There are moments in the life of a winery that feel like a deep breath of pride. For Korta Katarina Winery, founded by American philanthropists Lee and Penny Anderson, that moment arrived this January when the Rosé 2024 was named the number one rosé in Croatia at the prestigious Festival of the 100 Best Wines of Croatia. It is a recognition that honors not only the wine itself, but the land, the people, and the vision that shaped it.

A Rosé Born from Pelješac Sun and Sea

Korta Katarina’s Rosé 2024 is a reflection of the Pelješac Peninsula — bright, expressive, and full of character. Crafted from native Dalmatian varietals, the wine carries the freshness of the Adriatic breeze and the warmth of long coastal summers. Its delicate color, vibrant aromatics, and balanced acidity make it both refreshing and refined, the kind of rosé that lingers in memory long after the last sip.

A Blind Tasting Led by Croatia’s Top Sommeliers

The Festival presented by Vinskiklub.hr is one of Croatia’s most respected wine evaluations, with top sommeliers from across the country selecting the very best through rigorous blind tastings. To be named the top rosé is an honor we hold with tremendous gratitude.

This year, twenty five leading sommeliers nominated standout wines from across the country. From several hundred submissions, a panel of ten expert sommeliers conducted blind tastings, evaluating each wine without labels, regions, or reputations. Only the top one hundred earned a place on the final list, making this recognition especially meaningful.

For Lee and Penny, whose love for Croatia began in the years following the war, this award is a testament to the purpose behind the winery — to honor the region, support its people, and share the beauty of Pelješac with the world.

A Destination Where Wine Meets the Adriatic

Located in the seaside town of Orebić, Korta Katarina Winery is more than a place to taste wine — it is a destination shaped by beauty, history, and hospitality. The winery sits just steps from the Adriatic Sea, with sweeping views of the sea and the coastline that defines southern Croatia.

Guests can explore the winery’s elegant tasting spaces, wander through the vineyards, or enjoy a long, leisurely meal at the Korta Katarina Seaside Restaurant, where local ingredients and Mediterranean flavors pair effortlessly with the winery’s portfolio. The Rosé 2024, now a national champion, shines especially well alongside fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and the simple pleasures of a warm Pelješac afternoon.

A Proud Moment and a Bright Future

The first place award is a milestone for Korta Katarina, but it is also a celebration of the region itself. Pelješac has long been home to some of Croatia’s most expressive wines, and this recognition places the peninsula firmly on the map for rosé lovers around the world.

For the Andersons and the entire Korta Katarina team, the honor is both a validation and an inspiration, a reminder that dedication, patience, and respect for the land can create something truly exceptional. For guests, it becomes an invitation to visit, to taste, and to experience the magic of Pelješac, one glass at a time.