While Istrians have been growing grapes and making wine since Roman times, the development and expansion of small, private estates producing award-winning premium wines has only occured in the last fifteen years. Signposted wine roads crisscross the peninsula, meandering through lush, green vineyards and fields of corn and wheat. Here in the villages of rural Istria are the region's premier winemakers. Here too are the farmers selling their own homegrown brew direct from a barrel in the family konoba.
Olive oil, like wine, is synonymous with the Mediterranean lifestyle – at home in the humblest country kitchens and finest gourmet restaurants. Often it is the only seasoning required to bring out the natural flavours and texture of fresh greens and vegetables, seafood, meat and pasta. Infused with garlic, peppers, rosemary and sage, it becomes the quintessential antipasta – drizzled over chunks of toasted homemade bread.
Our Gourmet Istria Holiday explores the peninsula's timeless rural landscape, its food and wine, its olive oil, traditions and lifestyle. It is available all year round and can be booked for as few as two persons. The programme features seven days accommodation at the property of your choice and two private journeys.
The first is a relaxed, informal day trip that takes you to the vineyards and cellars of two of the area's leading vintners. Istrian wines have a strong sense of place and subscribe to the premise that great wines begin in the vineyard. In addition to the indigenous varieties of Teran, Malvasia and Muscat, tastings will include classic varieties produced on the estates - Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and others. The day trip includes your own personal driver and guide, tastings and tours, a three-course gourmet lunch with wine at our favourite taverna in Brtonigla, and a guided city walk of the Venetian seaside town of Rovinj.
The second is a self-drive day trip that takes you to the peninsula's heartland – to the medieval hilltop towns of Motovun, Oprtalj, Groznjan and Zavrsje – and to the hamlet of Ipsa for an olive oil tasting and gourmet country lunch. It includes a comprehensive itinerary written by My Croatia with background and notes on each of the suggested destinations.
Our Gourmet Istria Holiday can be tailor made to include a day or two of private cooking classes. The programme focuses on specialties of the region - pork, lamb, prociutto and cheese, homemade pasta, black and white truffles, wild asparagus, seafood, figs and olives. Itineraries feature cooking and food presentations on a country estate in southern Istria, shopping at the farmers' market in Pula, visits to local, organic smallholdings, the Renaissance town of Svetvincenat and a guided city walk of Pula with its Roman ruins and Arena.
Select the perfect accommodation to combine with your Gourmet Istria holiday:
Did you know?
Ten years ago Klaudio and Irena Ipsa began the task of re-establishing the olive groves abandoned by his family a generation ago. Today their holdings include a thousand trees planted on steep terraced hillsides deep within the valleys of central Istria. Getting there is an adventure you'll not forget. The narrow country road meanders over a gorgeous wooded ridge with knock out views. Upon your arrival, Irena and Klaudio will welcome you to their rustic stone konoba for a tasting of the extra virgin oils they produce. A light lunch will be served - proscuitto and cheese, pickled peppers and aubergine, a seasonal fritaja of wild asparagus or truffles, homemade bread, wine and brandy.
