Cheers!

Let's raise a toast to the beauty of southern Istria. If your ideal day includes, in addition to abundant flavors, a glass of wine, this adventure is perfect for you. Get ready to be enchanted by local traditions and colorful events that celebrate the rich winemaking heritage of Istria at local festivals, taverns, and, in the evening hours, even on the beaches. This adventure will also take you to the tasting rooms of our winemakers, where every drop of wine tells a unique story.

The unique taste of Špaleta in Vodnjan

Traditional bites have a special place on the table during the major holidays. If you find yourself in Vodnjan during the Easter period, don't miss trying the unique Špaleta – a delicacy that’s not quite ham nor prosciutto. You will be amazed by its dark surface and red interior, and if you try it, you will not regret it. Visit Buršić Prosciutto Shop, where you may be lucky enough to taste it at other times of the year, too.

Witness of imperial luxury

To Roma and to Augustus Caesar, divine son, father of the country

This inscription on the Temple of Augustus places the emperor Augustus, who was still alive at the time, next to the mythical goddess Roma. Imagine ancient Romans two thousand years ago approaching this temple and offering sacrifices and then celebrating the divine origin of their emperor. Among the sacrifices were offerings of exquisite wine, which were placed on the altar in the center of the temple. Isn’t that a good reminder that every drop of local wine embodies the thousand-year-old tradition of winemaking?

The eternal taste of salted sardines

Walking along the promenade of Fažana, you will be enveloped by the authentic scents of tradition. Among the hustle and bustle of the numerous visitors, the picturesque references of local antiquity still stand out. Dating back to Roman times, Fažana was renowned for garum, a famous fish sauce that encapsulated the flavor of the sea and the richness of the local tradition. Today, watching fishing boats and fishermen repairing their nets or returning from the sea, it seems that some things have not changed at all. The smell of fresh sardines coming from the surrounding restaurants will then confirm that the historic tradition of fishing still lives on. But the real magic comes from pairing these flavors with a glass of superior wine. Visit local winemakers and taste local wines that pair perfectly with local dishes.

World-famous crabs

The coast of southern Istria is vibrant, especially here in Medulin, where the beaches host excellent cocktail bars. But the real magic lies beneath the surface of the sea, where meadows of posidonia full of marine life extend. While walking in the shallow waters, you might find some friendly crabs, if luck is on your side. Once upon a time, however, luck was not needed: the sea was so rich with crabs that they represented a fundamental resource for the locals, contributing to local well-being and providing delicacies to Italian tables. To celebrate this tradition, Premantura has been hosting the colorful Crab Festival (Fešta od raki) for almost sixty years.

Visit the patron saint of winemakers

We’ve reached the church of St. Martin in Ližnjan. If you look closely, you will see the footprint of St. Martin, a sign that symbolically connects Ližnjan to over 200 European places with the same patron saint. We are in the right place because, according to local beliefs, we owe this wonderful wine day to St. Martin, since he is the protector of wine and winemakers. Legend has it that this French bishop of the fourth century was a great lover of wine, so much so that he introduced the rite of baptism of must, a custom that has been preserved in many parts of Croatia to this day. Judging by the quality of the excellent wines, it seems that the protection of St. Martin has paid off, right?

Destination for the best cheeses

Marčana – a true cheese lover’s paradise! Did you know that the world’s second-best cheese comes from right here in Loborika? (Come and find out which one!) Nearby, Stancija charms visitors with its unique goat cheeses, while several small family farms in the area offer a delightful selection of homemade cheeses and other delicious dairy treats.

Wine stories

The one and only Istrian Malvasia

You may have already heard of the flagship of Istrian wine production: Her Majesty Malvasia. Refined palates have long claimed, and DNA analysis has shown, that Istrian Malvasia is an autochthonous variety different from other Malvasia wines. Here in southern Istria, it also has an exotic touch. Don't miss the opportunity to try it!

The untamable Teran

It is so simple to taste, yet extremely demanding to produce: Teran is a provocative and moody autochthonous Istrian that has dwelled here for centuries, constantly challenging winemakers. Only recently have the best contemporary winemakers managed to tame its rebellious nature. One thing that is easy, though, is tasting this excellent red wine that encompasses extreme skill, knowledge, and attention.

Merlot is no longer a foreigner

The guest of honor of the Istrian vineyards is Merlot, a variety that dates back to the eighteenth century in France and which has conquered the world with its palatability. It has taken root all over Istria, up to the cape of Punta Greca, the southernmost Istrian vineyard. It is often blended harmoniously with Cabernet Sauvignon, but some producers offer high-quality pure Merlot with a velvety taste and color.

