Mili Winery

Mili Winery is a family-owned winery led by the Rozić family, located in Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula. Despite numerous challenges throughout history, most of the Rozić family emigrated to North America in search of a better future at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The family estate was preserved by the owner’s grandfather, Miho, who maintained the winemaking tradition passed down through generations. This passion was handed down from the owner’s father, Niko, to his son, Miho, and further to his grandson, Andrija, who now manages the estate. The family’s vineyards are located on the Mili position, one of the oldest wine-growing areas on Pelješac, which inspired the winery’s name. Mili, the smallest wine-growing site on the peninsula, spans just about fifty hectares and is known for its sandy soil, which protected the vines from phylloxera in the past. These vineyards are home to some of the oldest vines in Croatia, over 200 years old. Today, the Rozić family cultivates 70-80% of their grapes at the Mili site, producing around 30 tons annually. The vineyard rises above Prapratno Bay (a ferry port to Mljet) on a pyramid-shaped hill with panoramic views of Mljet, the Ston saltworks, and the historic town of Ston with its ancient walls. Unique climatic conditions, with constant sea breezes, provide freshness essential for ripening in summer and warmth in winter, enabling an early start to vegetation. The wind prevents moisture retention, reducing the risk of disease, while the sandy soil withstands drought exceptionally well. Combined with the fresh sea air, Plavac Mali from this position achieves unparalleled quality. The family cultivates the indigenous Plavac Mali variety and the white Pošip variety. Their portfolio includes six wine labels: three Plavac Mali wines from the Mili position, one Plavac Mali from nearby vineyards, a rosé, and a white wine from Pošip. Alongside winemaking, the family grows olives and produces olive oil, continuing their centuries-old tradition and preserving their heritage.