Inside Ipša Olive Oils & Winery

Olive Growing and Wine Production in Istria

In Istria, olive growing and wine production are more than agriculture; they represent a way of life and are a very important part of the local identity.  Olive groves and vineyards can be found almost everywhere you go, and local wines like Malvasia and Teran can be tasted in all better konobas, restaurants and family estates – wine cellars. Moreover, Istria is proud of Flos Olei – awarded olive oil producers, recognised for world-class extra virgin oils such as Buža or Istarska bjelica. In recent years, a lot of family estates have modernised their cellars, and thus upgraded the offer to everyone who is looking for an authentic experience of tasting the extra virgin olive oils and local wines.

Ipša – the Family Boutique Winery

Located in the village of Ipši, close to Oprtalj, the family-run winery Ipša looks out toward Motovun and the forests that are one of the world’s most important white-truffle habitats. The owner of the estate, Klaudio Ipša, first started as a truffle hunter, and after that discovered his true passion in olive growing and viticulture. At the beginning of the century, Klaudio and his wife Irena became olive oil producers, and today the family has a modern olive mill and 4000 olive trees, prized with numerous awards. In 2010 they also started viticulture with the help of their son Ivan.

Sunlit tasting terrace at Ipša, framed by olive trees and views across the Istrian countryside.

Hospitality Above All at a Stunning Location

When we arrived at the Ipša family estate on a warm autumn day, we were welcomed by Irena Ipša, who was very kind and organised everything for our olive oil and wine tasting. Kristijan Družeta, our host,  was full of useful and interesting information, but at the same time very calm and down-to-earth, he didn’t rush anything. Their hospitality made the tasting feel like a conversation, not a presentation.

If you ever needed proof that silence can be luxurious, a visit to the Ipša estate proved it. The estate is located between green Istrian hills, with beautiful panoramic views, and the only sound you can hear are your own footsteps and the birds singing from the trees. 

The 4-Day Leccino Olive Oil and Wine Tasting

We were looking forward to tasting the famous olive oils and wines at Ipša, but also the locally produced food we tasted was really delicious. The tasting started with a macerated Malvasia from 2020, bright, fresh and with fruit aromas. Istrian prosciutto and homemade pancetta, as well as Latus cheese were served, together with a delicious red onion and kumquat marmalades – the kumquats growing on the tree right beside the table where we were sitting… The wine tasting continued with Pinot Gris from 2021, with more body in it, and it finished with a robust Merlot from 2021. The afternoon was really enjoyable, while chatting and forgetting about the rest of the world.

The Ipša spread: freshly poured wine, EVOO tastings, and local bites beside the estate’s stone sign.

We also had the special opportunity to taste the “4 days old” Leccino,  pressed just days before our visit. The young olive oil had a vivid green colour, and when we tasted it drizzled over bread, it turned a simple bite into an authentic tasting experience. 

Istrian bites at Ipša – prosciutto, pancetta, aged cheeses, and house marmalades to match the estate’s oils and wines.

Guided Tour of Cellar and Olive Mill

During our guided tour of the cellar and olive mill, held by Kristijan, we learnt that Ipša vineyards are present in Ipša, Oprtalj, and Santa Elena, one of the highest vineyards in Istria. As we learnt also during the tasting session, they produce Malvasia, Pinot Gris, Refosco and Teran – all macerated wines that can be tasted together with olive oils. 

We were impressed by the modern olive mill which is also located on the estate: it is split into two levels so the olive reception area is separated from the production.  As we were explained the process runs at carefully controlled temperatures (olives are even washed in chilled water) to preserve aroma and bitterness notes in the oil. Visitors can visit the mill as part of guided tastings that also take in the cellar and surrounding groves.

Slow lunch at Ipša – sun, valley views, and a table set for savouring estate oils and wine.

Our Tips for Your Next Visit to Ipša Family Estate

The rustic entrance to the Ipša estate -Istrian stone, olive pots, and bright blue skies.

A visit to the Ipša winery is a perfect opportunity to have an authentic experience surrounded by the typical Istrian countryside, tasting quality extra virgin olive oils and wines. To have even better experience, we suggest:

• Plan your visit without hurrying back to civilisation. 
• Don’t choose between wine and olive oil.
• Take a notebook because you’ll want to remember varieties, and your favourites.
• Leave some space in your bags: the Leccino alone is worth the carry-on bag.
• It is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself with the quiet as part of the experience. 

What I Learned at Ipša Family Estate 

A lazy autumn sip under the pergola at Ipša, with rolling hills in the distance.

A visit to the Ipša family estate reminded me that excellence doesn’t need a lot of publicity. When you can offer your guests such an authentic experience, with stunning panoramic views, and with the unpretentious kindness of people who love what they make, the excellence speaks for itself. I went for a tasting and left with a little personal reset,  with a glass of Malvasia in one hand and a bottle of young Leccino in my bag.