Teranino – the rejuvenated face of Teran

Ten years ago, a real revelation swept across restaurants and bars all over Croatia: where had Teranino, the delicious liqueur made from Teran grapes enriched with other fruits, been hiding for so long? Although similar drinks have been produced for decades, Teranino, as a liqueur, is a modern product that has managed to instantly garner so much attention.

The magic biska

The magical properties of mistletoe are well known – just think of the Christmas kiss – but its magical origins date back to the ancient Celts who used mistletoe in their sacred rites. It appears that the recipe for biska, the traditional Istrian brandy that incorporates mistletoe, is a piece of heritage they left us. Biska is said to have healing properties and can even act as an aphrodisiac. Ah, those naughty Celts!

Passareta di Fasana

Fancy a non-alcoholic carbonated drink? In Istria, the choice is only one: pašareta. Once you try this refreshing bright red soft drink, you will forget about all the other drinks. The red bottles on the tables of Fažana bars have been present daily for decades because the pašareta factory has been here since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Delectable Istrian soup

In some taverns in southern Istria, you can still enjoy a classic Istrian soup. Maybe you can also try making it at home when it's cold and you want to cheer up your friends with some comfort food. To prepare it, you will need a liter of Teran, a drizzle of olive oil, three heaped tablespoons of sugar, and slices of fried homemade bread. And it must be served in a bukaleta – a ceramic jug. Your friends will soon be in a great mood and unable to picture that a long time ago this soup was the only food people could afford.

Last but not least, Vin de Rosa

The sweet wine that smells like roses can be found only in the surroundings of Vodnjan. It's even better if you taste it with the cookie Pampagnachi. These cookies are traditionally made in November for the wine celebration of St. Martin and are very hard when taken out of the oven. It takes two years for the wine to mature, and only small quantities of wine are produced from dried Malvasia grapes, making it particularly valuable.

Visit the wineries:

Benazić Wines

Enjoy wines made with the lucky grapes that grow on the slopes along the Raša River. You can taste them in the wine cellar of a family that has been cherishing the winemaking tradition for generations.

Valdebečki put 36, 52100 Pula
Tel: +385 97 798 76 43
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vinabenazic.com

Trapan Winery

Vines cultivated organically on the Istrian red soil near the winery and hand-picked grapes – these are just some of the secret ingredients of the Trapan family's wines.

Giordano Dobran 63, 52204 Šišan
+385 99 3116 031
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trapanwines.com

Kalavojna Wines

Kalavojna, meaning “Bay of Good Wine” in Greek, was established at the beginning of this century but carries on a much older family agricultural tradition. Visit their wine and olive oil tasting room.

Radeki Polje 72, 52206 Marčana
Tel: +385 98 939 13 76
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kalavojna.hr

Siljan Wines

"It's not a problem to make wine. The problem is producing the right grapes, since the main chemistry takes place in the vineyard." – That’s an insight from the Siljan family, who have set up a pleasant tasting room in Šegotići.

Šegotići 36, 52208 Šegotići
+385 91 902 66 87
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vinasiljan.com

Šegota Winery

It is no secret that Istrian wines find their roots in family heritage. The Šegota Winery has grown thanks to the help of grandmother Albina, who continued to help and pass on her traditions while working in the vineyard until she was one hundred years old.

Ul. Mate Balota 105, 52208 Rakalj
+385 98 656 250
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instagram.com/segota_wines

Diković Winery

The Diković Winery has won several awards, and the organically produced Refošk wine recently won the gold medal at the Vinistra competition.

Filipana Taškerovi dvori, 52206 Filipana
Tel +385 98 548 800
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instagram.com/dikovic_winery

Teraboto

Spare two hours for the wine-tasting experience at the tasting room of the Pereša-Vitasović family. They will take you to the vineyard and introduce you to their family heritage.

Istarska 99, 52215 Vodnjan
+385994566224
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teraboto.com.hr

Moscarda-Babos

Istrian red soil and gold awards are the characteristics of the Babos family's wines. They will show you around their wine cellar and then offer you a sample in the homey atmosphere of the tasting room.

Istarska 34, 52215 Vodnjan
+385981898786
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vinababos.com

Medea Winery

"Medea is a bottled moment of Istrian passion, created to make every occasion special" is the inviting message of the Medea Winery. If you were wondering what to expect from the southernmost Istrian vineyards, now you have the answer.

Željeznička cesta 15, 52215 Vodnjan
Tel: +385 99 313 89 85
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medea.hr

Marčeta

Immediately after being hand-picked, the grapes are taken to a cellar with modern equipment where wine has been prepared for twenty-five years. In the tasting room of the Marčeta winery, you can also try their authentic liqueurs, such as olive brandy.

Pineta I ogranak 1, 52212 Valbandon
Tel: +385 98 219 308
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marceta.hr