on olive oil gave me a better understanding of how it's made (pressed) and why you should never use it to cook - only for eating in dressings and with bread of course.
Whilst we were waiting for the main meal, we had a chance to go out and explore the area. We found the cutest dog which was apparently shy, but he was very much ready to show us some moves.
L.A.M.B (look at my balls)
We were called back as our main meal was ready to be served and boy oh boy it was a sight to behold. You know the saying "you eat with your eyes" trust me when I say I was full the minute they placed that peka dish infront of me. It's a traditional dish from the Dalmatian Coast made of lamb, veal, potatoes and vegetables and is cooked in a fireplace - but using the embers as opposed to a blazing fire. Of all the meals that we had had at that point - that dish was certainly the best meal.
Veal & Lamb Peka
That meal ended with a spectacular sunset in the background that made for a perfect picture taking background.
Wine and sunsets :)
If you are looking for something to turn your visit to Hvar from good to great, then leave the beach and the gorgeous blue waters and head over to Stari Grad and go to Hora Wine Farm.
Till next time x