A Short But Soulful Escape to Istria, Croatia

Sipping Sunshine: Discovering Istrian Wines Near Poreč

This time around, my trip to Croatia was a shortened one. Still, we managed to squeeze in a few days at the coast in Istria, my favourite region of the country. On this occasion, we decided to explore a different part of the peninsula and chose the charming town of Poreč as our base.
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Though personal family matters shifted some of our plans, and I couldn’t visit the new vineyards I had hoped to explore, it was heartening to see just how many have opened across Istria in recent years, a promising sign for wine lovers.
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​A Birthday Visit to Rossi Vineyard

For my birthday, we took a short 30-minute drive to Rossi Vineyard in Vižinada, Istria. The scenery on the way was like something out of a summer dream. If you haven’t yet visited Istria, think of it as the Croatian Tuscany: rolling hills, stone villages, olive trees, truffles, cypress trees, and of course, world-class wine.
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Rossi Vineyard is one of those places that feels like a story with soul. It was founded by a local family and is still proudly family-run. Winemaking has been at the heart of their business since the 1980s, initially focused on supplying quality wines to the growing Slovenian market. By the 1990s, they expanded to Trieste, distributing bulk wines and also venturing into domestic brandy production with signature spirits like Sovran – Istrian Brandy, Biska, Medenica, Teranino, Gin, Epulon, and Orahovac.

As they entered the 2000s, the family embraced a “quality over quantity” philosophy, investing in innovation and branding to elevate their wines and spirits to premium status, both locally and internationally.

​​A Wine to Remember: Malvazija Templara Riserva 2023

Rossi’s wines have earned numerous accolades, especially for their Malvazija, Istria’s indigenous white grape, which is also grown in neighbouring Slovenia and Italy. It’s one of my favourite summer whites, fresh, crisp, and elegant.
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On this visit, I had the pleasure of tasting the Rossi Malvazija Templara Riserva 2023, and it was a solid 10/10.

​Let me share the details:

• Vineyard: Grapes are sourced from the oldest and best-located plots, 100% grown from the solely white soil.
• History: The vineyard site was once cultivated by the Templars, and the Malvazija vines here thrive in soulfully white, mineral-rich soil.
• Vinification: Grapes undergo a short, 2-day maceration. Fermentation starts in stainless steel, then continues in 500-litre French oak barrels. The wine is aged on the lees for two years.

Tasting Notes

• Wonderfully balanced, elegant, with a long finish
• Hints of vanilla and butter
• Integrated acidity
• Flavours of peach and anise, nutty caramel
• On the nose: acacia flower and vanilla

​Food Pairing Suggestions

Seafood dishes, chicken casserole, hard cheeses like Comté or Istrian cheese, Parmesan, tomato bruschetta, and shellfish dishes like spaghetti buzara scampi.

For something lighter, their young Malvazija, made from four soil types and not aged, is an easy-drinking, mineral-forward white with fresh acidity and subtle green fruit notes. Perfect for hot summer days.

​​Meeting the People Behind the Wine

I was lucky to meet Filip Rossi, one of the Rossi brothers and the director of hospitality and marketing. It was inspiring to see how far they’ve come, from humble beginnings to offering helicopter wine tastings (Helifly Istria) and corporate events such as hosting BMW car launches. Their creativity in marketing is impressive, yet everything still feels genuine and rooted in tradition. If you're looking for ways to entertain your clients or organise a MICE event, this is a venue worth considering.
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​Quiet Sustainability, Loud Impact

​What impressed me most was their commitment to sustainability. When I asked Filip about their environmental practices, I discovered they’re doing a lot, across production, water waste systems, and energy efficiency. They don’t shout about it, but they should. Their quiet innovation deserves recognition.
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The estate tour was equally warm and informative, our guide was generous with insights and stories, and the tasting experience felt personal and immersive.

Whether you’re interested in a full wine tasting or just want to enjoy a few glasses with local charcuterie and cheese, I highly recommend visiting Rossi. You can explore their tasting packages and book ahead to avoid disappointment.

​A Perfect Birthday Lunch: Konoba Jadruhi

​Before heading to the vineyard, we stopped for a birthday bite at Konoba Jadruhi, a rustic, family-run tavern offering homemade Croatian cuisine. It’s one of the best spots in Istria for an authentic meal at great value.

The staff were warm and helpful, offering excellent recommendations, and to my surprise, they brought out a small pistachio fondant cake with a candle. It was the perfect cherry on top of a memorable day.