The first written records of Malvazija cultivation in Istria date from 1891, but the sort was probably brought over much earlier, by Venetian merchants from Greece. Known all over the Mediterranean, and especially so in Italy, this white sort of grapes thrives on the largest Croatian peninsula and has become somewhat of the Istrian wine country signature. A gem in many local winery collections, Malvazija is a true summer delight: straw yellow with hints of golden or green, and a unique flower-fruit potential, Malvazija most often features apple, plum, and apricot, but can venture all the way to acacia flower fragrances when grapes are grown on sunny hilltops.
Istria: the Croatian Tuscany
Traveling the swirling roads through the very heart of the Istrian peninsula, the greens of its manicured vine-covered slopes promise a great day of local wines and landscapes.
A new, passion-driven winery
Thriving on passion for all things Istrian, Medea is one of peninsula’s younger wineries. Producing wines from international sorts like Chardonnay and Merlot, but also from authentic Istrian sorts Malvazija and Teran, a tasting at Medea will show you the full scope of Istrian winemaking.
The grand experience at Meneghetti
After the mesmerizing drive along the Lim canal, arrive at Stancija Meneghetti, a Relais and Chateau property. The expansive 19th-century estate sits meditatively quiet amidst green vineyards and olive groves, the fruits of which you will get to taste. After a wine tasting of the famous vintages of the Menghetti Red and White, indulge in the finest Istrian delicacies in an intriguing, four-course wine-paired lunch.
The first written records of Malvazija cultivation in Istria date from 1891, but the sort was probably brought over much earlier, by Venetian merchants from Greece. Known all over the Mediterranean, and especially so in Italy, this white sort of grapes thrives on the largest Croatian peninsula and has become somewhat of the Istrian wine country signature. A gem in many local winery collections, Malvazija is a true summer delight: straw yellow with hints of golden or green, and a unique flower-fruit potential, Malvazija most often features apple, plum, and apricot, but can venture all the way to acacia flower fragrances when grapes are grown on sunny hilltops.
Istria: the Croatian Tuscany
Traveling the swirling roads through the very heart of the Istrian peninsula, the greens of its manicured vine-covered slopes promise a great day of local wines and landscapes.
A new, passion-driven winery
Thriving on passion for all things Istrian, Medea is one of peninsula’s younger wineries. Producing wines from international sorts like Chardonnay and Merlot, but also from authentic Istrian sorts Malvazija and Teran, a tasting at Medea will show you the full scope of Istrian winemaking.
The grand experience at Meneghetti
After the mesmerizing drive along the Lim canal, arrive at Stancija Meneghetti, a Relais and Chateau property. The expansive 19th-century estate sits meditatively quiet amidst green vineyards and olive groves, the fruits of which you will get to taste. After a wine tasting of the famous vintages of the Menghetti Red and White, indulge in the finest Istrian delicacies in an intriguing, four-course wine-paired lunch.
In 2005, Secret Dalmatia was started from pure love for Croatia’s heritage, its incredible diversity, and beauty. We have since remained faithful to our initial mission – and are still today a boutique travel agency dedicated to showing the true, wholesome Croatia to the discerning travelers who want to experience our country and all our riches, not just see it.
As Croatians drink most of their small-batch productions before the bottles hits the international market, you really have to know where to look in order to find Croatian wines abroad. We try to keep an eye on the international restaurants and distributors who carry Croatian wines, but will also be happy to ship you a case or two directly from the source. Cheers!
