Dubrovnik, the picturesque Croatian seaside city and UNESCO World Heritage site, comes alive in September with the 4th Dubrovnik International Wine & Jazz Festival. This year’s program highlights international music legend José Feliciano as the festival’s main headliner. From September 25–28, concerts are staged in atmospheric Old Town locations, including the Rector’s Palace and the square in front of the Dubrovnik Cathedral.
José Feliciano performs two special concerts during the festival. On September 26 he headlines an exclusive VIP event, “JAZZ IT UP with José Feliciano,” at the Dubrovnik Sun Gardens Hotel. On September 27 he appears in a public concert accompanied by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Michael Kissinger, presented on the cathedral square.
The festival combines live jazz with a focused showcase of regional wines. Participating wineries include Vina Vukas, Vinarija Miljas, Korta Katarina, Crvić Vineyards and Mokalo-Bura Vineyards. Attendees can sample these wines during two-hour tasting sessions held before concerts and during intermissions at the Rector’s Palace, offering a chance to enjoy local varieties alongside the music.
Set against Dubrovnik’s historic stone streets and baroque facades, the Wine & Jazz Festival creates an intimate atmosphere where top-tier jazz meets Croatia’s winemaking traditions. Performances in the city’s iconic venues accentuate the cultural richness of the event, while the curated wine tastings provide a sensory complement to the music.
Whether you are a fan of José Feliciano, a jazz enthusiast, or simply curious about Croatian wines, the festival offers a memorable blend of sound, taste and setting. The mix of exclusive and public concerts appeals to a wide audience, from visitors seeking a premium VIP experience to locals and tourists hoping to enjoy world-class music in an unforgettable historic backdrop.
Plan to arrive early for the tasting sessions to make the most of the wine lineup, and check venue details for seating and accessibility. With limited-capacity events in Old Town venues, booking in advance is recommended to secure tickets for headline concerts and VIP experiences.
Dubrovnik’s Wine & Jazz Festival continues to grow as a distinctive cultural event that highlights the city’s artistic and gastronomic offerings each autumn, bringing together internationally acclaimed performers and celebrated Croatian winemakers for several nights of music and tasting.