Home » CROATIA TRAVEL NEWS » Dingač Tunnel: A Fifty Year Legacy Shaping Pelješac’s Wine Industry and Tourism Scene, Get the Details Here
Published on
November 29, 2025
The Dingač Tunnel, which is only 400 meters long, was inaugurated in Potomje, linking the Dingač southern steep vineyards with the rest of the Pelješac Peninsula. The Dingač Tunnel has changed the whole wine sector in the region and transformed the vineyards of Dingač which has, for its tremendous impact, become an attraction for tourists all over the world.
The Dingač Tunnel: A Solution to a Historic Challenge
Before the Dingač Tunnel was constructed, accessing the vineyards of Dingač—renowned for their Plavac Mali grapes—was a grueling task. The only route to the southern slopes was through treacherous goat paths from Trstenik, where grapes had to be carried by donkey, making for a difficult journey of over 20 kilometers. This slow and labor-intensive process hindered the efficiency of the local winemakers, limiting production and the potential for growth in the region’s wine industry.
The visionary idea to build the tunnel came from local leader Vice Miličić. Despite debates on whether to build a road or a tunnel, the final decision to dig a tunnel was strongly supported by the local winegrowers, who, through their cooperative, secured the necessary financing. The project was carried out by the Split-based company Konstruktor, with Potomje native Pavle Andričević serving as the chief designer.
After nine months of construction, the Dingač Tunnel was officially inaugurated on November 29, 1975, by Professor Rudi Jelić, the President of the Dubrovnik Municipal Assembly. This momentous event changed the course of Pelješac’s winemaking history—and, as locals proudly declare, set the stage for the region’s future success.
The Dingač Tunnel: A Key to Winemaking Success
With the tunnel’s construction, the harsh journey to the Dingač vineyards was dramatically shortened from 20 kilometers to just four. This newfound accessibility enabled vineyard owners to transport grapes more efficiently, leading to a surge in winemaking activity. The Dingač wine, made from the Plavac Mali grape, already enjoyed recognition before the tunnel was built, but the easier access allowed for increased production and global attention.
In 1964, the Geneva-based International Bureau for the Protection of Industrial, Literary, and Artistic Property declared Dingač wine a product of the highest quality, placing it among the most prestigious wines in the world. Today, Dingač holds the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, with 758 hectares of land under protection, of which 78.5 hectares are planted with vines. The wine is known for its full-bodied, complex flavors, high alcohol content, deep ruby color, and rich aromas of ripe fruit, making it a sought-after beverage on both domestic and international markets.
The Dingač Tunnel not only helped the local wine industry flourish but also helped establish Pelješac as one of Croatia’s premier wine regions. The increased production and improved logistics allowed Pelješac wines to find their way into international markets, cementing the peninsula’s place on the global wine map.
From Practical Solution to Tourist Attraction
Beyond its practical use for local winemakers, the Dingač Tunnel has grown into a beloved tourist landmark. The narrow tunnel, which only allows one car to pass at a time, creates a unique and somewhat quirky experience for visitors. Drivers must pause to check for oncoming traffic before proceeding through the passage, and cyclists frequently opt to take the scenic route that leads from Potomje through the tunnel to the stunning Dingač vineyards.
The tunnel’s location also adds to its charm: in the winter months, temperature inversions sometimes create striking ice formations known locally as “skandaleti.” These ice displays, along with the occasional natural water formations caused by rain, contribute to the picturesque allure of the area, offering a unique experience for tourists at different times of the year.
In recent years, the Municipality of Orebić, responsible for maintaining the tunnel, has installed new lighting and resurfaced the road, ensuring the site remains both functional and visually appealing for both locals and tourists. The Dingač Tunnel, once a tool for agricultural development, is now an integral part of the region’s tourist infrastructure.
A Gateway to Pelješac’s Stunning Landscape
Exiting the Dingač Tunnel is nothing short of breathtaking. One moment, visitors are in the quiet interior of the Pelješac Peninsula; the next, they are greeted by the sight of steep terraced vineyards, plunging toward the sea, with panoramic views of the open Adriatic, the island of Mljet, and the town of Korčula. This dramatic transition from the darkness of the tunnel to the vivid landscape of Dingač has earned it a reputation as one of Croatia’s most striking vistas.
This natural beauty, combined with the region’s rich winemaking history, makes Pelješac a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both cultural and scenic experiences. Whether exploring the local vineyards, enjoying a glass of Dingač wine, or simply taking in the magnificent views, visitors are treated to a truly unforgettable experience.
The Tunnel’s Lasting Legacy: Tourism and Wine
Fifty years after its construction, the Dingač Tunnel remains a vital part of Pelješac’s identity, not only as a historical and cultural landmark but also as a key component of the region’s growing tourism sector. The tunnel’s role in facilitating the growth of Dingač wine production has made it an essential part of the Pelješac Peninsula’s economy, with local wineries now offering tours and tastings for international visitors.
Tourists flock to the area to explore the rich history of winemaking in the region and to experience the scenic beauty of the vineyards and coastal landscapes. The tunnel itself, while small in size, has come to symbolize the transformative power of infrastructure in the development of both local economies and tourism industries.
Looking Forward: The Future of the Dingač Tunnel and Pelješac Tourism
Considering the success of blending wine tastings and tourism in the Pelješac region, the Dingač Tunnel will be an important attraction in the area. With the beauty of the natural landscapes and the fine, regionally distinctive wines, the tourism industry is set for another explosive decades growth, and the tunnel will be the guide into one of the most beautiful landscapes in Croatia.
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