During the early to mid-20th century, Italy included the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, what is today known as Istria, Croatia. Italian could be heard from the town squares and the beautiful hillside vineyards flourished with verduzzo, trebbiano and moscato. Winemakers craft red and white wines in these lush fields and red clay soils similar to that of Northern Italy. You simply can’t miss the Istrian wine roads if you are a wine lover visiting Europe.
The Wines
If you are a big wine lover you may be among the many who are amazed with how high quality the local Istrian wines are. And the wine experts agree, Wine Enthusiast Magazine put Istria, Croatia in the top 10 wine travel destinations for 2015. Among all of the Venetian architecture and panoramic views are spectacular vineyards on hilltops and lush valleys. There is a wide range of variety in wine selection; skilled Istrian wine makers create beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay’s while also creating red varieties like Teran.
What is there to do?
With such rich history Istria is not only for wine lovers, they offer amazing museums and spectacular gastronomic experiences. Walk the streets and live like the locals as you stop for an espresso and people watch. For an adventure lover explore the caves in Pazin, bike local trails or just sit up-top the beautiful mountains. Another great benefit of visiting Istria is the year-round festivals of food and wine.
Here are some examples of amazing festivals and events in Istria:
- The Chocolate and Wine Festival – February 21st
Chocolate and wine lovers rejoice in this quest for the new and best parings in the 3rd year of the Chocolate and Wine Fest in Brtonigla. - Open Wine Cellar Day – March 31st.
Yes you read that right, the open wine cellar day allows wine lovers to taste the best wines in Istria from the top winemakers and world renowned wines from traditional and modern vineyards. - Truffle Days – August 11th-September 12th
October is the highlight of white truffle season, guests from all of the region present typical dishes with truffles and a variety of meat combinations. Between the exhibitions and fairs throughout this beautiful harvest season there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere these season brings - New Wine Festival – October 25th.
For the past 40 years, this festival brings the best Istrian winemakers as well as young Istrian winemakers to participate in learning about new ways of developing wine furthering the progression of great wine in Istria.
Istria is a beautiful region full of amazing wine country and historical features that spark amazement into anyone who walks the streets. If you are interested in taking a trip to see some of these beautiful sights and taste some amazing wines, click below to download our itinerary for our tour of Croatia and Slovenia.
