A Taste of Istria: Damjanić Wines

Damjanić Wines is a story of family, perseverance, and deep respect for the land. For generations, the Damjanić family has cultivated vineyards with a commitment to preserving local grape varieties and honouring traditional winemaking methods, while steadily embracing modern techniques to refine quality. 

The First Impressions of the Winery

Approaching Damjanić winery, just a 15-minute drive from Poreč, in Fuškulin village, there’s an immediate sense of calm and authenticity. As you leave the main road and wind through Istria’s gentle hills, neat rows of vines across the red terra rossa soil framed by olive trees signal you’ve reached the true heart of the countryside. 

Our hosts are preparing the tasting on the terrace at Damjanić Wines – a relaxed countryside setting where great wine meets genuine hospitality.

As we arrived, the experience began on a celebratory note. In the sunlit courtyard of Damjanić Wines, we were warmly welcomed with a glass of Virtu Brut in hand. Crisp, elegant, and refreshingly vibrant, the sparkling wine set the tone perfectly:  its fine bubbles and delicate citrus notes mirroring the brightness of the Istrian afternoon. Standing among the vineyards where generations of history quietly echo, that first sip felt symbolic: a toast not only to the visit ahead but to a family legacy that has gracefully reclaimed its place in the world of wine.

A crisp glass of Virtu Brut enjoyed on the terrace at Damjanić Wines – where every sip captures the freshness and elegance of Istria.

The modern yet understated winery building blends naturally into its surroundings: clean architectural lines softened by the warmth of stone, wood, and vineyard views in every direction.

The contemporary tasting room at Damjanić winery: a stylish space where modern design meets the rich tradition of Istrian winemaking.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere is both welcoming and refined. Large windows allow natural light to pour into the tasting room, while the cellar below tells a quieter story:  rows of oak barrels resting patiently, preserving the character of each harvest. 

Oak barrels quietly ageing future vintages in the cellar of Damjanić Wines – where tradition, patience, and craftsmanship shape every bottle.

History, Tradition and Dedication to the Land

Our host, Mr Karlo, began by guiding us through the history of the Damjanić family, sharing stories of resilience, interrupted tradition, and a legacy patiently rebuilt over generations. The Damjanić family had to buy back parcels of land where his ancestors once cultivated vineyards, a land that was nationalised after World War II. The abrupt interruption of the family’s winemaking tradition, which lasted from the end of World War II until the early 2000s, changed the course of their history entirely.

Before World War II, his mother’s family had been among the most prosperous in the Poreč region, tending as many as 20 hectares of vineyards. They were a respected and affluent rural family whose wealth was rooted in viticulture and winemaking. Today, that legacy quietly lives on within the winery’s walls, where archival photographs tell the story  –  including one of his great-grandfather, Giorgio Jurcovich, who in 1928 sent his wine to be evaluated in Paris at the Exposition du Bien-Être.

A glimpse into the Damjanić family legacy – archival portraits and the 1928 Paris Grand Prix diploma honouring a winemaking tradition revived nearly a century later.

At that prestigious exhibition in Paris in 1928, his great-grandfather Giorgio Jurcovich didn’t just participate; he was awarded the Grand Prix for his wine. It was a remarkable achievement for a winemaker from Istria at the time, and a powerful testament to the quality and ambition that defined the family long before modern recognition. Today, that award is more than a historical footnote – it symbolises a once-interrupted legacy now proudly revived by a new generation determined to restore the family name in the world of wine.  

The Damjanić family entered a new chapter in 2023 with the opening of a modern production facility, complete with a refined tasting room and all accompanying amenities. This significant step forward was made possible thanks to EU funding support, which helped transform a long-held vision into reality. 

Contemporary Winemaking Techniques and Exceptional Wines

Their Malvasia Istriana is the true heart of the winery: vibrant, mineral, and beautifully expressive of Istria’s red soil and Mediterranean breeze. With notes of citrus, white blossom, and a subtle almond finish, it strikes a perfect balance between freshness and structure. Yet what makes it truly special is its versatility: this is not a wine reserved only for special occasions, but a wine for everyday life – the kind that belongs on every table and, quite simply, in every household. Effortlessly drinkable yet unmistakably elegant, it captures the spirit of Istria in its purest form. 

The tasting begins – each glass poured with precision in the contemporary tasting room at Damjanić winery.

The winery produces elegant reds such as Teran, known for its vibrant acidity and wild berry character, as well as standout labels like Clemente, a refined and expressive wine that reflects depth, structure, and careful ageing. Alongside these, you’ll find carefully crafted international varieties like Chardonnay and Merlot. Each wine feels thoughtfully balanced, showcasing both the personality of the grape and the unmistakable imprint of Istrian terroir.

Clémente Blanc and Clémente red by Damjanić – elegant expressions of Istrian terroir, crafted with depth, balance, and character.

One of the standout reds from Damjanić Wines is Duro Istriano, a beautifully crafted blend of 50 % Teran and 50 % Borgonja that captures the rugged spirit of Istrian terroir. With its glossy ruby colour and intense aromas of red and black berries – from ripe cherries to wild blueberries-  it reveals layers of herbal nuance alongside hints of spice, smoke, and earthy depth as it opens in the glass. What makes Duro Istriano especially meaningful is its connection to the family’s storied past: it was created as a tribute to the Grand Prix-winning wine of 1928, honouring a legacy that bridges past and present and embodies the resilience and passion of generations. 

A Wine Tasting Experience: What to Expect

The tasting itself beautifully reflected that philosophy, as each wine was thoughtfully paired with authentic Istrian delicacies – autochthonous cheeses from OPG Vesna Loborika and artisanal sausages from Pršutarna Jelenić. The richness of the local produce elevated every glass, creating a true farm-to-table experience that celebrated not only the wines but the wider community of passionate producers who keep Istria’s gastronomic heritage alive. 

A generous platter of Istrian cheeses, prosciutto, and local delicacies – the perfect pairing to elevate each glass at Damjanić Wines.

At Damjanić Wines, the tasting experience is thoughtfully designed to showcase not just the wines but the story behind them. Guests are invited to enjoy the family’s wines in a modern tasting space or on a balcony surrounded by greenery, soaking in the relaxed ambience typical of central Istria. You can choose between a 4-wine or 6-wine tasting, each guided by an expert sommelier and paired with a generous platter of Istrian delicacies,  from cheeses and cold cuts to olive oil and bread. The experience begins with a guided tour of the wine cellar, offering insight into the winemaking process and the philosophy that shapes every bottle. Whether you’re sampling indigenous varieties or elegant coupages, it’s an immersive introduction to Damjanić’s world –  from vineyard to glass.

From Family Passion to Regional Recognition

What began as a small family passion has grown into one of the region’s most respected wineries, yet the philosophy remains unchanged: meticulous work in the vineyard, patience in the cellar, and an unwavering dedication to expressing the true character of Istrian terroir in every bottle.

Today, the new winery stands as a symbol of growth and perseverance,  proof that dedication, resilience, and belief in one’s heritage can evolve into something both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. Beyond the estate itself, the wines of Damjanić winery can also be enjoyed at the elegant, newly opened Jadran Heritage Hotel in Poreč, allowing visitors to experience the spirit of Damjanić even within the refined setting of the historic town centre.