Radovan Winery Experience: Winery Tour, Tasting, and Gourmet Afternoon

As part of curating our Experience Concierge offer for our guests, we set out to explore the charm of Radovan Wines. The afternoon promised more than just a tasting – it was a sunny September afternoon, and we were ready to step into the world of Istrian winemaking. 

Picturesque Spot and Warm Hospitality

Radovan Wines is hidden in a picturesque spot, surrounded by rows of vines that stretch out under the sun.  The winery itself is welcoming and unpretentious, and what is most important, deeply rooted in family tradition. From the very first moment we stepped into the winery garden, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting, as if we were stepping into a home rather than just a winery.

Relaxing corner at Radovan Wine, the perfect spot to sip a glass and soak in the view.

Rich Family Tradition

At the heart of Radovan Wines is Ana Radovan, whose warmth and passion immediately set the tone for our visit. She welcomed us with the kind of genuine smile that makes you feel less like a guest and more like a friend. As we walked together through the winery, Ana shared stories about her family’s journey in winemaking, weaving history and tradition into every detail.

Wine with a view: enjoying Radovan Wines on a sunny terrace on a late summer afternoon.

The Radovan Family Winery, in the village of Radovani between Višnjan and Baderna, has been rooted in viticulture for generations. What began with Franko Radovan’s father, Anđelo, was passed to Franko in the 1990s, and today his son, Antonio, together with his wife Danijela and daughter, Ana, continue the tradition. Their vineyards, set on the region’s characteristic deep red soil, nurture six grape varieties: whites such as Istrian Malvazija, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon, alongside reds like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Refošk. With around a dozen labels, Radovan has gained recognition for both fresh whites and refined aged reds, consistently awarded at home and abroad. The recent Capeletto edition adds another layer of elegance to their collection. 

Touring the Winery: Outside & Inside

What makes Radovan’s winery unique is the harmony of these two worlds. Outside, the beauty of nature and tradition; inside, the precision and care of modern winemaking. Together, they tell the story of a family deeply rooted in heritage, yet dedicated to constant refinement.

Exploring Radovan Wines’ cellar where each bottle tells a story of Istrian tradition and family passion.

Crossing into the cellar, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The brightness of the vineyards gave way to a cool, dimly lit space where the earthy aroma of oak barrels mingled with the subtle scent of fermenting grapes. Silence was replaced by a soft soundtrack of clinking glass and the quiet hum of winemaking equipment, a rhythm that spoke of patience and craft. We could feel the years of dedication and hard work that this family put into this winery and the effort they are making every day to make their guests feel great and welcome.

Modern elegance meets vineyard charm: Radovan Wines’ tasting room with seamless views of the terrace.

 The Story Behind Radovan Wines

Radovan’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique – where tradition, craft, and bold character are bottled with style.

What began in 1994 as a small 1.5-hectare vineyard has grown into a boutique winery celebrated for its authenticity and quality, without ever losing its personal touch. The first vines of Malvazija were replanted and renewed, soon joined by other varieties, and just two years later, the Radovan family introduced Cabernet Sauvignon to their vineyards. The winery is rooted in the village of Radovani, a place of old stone houses, tall protective walls, and wrought iron gates surrounded by red Istrian soil, oak groves, and meadows where wild herbs and asparagus thrive. Today, the Radovan family cultivates a thoughtful selection of wines, from crisp Malvazija and elegant Chardonnay to bold Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, each crafted to capture the spirit of the region. 

Their winemaking blends time-honoured tradition with modern techniques, guided by respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability. Even their label design reflects this philosophy: clean and contemporary, yet infused with the warmth of heritage, perfectly mirroring the balance of innovation and tradition.

Take a piece of Istria home – Radovan Wines bottles and gift boxes, perfect for sharing the taste of the vineyard.

Tasting Experience 

The touring of the winery and tasting experience lasted about 1,5 hours. We began with a crisp glass of Malvazija, fresh and aromatic with notes of citrus and Mediterranean herbs, a perfect match for the creamy local cheeses and fragrant olive oil. Moving on, the Chardonnay revealed elegant hints of ripe fruit and subtle oak, beautifully balanced by slices of aged Istrian prosciutto. Among the reds, the Merlot stood out with its velvety texture and berry-rich flavours, pairing harmoniously with cured meats and olives, while the Cabernet Sauvignon brought depth and structure, enhanced by the richer bites on the platter. The gourmet offer was as carefully curated as the wines themselves: a selection of artisanal cheeses, prosciutto, fish, homemade bread served in a rustic loaf, olives, spreads, and fresh local delicacies.

The presentation was simple yet refined, showcasing Istrian culinary tradition and letting each ingredient shine. Every pairing felt intentional, with wine and food enhancing one another in a way that perfectly embodied the warmth of local hospitality.

Cheers to Istria -sharing a glass of Radovan Wines paired with local flavours.

Enjoying the Serene Beauty of Istria 

After the tasting, we took a moment to pause and soak in the surroundings. With a final glass in hand, we watched the sun cast its golden glow over the vineyards, deepening the greens and softening the sky. Conversations slowed into laughter, broken only by the gentle clink of glasses, while a light breeze carried hints of garden herbs and the lingering sweetness of wine. Time felt unhurried, leaving only good company, fine flavours, and the serene beauty of Istria.

Perfect Balance of Taste, Culture, and Relaxation

Sipping fine wine while soaking in the serene Istrian landscape at Radovan Wines.

From exploring the cellar and learning about the winemaking process to savouring exquisite wines paired with gourmet delights, the experience offered the perfect balance of culture, taste, and relaxation. Radovan Wines is a true bucket-list winery to visit when in Istria: an unforgettable experience, especially recommended for guests staying at Valamar’s hotels and resorts in Poreč.