Croatia Opens Underwater Winery

As one of the top countries in the world for wine comsumption, Croatia’s seaside location makes it a prime spot for cultivating and exporting the beverage, a tradition that has spanned centuries. The Adriatic nation loves wine so much, it continuously searches for ways to improve the production and, as a result, the folks at Edivo Wine built an underwater winery recently opened to visitors.

Although the wine is initially aged above the sea’s surface for a few months, it is then stored in air- (and water-) tight clay jugs called amphorae. Once submerged, the wine continues to age for one to two years. While under water, the wine is corked and insulated with two layers of rubber to prevent external sea contamination and possible leakage. Edivo Wine says the cool underwater environment provides the perfect temperature and silence that contribute to quality production.

Edivo Wine is located in the town of Drače, one hour north of Dubrovnik. Visitors who wish to dive to the sunken wine cellar must arrange their visit by contacting the facility in advance. For non-divers, Edivo also welcomes diners and tasters to its wine bar located in Pelješac where they can sample some of the undersea creations and view the amorphae that spent years in the Adriatic Sea.