Art, Flavour and Adventure in the Heart of Istria

Perfect Ingredients for a Fulfilling Day around Labin

All the above-mentioned might be the perfect ingredients for a fulfilling day around Labin, visiting its smallest villages and discovering some peculiar tastes, learning new artistry and enjoying quality time outdoors with friendly owners of the horse ranch and its lovely animals.

The Story Behind the Forte Hot Sauce

Let’s begin with the Istrian village of Koromačno where OPG (“family farm”) Stefan Petrović produces spicy sauces. Mr. Stefan is a 30-year-old shipbuilding engineer who turned to eco-friendly hot sauce production with family support, under the brand “Forto”. 

Mr.Stefan Petrovic, owner of Forte Hot Sauce

This is what he says about the different varieties of hot peppers and hot sauces they offer, and also about the novelties in their portfolio of products:

“We are currently growing over 40 varieties of hot peppers with more than 5,000 plants. We have 9 hot sauces, and with the new one, there will be 10. Teran has notes of teran wine, spiciness, and a fruity base, giving the sauce a unique character that makes it perfect for grilling and BBQ. This is an idea that emerged with the aim of attracting the broader gourmet segment of our consumers, which has indeed succeeded, as over 1,000 bottles were sold within two months—a truly incredible achievement. I’d like to highlight that the collaboration between two family farms made this product even greater since the Juričić Winery has earned a massive plus from this endeavour. Tartuf (Truffle) was created in collaboration with Karlić Tartufi. From the beginning, the plan was to create a ‘natural gold,’ which involved blending the flavours of black lyophilized truffle (using a special dehydration method), our hot peppers, and truffle-infused olive oil, which was no easy task. After 8 months of effort, we perfected a recipe that everyone now recognizes. The aroma of truffle, combined with just the right amount of chilli heat to spice up any dish, is a perfect match and definitely a must-try!”

Taste the most exquisite bruschettas with Forte hot sauce

The owner’s family’s dedication to quality and producing local products together with his vibrant energy is shown in every bottle of Forte Hot Sauce.  We enjoyed tasting not only the classics but also the new Muskat “Dessert Hot Sauce,” which truly impressed us.

Saddle up at Ranch Marconi and Forget About the Rest

Ranch Marconi, located in Gora Glušići, is a picturesque getaway that offers an authentic taste of ranch life and the serene ambience that allows visitors to escape from the everyday hustle. This small village is only 7,5 kilometres distant from Labin old town and 12,5 kilometres distant from Rabac.

The peculiarity of this ranch is that the owners, Ms. Elena Vlačić and her family live this authentic lifestyle and they will always welcome you on the ranch and make you feel like a part of their family, offering you homemade cookies and a cup of – a Turkish coffee! Besides the welcoming owners, you will meet the lovely horses that spend their time in peace, on the meadows and in the woods, waiting to welcome new guests.

Seaview from Ranch Marconi

Ranch Marconi offers three distinctive horseback riding tours:

• Swimming with Horses: This 4-4.5-hour adventure takes experienced riders through a 14 km forest and country trail to the beach for a unique swim with horses. Beginners enjoy a leisurely walk, while advanced riders can trot and gallop. (€130)
• Catching the Views: A scenic 8 km ride through forest paths. Advanced riders complete this in 1.5 hours, while beginners take 2 hours at a walking pace. (€50)
• Short Forest Adventure: Ideal for a brief, immersive experience, this 4 km forest trail takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, suiting all skill levels. (€30) 

All tours include equipment, insurance, and refreshments. 

Owner of the Ranch Marconi with a horse

If you want to reconnect with nature, relax, and immerse in the slow-paced beauty of rural life, Ranch Marconi is a perfect place for you!

Finish Your Day at Merania Ceramics

When you arrive at the Merania Ceramics you can feel the atmosphere of creativity and hard work that has been going on for many years since the manufacture was founded in 1993. The owner Mr. Massimo Jenkel and his lovely wife and son’s dedication to the craft has been visible in so many artefacts that can be admired in the big hall where the production takes place while in the small hall (shop) you can see the handmade ceramics ready to be admired and taken by its future owners.

Enjoy the view of stunning ceramic artefacts at Merania Ceramics

While listening to the story of this inspiring family we could learn about interesting artistic processes and different collaborations that they have had during many years of work such as with different universities and also with the local community building together the most recognizable souvenirs of this area related to a rich coal-mine history which can be explored at Miners’ House Arsia. 

Admire the souvenirs at Miner’s House Arsia

On the other hand, visitors can also unwind and get hands-on with the art of pottery during organised workshops. Besides the manufacture that we visited in Krapan (Raša) you can find Merania ceramics in Labin old town.

What Do a Hot Sauce, a Horse Ranch and a Ceramics Manufacture Have in Common?

Except that they are all close to Labin and Rabac and you can visit them all in one-day excursion, they all have the owners committed to their businesses that create memorable experiences of local culture: through bold flavours, immersive outdoor adventures and the beauty of handmade art. 

People come here to feel inspired and connected to the heart of the community which is one of the pillars of sustainable tourism. So, savour the moments, slow down and connect with something genuine – all the rest can wait.