Croatian sunsets are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, often painting the sky with stunning hues of orange, pink, and purple—a “PINKtastic” backdrop for our Pink Girls Run The World (PGRW) Welcome Dinner, proudly sponsored by Croatian Premium Wine. Set at a secluded villa in Orašac, with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, we savored a traditional Croatian meal crafted by a local chef and paired with certified organic wines from Rizman Winery and Terra Madre Winery.
Laughter and stories flowed as new and old friends bonded over their shared love for travel and culinary adventures, discovering that Croatian wines offer more than just a beverage; they provide a glimpse into Croatia’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
This unforgettable experience was sparked by a chance meeting with Mirena Bagur, Co-Founder and VP of Brand Management at Croatian Premium Wine, at a US travel industry event. During our conversation, I learned about her deep-rooted connection to winemaking in Croatia’s Neretva Valley, where she spent her childhood involved in her grandfather’s vineyard. I wanted to get more information on ways our travel group could support the local community during our group’s visit to Croatia.
The PGRW movement is committed to amplifying the voices of women around the globe and supporting local communities. I love how over the years, Mirena has supported the culture, traditions, and economy of her beloved Dalmatia, Croatia. Mirena has passionately introduced Komarna wines to the US market while showcasing the cultural richness of the Neretva Valley and the Dubrovnik-Split region.
Mirena Bagur, Croatian Premium Wine Co-Founder/VP of Brand Management with her husband.
Join us as we celebrate the beauty of Croatia, its exquisite wines, and the empowering journey of women in the travel industry. Check out my interview with Mirena below, where we discuss the wonders of Croatian wine and her beloved homeland.
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 and highlighting the rich culture of the Neretva Valley and Dubrovnik-Split region in Dalmatia. Can you share the company’s wine philosophy and how it reflects the essence of Croatian heritage?
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, plus a 30 second video recap.of our dinner sponsored by Croatian Premium Wine!