In the center of the island of Korčula, the fresh water ponds that feed the vineyards of the village of Smokvica, local people call this place “Merga Victa” meaning fresh water in old Dalmatian language. Merga Victa vineyards are located on the skirts of village Smokvica, the first place of Pošip. Local people have planted indigenous grapes on terraced fields carved out of rocky hillsides, fed by the fresh water from the streams. Today’s winemakers Igor Radovanović and Nikola Mirošević do most of their work by hand, just like their ancestors. The rich, reddish-brown soil of Smokvica, together with the fresh water ponds and sunny climate make this the perfect place to grow wine. Korčula island is blessed with 2,800 hours of sunshine a year.

In 1880, a Smokvica farmer named Marin Tomašić spotted a wild grapevine growing in the forest. He was immediately drown to its fruity aroma and exquisite intense flavor, and decided to plant the grapes in his own vineyard. Aware that he stumbled across an exceptional gift of nature, Tomašić generously shared the secret with his friends and neighbors. In 1967, Pošip became the first white wine variety in Croatia with a protected geographical label.

website: www.mergavicta.com