Wine Tasting in Istria is Always a Good Idea!

There are plenty of nice restaurants and konobas (local taverns) where you can taste the best Istrian wines but if you want to learn about the history of the winemaking in Istria, about how long it takes to make different varieties of wine, the type of barrels wine is kept in and many other interesting things about the grape varieties, then we would suggest you visit the winemakers directly at their wineries and have the wine tasting experience. We are sure you won’t regret it!

About Istrian Wines

The unique Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soil contribute to the quality and diversity of Istrian wines. The most renowned indigenous wines of Istria are malvasia and teran. Malvasia is a white wine, known for its freshness and floral notes, with a slight bitterness. On the other hand, teran is robust red wine, indigenous to the region, and it is known for rich berry flavours and earthy undertones. Muscat is also popular especially among the female audience.

Istrian malvasia in the vineyard

A Glass of Wine or Two?

Today, in Istria, you can taste good wines almost everywhere, in some of the best restaurants paired with local and traditional dishes but also with dishes inspired by modern and international cuisine. The only question is whether you want to taste a glass or two of it? There are also many specialised wine and olive oil shops in almost all the tourist destinations where the choice of Istrian wines is broad.

Cheers to life in Istria with four glasses of red wine!

Top Wineries in Istria

There are many  winemakers in Istria since it is a region with a long tradition in winemaking and each area of Istria has several renowned wine producers with really good wines that deserve to be tasted. We recommend some of the top wineries in which you will have the full experience of wine tasting combined with exceptional hospitality and nice ambiance. Meeting a winemaker directly or someone from their family is also a part of the experience. So, all wine lovers, read on, and enjoy.

Tomaz Winery in Motovun

The Tomaz winery is one of the younger wineries but the family tradition of winemaking is more than hundreds of years old. It all started in 2008 when Klaudio, with his father Bruno, started up a small winery, while today, the Tomaz winery has become a serious player on the wine scene in Croatia and internationally, since their wines are recognised in many European countries. The turning point was in 2023, when a new and modern winery was opened. Visitors can enjoy a tasting experience which includes the deep dive into Istrian wine culture, and it often includes a selection of their wines paired with local autochthonous products such as prosciutto, cheese and truffle. Whether you are a fan of crisp whites, bold reds, or elegant sparkling wines, Tomaz offers something special for every wine love.

And the view, the view is amazing, so we are sure you will want to return to this winery many, many times.

Enjoy the view of Tomaz winery close to Motovun

Kozlović Winery Was Founded in 1904

When we speak about the Kozlović Winery, which was founded in 1904, we speak about the cornerstone of Istrian winemaking and a true ambassador of Istrian winemaking. Whether you’re exploring the fresh and aromatic malvasia, the sweet muscat momjanski, or the robust teran, Kozlović wines offer a unique and authentic taste of Istria that is recognized by many wine lovers for such a long time. Wine tasting experience at this winery is a must when you visit Istria. Kozlović Winery located in Vale valley near Momjan, is also known for its stunning, modern winery building, with impressive surrounding landscape. The winery offers a state-of-the-art tasting room with panoramic views of the vineyards and the Valle Valley. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, vineyard tours, even taste the young wine during the harvest, and a chance to learn about the winemaking process firsthand from the family members who are proud of their legacy.

Kozlović family members on the photo in the vineyard

“Did you know that muscat momjanski is a sweet white wine that is a specialty of the Momjan area, and Kozlović is particularly famous for it?  Muscat momjanski is an aromatic wine with intense floral and fruity notes, often enjoyed as a dessert wine.  It is celebrated for its balance between sweetness and acidity, making it a refreshing and delightful wine.”

Coronica Winery near Umag

Coronica is a highly regarded winemaker located near the town of Umag, in the northwestern part of the Istrian region. The region’s proximity to the Adriatic Sea and its mix of Mediterranean and continental climates create ideal conditions for viticulture.

The winery has developed a strong reputation for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Istrian peninsula. Both the malvasia and teran are frequently highlighted as benchmark examples of these indigenous varieties.

The Coronica family has been involved in winemaking for generations, and Moreno Coronica took over the estate in the 1990s. He modernized the winery while maintaining traditional techniques that highlight the region’s indigenous grape varieties. He employs long maceration periods for the red wines to extract maximum colour and flavour, followed by aging in oak barrels for structure and complexity.

The combination of terroir, tradition, and skilled craftsmanship makes Coronica a standout name in Croatian winemaking.

Coronica’s red wine paired with Istrian food

Kabola Winery

Kabola Winery is located in the village of Momjan, in northwestern Istria. It is located in a picturesque area overlooking the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The combination of sea breezes and Istria’s Mediterranean climate creates ideal conditions for grape growing.

Established in 1891, Kabola has deep roots in Istrian winemaking traditions. The Markežić family, who owns and operates the winery, has cultivated vines for generations. The current winemaker, Marino Markežić, took the helm in the 1990s and is credited with modernizing the estate while maintaining a focus on traditional winemaking practices.

Kabola Winery is one of the Istrian region’s standout producers, known for its elegant wines and its pioneering use of traditional winemaking techniques, particularly its focus on amphora-aged wines. Kabola offers a unique and picturesque winery experience, with tastings that allow visitors to explore its wines in the stunning setting of Istria. The estate includes a beautiful stone cellar where the amphoras are buried, offering a glimpse into the ancient winemaking process.

Kabola is recognized internationally for its high-quality, innovative wines, particularly its amphora-aged malvasia and teran.

Kabola winery in the village of Momjan

Wine Tasting Tour Experiences in Istria

When you plan your trip to Istria and you want to experience and taste different kinds of wines and also visit different parts of Istria, we suggest you make an itinerary which includes more wineries. Your wine tasting tour can also include a vineyard walk, cellar visits and guided tastings.

Wine and Walk Adventure

You can enjoy a wine & walk adventure „Bevemo & Andemo“ on the 19th of October, a walk through nature during which you can taste premium Istrian wines, Istrian pastries and Istrian gin and liqueurs during a 7- kilometre walk starting from the bay of Santa Marina in Vabriga. Walking while sipping wine is an excellent idea!

Open Cellar Day

You can visit many cellars in one day at Open Cellar Day which is an annual event where many wineries open their doors to the public offering tastings and the opportunity to meet the winemakers. Cheers to all new wine tasting experiences in Istria!