Coastal Croatia is divided into following wine areas (from south-east to north-west, or right to left):
- Srednja i južna Dalmacija (Middle and south Dalmatia)
- Dalmatinska Zagora (Dalmatian Zagora)
- Sjeverna Dalmacija (North Dalmatia)
- Hrvatsko primorje (Croatian Coastal)
- Istra (Istria)

South and Mid Dalmatia are significantly warmer than Istria and Primorje, therefore there is a big difference in grape varietals grown in those two areas. In the coastal Croatia, indigenous varietals are predominant. International grapes have been increasing their popularity only in the past 10 years.
On the furthest south its complete predominance has Plavac Mail, red grape varietal, which has shown as the most appropriate for the extreme conditions of hard rocks and poor soil, common summer droughts and high temperatures of the South. White varietals are a few, but Posip shows the best results. This varietal can retain the aroma and acids even with the heat, so when produced as a fresh wine it can get aromatic as Sauvignon Blanc.
On the north of Dalmatia, there is another indigenous red varietal, Babic, which again can adapt to the heat and rocky barren hills, but retains acids better than Plavac Mali (on average one gram more).
Primorje is the region of white wines. Žlahtina is the main varietal. It is mellow, soft and light, with floral and fruit aromas. Lately they started planting international grapes in the area, mainly Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
Istria is producing equally both white and red wines. The main grape varietal is Malvazija Istarska, which has nothing in common with the Mediterranean Malvasia, but the name.  Whilst most other Malvasia produce sweet wine, Istrian one is always dry. Besides it has ampelographic differences. Teran is the other important red grape varietal similar to Italian Refosco. It produces vivid, succulent and fruity wines. After Teran, other important red varietals are the ‘Bordeaux’ ones, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franck, and Merlot.