Wine, Croatia: the best wines to try

For any wine-lover, one of the best things about visiting a new country is the opportunity to try the local food and wine. When it comes to wine, Croatia has lots on offer for you to sample, so today we’re introducing you to some of our favourite wines and vineyards for you to experience when you’re on holiday in Istria.

The best wines in Croatia

Istria is celebrated as Croatia wine country. Widely recognised as one of the world’s top wine regions, it’s where our three top wine choices originate. Don’t leave Istria without trying these…

1. Istrian Malvasia

A chilled glass of this fresh white wine is the perfect partner to local seafood or lighter meat dishes. Often compared to a Sauvignon Blanc, Istrian Malvasia is the most popular Malvasia wine and even has its own glass. You’ll notice a fruity note to it – in particular apples and apricots.

2. Teran

Considered one of Croatia’s finest wines, this robust red dates back at least to the 14th century. Heady with the scent of raspberries, it has a higher acidity and makes the perfect match for a meaty goulash or your favourite game dishes.

3. Momjan Muscat

This luxurious dessert wine has a gorgeous golden yellow colour and a great depth of flavour. It’s a dry, sweet wine that gets its name from the region of northwestern Istria where it’s grown, where the area’s microclimate helps to cultivate this unique wine.

Croatia’s best vineyards

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in some wine tasting; Croatia has plenty of vineyards that welcome visitors. Here are three unmissable wineries for your itinerary.

1. Kozlovic Winery

It’s not just the incredible wine – there’s so much to love about this vineyard, from its beautiful landscape to its warm and welcoming staff. This idyllic vineyard is close to Momjan, so look out for that famous Muscat.

2. Kabola Winery

This lovely winery is noted for its unusual approach to fermentation: they use large terracotta amphorae buried in the ground. On a visit here you’ll be able to learn more about this process in the on-site museum, as well as heading to the tasting room to sample the end result. The views are incredible, too.

3. Coronica

Run by the same family for over a hundred years, this vineyard in the Umag countryside in the north of Istria grows Malvazija and Teran in famously red soil. See where the wines are made in the barrel aging room and sample them in the adjoining tasting room.

4. Benvenuti

Another family-run vineyard that’s been handed down from one generation to the next, Benvenuti wine is created from three Istrian grape varieties – Istrian Malvasia, Teran, and Muscat – and regularly win gold medals. Visit to taste the wines and you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of the Medieval hilltop town of Motovun.

Whether you’re going on holiday to Istria or just hopping on the Venice to Croatia ferry for the day, you’re sure to love the opportunity to try some of the country’s delicious wines. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try Croatia’s national drink and sample some award-winning Croatian olive oil, too – and, as you love wine, you might also be interested in the fabulous Rovinj Wine Festival.