Wine culture on the island of Vis has a long history that goes back centuries. If you've ever had the opportunity to visit this beautiful island in the Split archipelago, you've certainly had the opportunity to hear, if not taste, indigenous wine varieties such as Vugava and Plavac Mali.

Joško Vitaljić's range of wines - Photo by OPG Joško Vitaljić

Throughout history, viticulture has been an important economic and cultural center, and winemakers have passed on their knowledge and skills from generation to generation. Numerous archaeological findings, such as ancient amphorae and the remains of vines, indicate the continuous production of wine throughout the centuries on the island of Vis. The wines of Joško Vitaljić are right at the center of such history.

Joško Vitaljić and his family represent a living link with this rich tradition. Their history of viticulture on the island of Vis has been going on for 150 years, and Joško's family has always cultivated a love for vineyards and wine, even though it was never their primary job. Joško was a fisherman by profession and considered the vineyard his refuge and source of joy, and he planted the first Vugava vines when his granddaughter Joška was a small baby, so the vineyard and little Joška grew and matured together.

Vitaljić's vineyard reflects their deep connection with nature through ecological cultivation. Their vineyards have had an ecological certificate from the very beginning, which is why the wine production is also ecological. What exactly does that mean? The wines do not contain pesticide residues and the use of mineral fertilizers and synthetic chemicals is prohibited in their production, which is why the grapes are less protected and more difficult to succeed. Because of this, the wines contain a twice lower level of sulfur, which is most often felt by the smell but also by rare headaches the next day. It is important to note that most organic wines have "slow aging" due to which the wines remain drinkable longer.

The decoration of Joško Vitaljić's wine bar in Komiža - Photo by OPG Joško Vitaljić

The Vitaljić family started producing wine for sale ten years ago, using modern techniques and equipment financed from European funds. Traditional tools have been replaced by modern ones, such as stainless steel barrels with a cooling system, while only the hoe is still used from the old tools.

Family customs are also an important part of their tradition. At the end of the wine harvest, a traditional Sabbath is held, and their wine can be tasted in restaurants all over the island of Vis.

Joška recalls how she spent her days in the vineyard as a child, and after moving to the mainland, the family would return to the island every year during major works in the vineyard, creating new memories.

Recently, the family opened a wine tasting room in Komiža at the address Ribarska ulica 62, inspired by spontaneous ideas and long summer days. Although nono Joško is old-fashioned when it comes to promotion and sales, his granddaughter Joška took the initiative, arranged the space and created a small tasting room where wines can be tasted and bought. Along with a glass of wine, visitors can also enjoy organic fruits and vegetables grown by Nono, as well as homemade cheeses and sweets.

Joško Vitaljić's range of wines - Photo by OPG Joško Vitaljić

The tasting room has just opened and the family has no concrete plans for its future, but they want it to be a sweet place for a good glass of wine.

With their work, effort and love for viticulture, the Vitaljić family continues to preserve and promote the rich tradition of winemaking on the island of Vis, and their tasting room is becoming a new gathering place for wine and nature lovers.

For everyone who wants to visit this family wine tasting room, find them at Ribarska Street 62 in Komiža, on the island of Vis.