What makes underwater wine so special?

The allure of underwater wineries extends beyond tourism. The sea’s constant pressure, darkness and stable temperatures create a unique environment for aging wine. When wine ages underwater, it bypasses the traditional oxidation process since the surrounding liquid prevents oxygen absorption. This uncoupling from oxygenation results in a remarkable difference: wines that benefit from the aging process yet retain youthful vibrancy.

 

Imagine a wine that’s mellowed and aromatic, yet still fresh and lively. That’s the magic of underwater aging. Plus, the bottles themselves are stunning souvenirs. Each one retrieved from the ocean’s depths is adorned with natural sea life, making it a unique masterpiece. So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary wine experience, underwater wineries offer both incredible taste and eye-catching bottles—a true testament to the ocean’s power to shape not just cliffs and beaches, but exceptional wines as well.

Here are our top recommendations for your next wine tourism adventure in Europe!

 

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The Underwater Wineries of Europe…

SPAIN

ELIXSEA – Barcelona

At ElixSea Winery in Spain, they discovered that wine aged underwater matures faster than its land-aged counterpart, while still maintaining top-notch quality. Their process involves aging the wine for 12 months in French oak barrels on land, followed by an additional 6 months submerged in the sea. The result? A wine that tastes remarkably aged, with a pleasant, slightly metallic, almost iron aftertaste.

ElixSea offers a delightful experience where you can compare their land-aged wine with their underwater-aged wine, allowing you to savor the nuanced differences. If you want to take some home, you can purchase directly from the winery or their website, but remember to check your country’s import guidelines.

For an unforgettable adventure, hop on a boat or yatch in Barcelona and indulge in an underwater wine tasting with breathtaking views of the city. Your tour guide will introduce you to the fascinating evolution of underwater aging, and you’ll enjoy a comparative tasting of underwater wines and their terrestrial counterparts.

For the adventurous at heart, become a diver explorer and hunt for hidden treasures among the beautiful Mediterranean reefs. Dive with the crew to discover the vibrant marine life and ecosystems, and uncover the hidden pirate chest containing your underwater wine! These tours are tailored to your diving experience level, so even beginners can join in on the fun of this true underwater winery experience.

The organized trips are available in Barcelona and nearby spots like Estartit, Tossa de Mar, and Palamos, all within an hour’s drive. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, ElixSea Winery offers a sophisticated yet casual experience that’s perfect for making unforgettable memories.

 

CRUSOE TREASURE – Bilbao

Crusoe Treasure stands as a pioneer in the realm of wine innovation, boasting the world’s first underwater winery and artificial reef. Nestled in the picturesque Plentzia Bay on the Basque Coast of Spain, Crusoe Treasure Winery redefines the art of winemaking by perfecting the science of underwater aging.
With many years of meticulous research dedicated to underwater winemaking, their team masterfully seeks out and blends unique terroirs, honed by years of expertise. These carefully crafted wines are then “treasured” in the depths of the sea, allowing them to reach their full potential.

Those who truly seek a memorable and authentic experience, have the opportunity to organize a complimentary virtual tasting via website. Their duet pack collections offer a tantalizing taste of a wine treasured under the sea alongside its counterpart aged on land. Led by a team of seasoned professionals, this personalized tasting allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Crusoe Treasure from the comfort of your own home.

In the captivating Bay of Plentzia in Bilbao you can discover a truly unique wine tourism experience. Their journey offers the opportunity to savor two underwater wines while exploring the origin and history of Crusoe Treasure Winery. Meet one of the founding members and uncover the passion and legacy behind these remarkable wines.
Whether you choose a duet tasting on land or aboard the boat, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking scenery of the Bay of Plentzia, located near Bilbao in the province of Bizkaia. The boat excursion comprises a journey to the cellar’s location and a scenic tour around the Bay lasting 40 minutes. Advance booking is essential to customize the tour according to preferences and group size.

 

CROATIA

EDIVO VINA, Drače

Imagine the ultimate wine tour that takes you 20 meters under the sea. Nestled near Dubrovnik, the small village of Drače is home to this underwater marvel. Edivo Winery, set within a shipwreck beneath the Adriatic, invites tourists to explore this unique winemaking approach.

The Pelješac Peninsula is famed for its fine vineyards, producing world-renowned varieties like Dingač, the “king of Croatian wine.” Since 2011, Edivo Winery has pioneered underwater wine aging, holding the world’s first license for this method and a patent to sell wine in amphorae, ancient ceramic vessels.

The journey of their first successfully submerged bottle began in late 2013. Their creation, ‘Navis Mysterium’ or ‘the sea mystery,’ is made from locally grown grapes, including native varieties like Dingač. The wine is aged for one year in a cask before being submerged to a depth of 18-25 meters for another two years, sealed in a terracotta amphora or bottle. It remains untouched by light until it’s poured into a glass for you to savor.

