Tours in Croatia by Secret Dalmatia

Duration: half day

Difficulty: easy

Location: North Istria

Available all year round

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.

  • 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.

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Tour description

What you'll see on this tour

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!

Quick Info

AIRPORT NEARBY

Pula, Rijeka

HARBOR NEARBY

Rijeka

Pula

Rijeka

Motovun

Istrian Malvazija

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.

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The “Istrian Pride” tour is not just an outing; it’s an immersion into the soul of Northern Istria’s bountiful vineyards. From exploring the stunning landscapes draped in vines to meeting the passionate vintners crafting award-winning wines, this tour reveals the hidden tales of Istrian winemaking. It’s an intimate experience that promises discovery of unique local grape varieties, centuries-old winemaking techniques, and the captivating charm of two renowned wineries. With each sip, you’ll taste the essence of Istria and its winemaking heritage.

On this private tour, you’ll visit Kabola and Kozlović, two wineries that encapsulate Istria’s vinous identity. Kabola, an estate with over a century of winemaking heritage, is revered for its mastery of Momjan Muškat and Malvazija wines. Here, the traditional charm of Istria meets the experimental flair of amphora fermentation, lending a unique character to their wines. In contrast, Kozlović winery represents a contemporary edge in Istrian winemaking. Known for its architectural elegance and award-winning wines, it’s a beacon of Istria’s dynamic wine landscape.

Istria’s varietal richness is reflected in the array of wines you’ll sample. The signature Istrian Malvazija, a white wine with unique floral and fruit potential, is a must-try. Kabola’s Momjan Muškat, a sweet delight crafted from local grapes, offers a taste of tradition. At Kozlović, their award-winning Teran 2012 red and distinctive takes on Malvazija illustrate the depth of Istria’s viticultural offerings.

This wine-focused excursion also embraces the rich tapestry of Istrian culture. A scenic drive through winding roads reveals hilltop towns like Grožnjan, brimming with art and history. Optionally, a light lunch in the countryside can be arranged, allowing you to savor local gastronomy. The true beauty of this tour lies in its flexible nature, tailored to ensure a personalized Istrian exploration.

We believe that the journey should be as enjoyable as the destination. With that in mind, our tours include pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation by a professional English-speaking chauffeur. Travel is facilitated in a luxury sedan or passenger van, ensuring a comfortable ride as you traverse the picturesque Istrian landscapes.

The “Istrian Pride” tour takes you on a journey to two of Istria’s most distinguished wineries – Kabola and Kozlović. Each winery exemplifies the rich traditions and innovative spirit that defines the Istria wine region. They offer unique interpretations of local wine varieties and provide a memorable and rewarding wine tasting experience.

The “Istrian Pride” tour is a nuanced and sophisticated experience centered around wine tasting, hence it may not fully cater to the interests of younger children. We recommend this immersive journey for adults who can appreciate the subtleties of wine and the intriguing tales of Istria’s wine heritage.

For a comfortable exploration of Istria wineries, bring along a camera to capture the beauty of Istria, wear comfortable shoes for easy movement, and carry a hat and sunscreen to shield against the sun, especially in summer.

Our exploration of Istria’s wine delights is a year-round offering. Each season presents a distinct facet of the winemaking process – from blooming vineyards to bustling harvests – making any time of the year perfect for your Istrian wine adventure.

Absolutely! We embrace a bespoke approach, which means your tour can be shaped to mirror your interests. If you’re intrigued by a specific aspect of Istrian winemaking, or wish to pair your wine tasting with a regional meal, we can arrange it. After all, your journey through Istria should be as unique as you are.

Booking your spot on the “Istrian Pride” tour is an easy process. You can utilize our user-friendly online booking system for a hassle-free reservation. For custom requests or further inquiries, feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re here to ensure your Istria wine tour is unforgettable.