Culinary Croatia

Wines of Istria

The first written records of Malvazija cultivation in Istria date from 1891, but the sort was probably 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 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.

Duration: Full Day

Children friendly: No

From: Istria

All Year Round

Wines of Istria

The first written records of Malvazija cultivation in Istria date from 1891, but the sort was probably 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 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.

Kozlović desert wine
Food on istrian wine tour
Istrian town
5 Istra
Istrian wine house

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Highlights & Details

Istria: the Croatian Tuscany
Traveling the swirling roads through the very heart of the Istrian peninsula, the greens of its manicured vine-covered slopes promise a great day of local wines and landscapes.

A new, passion-driven winery
Thriving on passion for all things Istrian, Medea is one of peninsula’s younger wineries. Producing wines from international sorts like Chardonnay and Merlot, but also from authentic Istrian sorts Malvazija and Teran, a tasting at Medea will show you the full scope of Istrian winemaking.

The grand experience at Meneghetti
After the mesmerizing drive along the Lim canal, arrive at Stancija Meneghetti, a Relais and Chateau property. The expansive 19th-century estate sits meditatively quiet amidst green vineyards and olive groves, the fruits of which you will get to taste. After a wine tasting of the famous vintages of the Menghetti Red and White, indulge in the finest Istrian delicacies in an intriguing, four-course wine-paired lunch.

  • You might encounter other guests at the venues.
  • Only private tours on request. No group tours to join.
  • Images on this page are for illustration purposes only and the actual offer may differ.
  • Not all dietary preferences can be accommodated.
  • Smart casual dress code.
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Tour includes

Private Transfer

Wine Tasting

Lunch with Wine

NOT included

Gratuities

Tour info

  • Location: Istria
  • Food theme: Wine Tour with Lunch
  • Max number of guests: 8

Truffles Anyone?

Istrian truffles, both black and white, are today reaping world acclaim, hip to hip with the famous ones of Alba and Piedmont. Foodies visiting Istria should definitely consider our truffle hunts as a must-do in Istria!

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Dive deeper into the secrets of Croatian winemaking

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• April 17, 2025

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Croatian Wines on the World Stage

Croatian winemakers are no longer the region’s best-kept secret. From Istria to Slavonia, they’re racking up golds and platinums at Decanter and Mundus Vini. This in-depth report explores the names, regions, and indigenous grapes behind Croatia’s rise as a serious player on the global wine map.

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From forgotten vineyards to world-class wineries, Croatian winemaking is experiencing a bold revival. This in-depth look explores the roots, rebels, and regions behind the renaissance—where tradition meets innovation and every bottle tells a story of heritage, resilience, and terroir-driven brilliance.

• April 15, 2025

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From forgotten vineyards to world-class wineries, Croatian winemaking is experiencing a bold revival. This in-depth look explores the roots, rebels, and regions behind the renaissance—where tradition meets innovation and every bottle tells a story of heritage, resilience, and terroir-driven brilliance.

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In Croatia, the table isn’t just where meals are served—it’s where centuries of tradition are tasted. From the truffle-rich forests of Istria to the sun-baked vineyards of Pelješac, wine and food don’t just pair—they conspire. Picture this: a glass of golden Pošip catching the light as you bite into freshly grilled octopus, the salt of the sea still clinging to its edges. Or a bold Plavac Mali standing up to a slow-simmered pašticada, deep with memory and red wine. This is not a guide—it’s a journey. One that winds through ancient villages, secret cellars, and open-air kitchens where every bite tells a story, and every sip brings you closer to the soul of Croatia.

• April 13, 2025

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Pairing Wine with Croatian Cuisine

In Croatia, the table isn’t just where meals are served—it’s where centuries of tradition are tasted. From the truffle-rich forests of Istria to the sun-baked vineyards of Pelješac, wine and food don’t just pair—they conspire. Picture this: a glass of golden Pošip catching the light as you bite into freshly grilled octopus, the salt of the sea still clinging to its edges. Or a bold Plavac Mali standing up to a slow-simmered pašticada, deep with memory and red wine. This is not a guide—it’s a journey. One that winds through ancient villages, secret cellars, and open-air kitchens where every bite tells a story, and every sip brings you closer to the soul of Croatia.

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Discover the most essential indigenous Croatian grape varieties—each telling a story of land, sea, and generations of tradition. From the crisp, aromatic whites of Istria and the islands to the bold, character-rich reds of Dalmatia, this is a guide for travelers and wine lovers eager to taste Croatia at its most authentic.

• April 10, 2025

Dobričić grapes

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Discover the most essential indigenous Croatian grape varieties—each telling a story of land, sea, and generations of tradition. From the crisp, aromatic whites of Istria and the islands to the bold, character-rich reds of Dalmatia, this is a guide for travelers and wine lovers eager to taste Croatia at its most authentic.

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From sun-drenched coastal vineyards to misty hillside terraces, Croatia’s wine country is a storybook come to life. Divided into four distinct wine regions—Istria & Kvarner, Dalmatia, Slavonia & the Croatian Danube, and the Croatian Uplands—this diverse land offers a sensory journey through terroir, tradition, and an ever-evolving winemaking culture.

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From sun-drenched coastal vineyards to misty hillside terraces, Croatia’s wine country is a storybook come to life. Divided into four distinct wine regions—Istria & Kvarner, Dalmatia, Slavonia & the Croatian Danube, and the Croatian Uplands—this diverse land offers a sensory journey through terroir, tradition, and an ever-evolving winemaking culture.

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Copyright – More Mandic d.o.o. 2016, owner of The Secret Dalmatia Project.
MORE MANDIĆ D.O.O. | BABČANSKA ULICA 10, TURANJ, 23207 SV. FILIP I JAKOV | Upisan u registar Trgovačkog suda u Zadru pod brojem Tt-17/2902-2 | MBS:060133552OIB: 30052107923 | PDV br. HR30052107923 | Žiro račun(IBAN) HR8823400091110248908 Privredna banka Zagreb d.d. 
Iznos temeljnog kapitala: 5.455.700,00 HRK uplaćen u cijelosti. Osnivač društva: Alan Mandić | Osoba ovlaštena za zastupanje: Lučiano Mandić