Croatian sunsets are renowned for their stunning beauty, often painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple – a “PINKtastic” backdrop for our Pink Girls Run The World (PGRW) Welcome Dinner sponsored by Croatian Premium Wine. At a secluded Orašac villa with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, we savored a traditional Croatian meal crafted by a local chef, paired with certified organic wines from Rizman Winery and Terra Madre Winery. Laughter and stories flowed as new and old friends bonded over their love for travel, savoring perfect blends of local wines with exquisite dishes. Surrounded by the beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast we quickly learned that Croatian wines are not just a beverage; but a glimpse into Croatia’s rich heritage.
A collaboration sparked by a chance meeting with Croatian Premium Wine Co-Founder and VP of Brand Management, Mirena Bagur at a US travel industry event. During our conversation, I was thrilled to discover that, before migrating to the US after college, Mirena was involved in her grandfather’s winemaking while growing up in Croatia’s Neretva Valley. I wanted to get more information on ways our travel group could support the local community during our recent visit to Croatia.
Mirena Bagur, Croatian Premium Wine Co-Founder/VP of Brand Management with her husband.
The PGRW movement is all about using our platform to amplify the voices of women around the globe. I love how over the years, Mirena has supported the culture, traditions, and economy of her beloved Dalmatia, Croatia…introducing Komarna wines to the US, while showcasing the rich culture of the Neretva Valley and the Dubrovnik-Split region. I was excited to chat with Mirena below about wine and her beloved Croatia.
1. PGRW: Love how you are passionately driving Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc. forward as the company’s Co-Founder/VP of Brand Management; showcasing Komarna wines in the US, while sharing the narrative around the vibrant Neretva Valley culture and the Dubrovnik-Split region in Dalmatia. Can you tell us about the company’s wine philosophy?
Mirena: We founded the company with the goal of showcasing Croatia’s indigenous grape varieties. Our name reflects this mission. We started with wines from my home region, where I knew the local winemakers and watched their progress over the years. With a focus on enhancing authenticity and quality trending nationally, I started exploring other regions within Croatia. Our philosophy is to partner with wineries that share this commitment to indigenous varieties and sustainability.
2. PGRW: Croatian wines are gaining significant acclaim both in the US and Europe, consistently receiving prestigious awards with many wines achieving 90+ points. How do you ensure the authenticity and quality of the wines that you import?
Mirena: We have submitted wines from our partner wineries to various competitions, and the results speak for themselves. For instance, this year’s awards honored several our wines with Gold and Silver Awards.
To gauge quality, we consider feedback from industry professionals along with global perspectives. Within Croatia, we closely collaborate with winemakers, understanding their philosophy and approach—whether they view winemaking as a job or as a work of art rooted in science. This deep connection helps ensure long-term quality. We also rely on local experts, including judges and wine writers, to assess and verify the wines’ excellence each year.
3. PGRW: What unique qualities or characteristics do Croatian wines offer that distinguish them from wines produced in other regions? How do you communicate these attributes to American consumers?
Mirena: Croatian wines are distinguished by their unique indigenous grape varieties, such as Plavac Mali and Pošip, which are rarely found outside the region. These varieties offer distinctive flavors and profiles that reflect Croatia’s diverse terroirs and rich winemaking history. Croatia’s grapes differ by region based on the climate and culture.
WINES WE TASTED: Rizman Plavac Mali Rosé Rusula 2022, Terra Madre Plavac Mali Rosé 2019, Terra Madre Plavac Mali Barrique 2016 and Terra Madre Pošip Premium 2021
In Dalmatia, a natural hybrid was created over centuries between the original Zinfandel grape and the indigenous local Plavac Mali grape, resulting in a unique and distinctive variety and taste. The best-quality Plavac wines come from prime growing areas: steep mountain slopes facing south, with views of the sea. Komarna is tucked into the coastline opposite Peljesac, the vineyards are south-west facing, ranging in altitude from 250 meters right down to sea-level.
To communicate these attributes to American consumers, we spotlight the stories behind the wine, including the methods used and the unique characteristics of the grapes. We also emphasize the historical and cultural significance of Croatian winemaking. Engaging wine tastings, informative content, and collaboration with Croatian winemakers help convey these distinctive qualities.
4. PGRW: In your role, how do you navigate the balance between honoring the traditional winemaking heritage of Croatia and adapting to the preferences of the American market?
Mirena: Introducing only new, modern Croatian wines might not be as distinguished in the American. That being said, there are many Croatian winemakers using unique indigenous varieties that are not found elsewhere. Some craft these wines traditionally, while others opt for modern techniques. Just like many other choices, wine selection is highly personal and varies greatly. Balance and availability are key for us.
Croatian Premium Wine imports over 130 indigenous Croatian wine varieties to the US, available for purchase online. Join masterclasses on indigenous wines and/or subscribe to their newsletter, to learn more.
5. PGRW: Have you encountered any unique challenges as a woman in the wine industry, and how have you navigated them?
Mirena: I can’t say that I have. I haven’t occupied traditional roles in the wine industry. As an owner and founder, I feel like I may be treated differently because I’m not working alongside others in cellars or restaurants. Even today, women continue to fight for their rights. I've always been dedicated to supporting colleagues, especially women, across various industries.
6. PGRW: How do you collaborate with other women in the wine industry, and how has being a part of this community influenced Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc.’s growth and success?
Mirena: As a female founder in the wine industry, I focus on including women winemakers from Croatia in collaborations. When choosing among wineries of similar quality, I prioritize demonstrating strong inclusivity. I believe the American market is showing growing interest in women winemakers. Even if women are in supportive roles, I love inviting them to present to the US market. I am also a part of a wine empowered non-profit in the US called Women of the Vine & Spirits.
Click here for additional pics from our Pink Girls Run The World trip to Croatia. Croatian Premium Wine sponsored dinner 30 second video recap.