Did you know that the Koper region has the highest concentration of olive groves in Slovenia?
Explore the flavors of Slovenian Istria, enriched by centuries of tradition and a deep love for the land. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to four producers offering top-quality local olive oil and other culinary specialties from our region.
Our town boasts a rich array of offerings, with high-quality olive oil taking center stage. Olive oil is a cornerstone of Istrian cuisine and a vital part of its cultural heritage. Extra virgin olive oil, produced by many Istrian olive growers, is known for its distinctive golden-green color and exceptional aroma and flavor, making it an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Thanks to its numerous beneficial qualities, the people of Istria often refer to olive oil as “liquid gold“. In Slovenian Istria, you’ll find indigenous olive varieties like Istrska Belica, Buga, Črnica, Drobnica, Mata, and Štorta.
The world of olives “our way”
Learn the secrets of olive oil production, from olive picking to pressing and bottling. The Lisjak olive oil mill provides a guided tour of the facility, complete with an olive oil tasting experience. They will teach you the proper way to taste olive oil and share insights into the significance of this precious commodity in our region. In addition to tours, they offer tastings of typical Istrian food and their own sparkling wine crafted using the traditional method.
Book your experience at: matej@lisjak.com. The tours are available in Slovenian, English, Italian and Croatian and last approximately one hour. The experience is available for groups of at least 5 people and costs 10€ per person. The Lisjak olive oil mill is open to visitors all year round. Parking is available on site.
You can also take a look at their special offer – the VINTAGE GOURMET TOUR– at https://www.lisjak.com/si/vintage-tour/. A nostalgic journey in legendary Zastava and Fiat cars through the picturesque olive groves of the Slovenian Istria hinterland.
INFO
Lisjak d.o.o.
Address: Šalara 28b, 6000 Koper
Phone number: 00 386 31 893 378
Email: matej@lisjak.com
Web: https://www.lisjak.com/si/degustacije/
Discover the wonderful world of olive growing at the Carcauec House
Meet olive growers Jernej and Polona, passionate about cultivating all things traditional in Istria. The Carcauec House of Olive Oil and Cosmetics invites you to savor their finest olive oil and olives in brine. You will have the opportunity to experience the unique taste of khaki vinegar for the first time or try natural, dermatologist-tested cosmetics made from olive oil and lavender. In addition, the Carcauec House also features an exhibit of traditional handmade Istrian attire. For animal lovers, four mini ponies graze in the olive grove and are always eager to meet visitors.
Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by phone at 00 386 41 977 492. The tours are available in Slovenian, English and Italian and last approximately one hour. The price is 19,90€ per person. The Carcauec House is open to visitors all year round.
The easiest way to get to Carcauec, which is just 20 minutes from Koper, is to pass through the village of Šmarje, continue through the village of Puče and then arrive in Krkavče. Free parking is available on site.
INFO
Carcauec House of Olive Oil and Cosmetics
Address: Krkavče 29, 6274 Šmarje
Phone number: 00 386 41 977 492
Email: carcauec@gmail.com
Web: http://www.carcauec.si/
Guided tasting of olive oil and spreads, accompanied by a tour of the olive groves
This experience offers the perfect introduction to the world of high-quality virgin olive oil and Istrian olives. The visit starts with a tour of the olive groves, nestled in the unspoiled Istrian nature. You will learn about the production process, from the careful harvesting of the olives to modern, non-invasive techniques that blend tradition with sustainability. You’ll be introduced to the various olive varieties, their life cycle, and their significance to Istrian heritage.
Admire the ancient groves, taste the fine olive oil, unique spreads and pickled olives, and take photos of the beautiful scenery.
You can make your reservation at: https://oliveoilredfairytale.si/sl/tasting/#booking
The tours are available in Slovenian, English and Italian and last from 60 to 90 minutes. The price is 19€ per person. RED FAIRYTALE Tourist Farm is open to visitors all year round. Free parking is available on site.
INFO
RED FAIRYTALE Tourist Farm
Address: Marezige 14, 6273 Marezige
Phone number: 00 386 31 335 685 or 00 386 41 271 455
Email: info@oliveoilredfairytale.si
Web: https://oliveoilredfairytale.si/
Homestead Butul Experience
Experience authentic Istrian charm at the Butul Homestead in Manžan, where 2 hectares of beautifully tended olive groves await your visit. Part of the prestigious European cultural route “The Routes of the Olive Tree,” the farm hand-harvests its olives and presses them in nearby mills within six hours, ensuring the exceptional quality of the oil. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a guided tour of the olive groves and taste fresh olive oil. If you visit during the harvest season, you can even roll up your sleeves and participate in this ancient and essential tradition.
Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance at tatjana.butul@gmail.com
The tours are available in Slovenian, English, Italian, Croatian and Serbian and last between one and two hours. The price is 25€ per person. The experience is available to groups between 4 and 25 people. The Butul Homestead is open to visitors all year round. Free parking is available on site.
Note: Prices valid as of August 2024.
INFO
Butul Farm
Address: Manžan 10d, 6000 Koper
Phone number: 00 386 41 718 219
Email: tatjana.butul@gmail.com
Web: http://www.butul.net