Roman, one of the team members, explains, “Every amphora is a handmade product, undergoing a 14-day cleaning process once retrieved from the water. Corals, seashells, and algae naturally adhere to the packaging, making each amphora or bottle a unique sculptural masterpiece—a perfect souvenir with the signature of the Adriatic Sea.” The winery’s diving team monitors the submerged cellar every 14 days and offers guided tours for adventurous tourists. After an immersive underwater experience, guests can resurface to enjoy a fresh seafood meal paired with their wine.
If diving isn’t your thing, you can still purchase these distinctive bottles adorned with corals and shells. Though a bottle of ‘Sea Mystery’ wine comes with a price tag in the hundreds of dollars, it promises a unique story from your Croatian adventure. The bottles from underwater wineries always make the most special souvenirs!

 

 

MONTENEGRO

UNDERWATER WINE CELLAR KRAKEN, Kotor Bay

Located in Kotor, the first and only underwater wine cellar in Montenegro awaits your discovery. Dive into the world of underwater aged wines and exquisite seafood aboard the exclusive floating wine bar. Crafted by creators Đuro Jankovic and Nemanja Božović, that started the idea since 2017, the process follows the bottles being submerged for a year, resulting in a refined taste that sets them apart from traditional cellar-aged wines.

By the end of 2020, the creators patented their technology, driven by a goal to showcase Montenegro’s uniqueness to the world. The sea’s influence not only accelerates the aging process but also lends the bottles a distinct look, adorned with corals and sea life.
Stepping onto their famous floating wine bar you will immerse yourself in a laid-back atmosphere of tranquility. Take the opportunity to dive beneath the bar and witness the underwater wine cellar firsthand, understanding the innovative process and its benefits.

Your visit can & should include the tasting of the underwater-aged wines, starting from €40 per bottle. You can savor the Montenegrin Vranac’s red label or the Muscat White wine. Pair your wine with an array of delectable dishes, including mussels, charcuterie boards, and Bruschetta, or sample the local beer for a truly immersive experience. Reservations allow you to customize your meal with options like oysters, fish, and shrimp.

Accessing the floating bar is easy—arrive by your own boat or let them pick you up from the bay in a small vessel, though be prepared for some steep stairs if you choose the latter option.

You can learn more about a Summer Vacation Montenegro here.

 

ITALY

TENUTA DEL PAGURO ESTATE & SHOWROOM – Ravenna

Since 2008, the Tenuta del Paguro di Brisighella estate has embraced a truly unique aging technique, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey for its Merlot, Sangiovese, Albana, and Cabernet wines. These bottles are submerged to the depths of a sunken oil rig platform off the Ravenna coast, which met its fate in 1965 following an accident. Placed in stainless steel cages, these wines undergo a transformative process underwater, aging gracefully for 6 to 12 months at a depth of 30 meters (98 feet), all while preserving their well-balanced and luxurious flavors.

Committed to sustainability, the estate takes a low-impact approach, integrating seamlessly with the natural and human environment. By immersing their wines in protected naturalistic areas, Tenuta Del Paguro strives to promote awareness and respect while ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Visitors eager to explore this captivating process can choose between two distinct experiences: a visit to the Showroom or the Vineyard, depending on their preference.

Resting snugly in galvanized metal mesh baskets anchored to the seabed, their wines mature for 12 to 18 months at approximately 30 meters below the surface, retaining their harmonious and rounded taste, a testament to their unique character. Visitors can embark on this remarkable journey starting from 60€ per person, indulging in tastings of at least four exquisite underwater wines, accompanied by delectable Italian dishes. For those unable to visit in person, the estate offers the opportunity to savor their wines from the comfort of home, with prices starting from 100€ per bottle.

Additionally, enthusiasts can now taste the Male Urchin Label, the first underwater sparkling wine from Tenuta del Paguro.

 

SANTA MARIA LA PALMA – Sardinia

Located near Alghero, Cantina Santa Maria La Palma is the proud producer of Akènta Sub, a truly exceptional creation. A select number of bottles of Akènta sparkling wine undergo a unique refinement process underwater, resting at approximately 40 meters deep in the crystal-clear waters off the coast of the Porto Conte Natural Park. Over a period of 6-10 months, this submerged aging transforms Akènta into Akènta Sub, a masterpiece of unparalleled depth and flavor.

Crafted in limited quantities, this wine embodies the pinnacle of quality and exclusivity. Each bottle is a unique work of art, shaped by the sea and irreplaceable in its individuality. Harvesting the bottles from the seabed is celebrated as a festive occasion, marked by Akènta Day—an event dedicated to promoting and celebrating the local area.

For those eager to explore the depths of this remarkable wine, Cantina Santa Maria La Palma offers the exclusive Akenta Experience. This immersive journey delves into the method behind the creation of Akènta Sub, Sardinia’s renowned “underwater” wine. Guests will discover the birthplace of this extraordinary wine, gain insight through exclusive videos, and have the privilege of encountering the most prized bottles up close. Priced at 40€ per person for groups of four or more, the Akenta Experience promises an unforgettable tasting journey, featuring a selection of Akenta labels, including the coveted Akenta Sub.

 

 

 

 

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