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A Food Lover’s Guide to Istrian Truffles: Where to Find and Taste
- 24/10/2025
- Gastronomy, Istria, Tradition
Welcome to Istria’s underground gold. In this guide I’ll take you through why truffles matter here, which kinds you’ll meet…
Read MoreExploring Istrian wine roads: a guide for independent travel by car
In this guide, we will take you on a relaxed journey along istrian wine roads, through vineyards, family wineries, and landscapes that best reveal the character and diversity of Istria.
Istra – an ideal wine region for exploring by car
Istria is a region where wine is not experienced merely as a drink, but as part of identity, tradition, and everyday life. Its indented interior, rolling hills, vineyards, and small villages make it perfect for a self-drive journey. A car gives you the freedom to turn off the main road, stop at family-run wineries, and experience an authentic atmosphere that organised tours often cannot offer. Istria’s wine roads are well signposted, easy to navigate, and interconnected, allowing for logical and enjoyable route planning.
Western Istra – malvasia, renowned wineries and mediterranean atmosphere
Western Istra is known for elegant, fresh wine styles and wineries that are among the most awarded in Croatia. Malvasia is the main star here, and wineries such as Kozlović, Coronica, Rossi, and Damjanić offer different interpretations of this indigenous variety. Proximity to the sea influences the style of the wines, as well as the overall experience – tastings are often set in modern spaces overlooking vineyards and olive groves. This region is ideal for those who want to combine wine, gastronomy, and relaxed driving along the coast.
Central Istra – Deklić, Motovun and the power of terroir
Central Istra represents the heart of istrian winemaking and a region where terroir comes fully into play. Here, red soil and white clay alternate, strongly influencing the character of the wines. Wineries such as Deklić, Benvenuti, Fakin, and Matošević are known for serious, structured wines, especially teran and mature styles of malvasia. Driving around Motovun, Vižinada, and Pazin takes you through small, authentic istrian towns, and visits to wineries often include personal contact with the winemakers and a deep understanding of the local wine philosophy.
How to plan a wine self-drive route through Istria
For an optimal experience, it is recommended to visit two to three wineries per day, allowing enough time for lunch and spontaneous stops. It is best to announce your visit in advance, especially at well-known wineries such as Rossi or Deklić, to ensure a quality guided tasting. Spring and early autumn are ideal for this type of journey, when temperatures are pleasant and the vineyards are in full splendour. Istria is compact but exceptionally rich in wine offerings, making it a perfect destination to explore at your own pace and truly experience the region.
Without rush and predetermined rules, this is a journey that adapts to your rhythm and curiosity. Every glass of wine, every small village, and every turn of the road tells its own story. Istria is best discovered slowly – with a good glass of wine and the sense of freedom that comes from driving your own route.
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