Istrian Pride - Wine Tour of Istria

The wines of northern Istria!


Recently the world has turned its eyes to the wine scene in Croatia, with the Istrian Peninsula claiming the prime glances. All for a good reason! Stretched between the Alps and the Dolomites, framed in the craggy shores of the Adriatic, Croatia’s largest peninsula features an interior of rolling green hills with towns perched up high in the skies and sun-struck slopes just perfect for growing vines. The wines of Istria are thus curiously diverse, with the authentic white Malvazija, the pride of the region, or the grand Teran reds, getting the most acclaim. But the beautiful peninsula countryside is home to many boutique wineries and with each presenting a unique take on the Istrian classics, the future here looks even brighter than the present.

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Duration:   half day

Difficulty:   easy

Location:   North Istria

Available all year round

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Small family run wineries
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Gastronomic delights
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Istrian Fuži
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Famous Istrian Truffles
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Punta Greca famous wine

Tour description


Just incredibly picturesque, the north Istrian region is famous for its gastronomic delights such as truffles and assorted wines. Our tour takes you around swirling roads and by charming towns, to two wineries illustrating the past and the future of winemaking in the Istrian peninsula. The journey explores the centuries-old practices and traditions used in the small family run wineries, combined with the introduction of some young and modern innovation. Do let us know if you’d like to have the aroma of truffles accompany your wine tasting experience…

The Kabola winery, our first stop, is an authentic Istrian estate with a farmhouse, expansive rolling vineyards and 100 plus years of winemaking. Founded upon the mastery of Momjan Muškat, a sweet white wine made from an indigenous grape variety of the area, Kabola is revered as a pioneer winemaker. Their Istrian indigenous Malvazija grapes are macerated in amphoras (clay vessels) for 7 months, resulting in a whole new personality from this traditional varietal!

Following a scenic drive, and time permitting a stop in the artistic hilltop town of Grožnjan, or a light lunch in the countryside, we arrive to the Kozlović winery. Repeatedly awarded for its wines and the impressive modern design of the premises, Kozlović works hard to accentuate the authenticity of the Istrian region. Sitting in the hidden valley of Vale near historic Momjan, this estate fits perfectly with surrounding landscapes, just as their wines do with their audience. Offering their top-class takes on the local Malvazija is the fresh and fruity Valle, or rewardingly complex St. Lucia, while their red Teran 2012 was awarded the Decanter 2014. Still, Kozlović will always be endearingly known as the King of Muskat, so make sure not to miss it!

  • This tour is fully private and on request only.
  • Tour includes collection from your hotel, villa or private accommodation by our professional English speaking chauffeur in a comfortable luxury sedan car or passenger van as driving on your own is not recommended, presentation of two wineries and a wine tasting in each.
  • Bring your camera, comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen in the summer months.
  • This tour is not recommended for families with children.
  • OPTIONAL: Light lunch can be added. Available at additional cost.

Istrian Malvazija

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Although the first written records of Malvazija cultivation in Istria date from 1891, presumably the sort was brought over much earlier, by Venetian merchants from Greece. Known all over the Mediterranean, and especially so in Italy, this white sort of grapes thrives on the largest Croatian peninsula and has become somewhat of the Istrian wine country’s signature. A gem in many local winery collections, Malvazija is a true summer delight: straw yellow with hints of golden or green, and a unique flower-fruit potential, Malvazija most often features apple, plum and apricot, but can venture all the way to acacia flower fragrances when grapes are grown on sunny hilltops.

Quick Info

AIRPORT NEARBY

Pula, Rijeka

HARBOR NEARBY

Rijeka

WEATHER

68°F  /  20°C

LOCAL TIME

11:59 PM

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Istrian Pride - Wine Tour of Istria

Istrian Pride - Wine Tour of Istria


The wines of northern Istria!

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