Malvazija Istarska ★ 4.8
Istria's flagship white, on roughly 70 percent of the region's vineyard land. Made fresh and steel-aged with lemon zest and pear, or barrel- and amphora-aged with more weight and an almond-bitter finish.
The grapes that define Istria: the canonical varietals and how the region expresses them.
Canonical grapes of Istria
Teran ★ 4.6
Istria's historic red on the region's terra rossa soil, deep-coloured with firm tannin. Related to, but distinct from, the Teran given an EU designation on Slovenia's Karst Plateau in 2006.
Muskat Momjanski ★ 4.5
A distinct biotype of Muskat Bijeli grown for centuries almost exclusively around Momjan. Granted its own EU protected designation of origin in August 2021, made in both dry, aromatic and sweeter late-picked styles.
Borgonja ★ 3.6
A lighter-bodied indigenous red once grown alongside Teran across the Bujstina and central hills. Planted area has declined sharply since the mid-20th century, surviving mostly in old-vine parcels folded into red blends.
Refosco ★ 4.0
A broader Refosco-family red planted alongside Teran across the Bujstina and northern hills, dark-fruited and tannic, closely related to Teran and often bottled under the Refosk name.
Merlot ★ 3.9
Istria's most widely planted international red, grown on the same red-soil sites as Teran and usually bottled solo or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, as in Coronica's Grabar.
Cabernet Sauvignon ★ 3.9
Planted across Istria's red-soil estates alongside Merlot. Degrassi's 2016 Contarini Cabernet Sauvignon took a Decanter World Wine Awards gold medal; Trapan bottles an estate version near Pula.
Chardonnay ★ 3.8
Istria's leading international white after Malvazija, usually clean and unoaked. Poletti's 2024 Chardonnay medalled at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025; Vina Laguna's range is the most widely stocked.
Book wine experiences in Istria
Authentic Istrian family farm guided walk with food and wine
Discover Istria's authentic charm with our Olivo Istriano experience, blending history, tradition, and flavors. Walk through our orchard, home to 31 varieties of fresh...
Signature Grapes in Istria, FAQ
When is the best time to visit Istria for wine?
Peak wine-travel season in Istria is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
Do I need an appointment to taste at Istria estates?
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
What hours do Istria cellars and tasting rooms keep?
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
How does tipping work at Istria tastings?
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
What is the one wine to try in Istria?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Istria rewards trust.