Croatian Villas: Croatianvillas.com

Croatian wine has been given the thumbs up at the Decanter World Wine Awards after winning an astonishing eight gold medals.

The prestigous accolades have traditionally been handed to classic wine regions such as France, but this year placed Croatia firmly on the map as a major producer of quality wine.

One of the judges Angela Muir told the Daily Telegraph: "Croatia really was the discovery of this year - some great white wines, both dry and dessert, with bags of character and a whole bouquet of varieties and styles.

Adam Lechemere, editor of Decanter.com also spoke to the newspaper asserting that Croatia had developed a "mastery of dessert wines".

Croatia was recognised earlier this year when the nominations for the World Travel Awards were announced.

Dubrovnik was named as a potential winner of Europe's Leading Travel Destination while Le Meridien Lav in Split was on the shortlist for Europe's Leading Casino Resort.

The European Gala of the World Travel Awards will take place on October 17th.