Slovenian Istria, which stretches along the Adriatic Sea, is renowned for its wine-making tradition and exceptional wines. Its flagship red grape variety, which accounts for more than 45% of all vineyards in Slovenian Istria, is refošk/refosco. The most widely cultivated white grape variety is malvazija/malvasia.
The wine-growing tradition in Slovenian Istria dates back over a thousand years. This age-old tradition continues through the use of both traditional and contemporary winemaking methods. Many local winemakers have adopted boutique manufacturing practices, which are small-scale production methods with greater attention to quality and unique production techniques.
The area has a mild Mediterranean climate, with long and warm summers and mild winters. This makes it an ideal climate for wine production, as it allows the grapes to ripen over a long period of time. The soils are predominantly flysch, with admixtures of sandstone and marl.
Refošk: a native red wine variety from the Primorska region, with a deep purplish-red colour. It is slightly acidic and has red and black fruit aromas, complemented by spicy notes. Apart from refošk, Slovenian Istria is also home to other red wine varieties, such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah.
Malvazija: Istria’s most prominent white wine variety, malvazija, delivers aromas of acacia and yellow fruit Malvazija is a perfect pairing for seafood dishes and can also be served as a dessert wine. In addition to malvazija, Slovenian Istria also produces chardonnay, pinot gris and yellow muscat.
Vinakoper winery tour and wine tasting
Come and experience the largest winery in the area, and discover all the secrets behind the production of Vinakoper’s world-class wines. Vinakoper represents the very heart of Istrian wine-growing and wine-making culture, where wines with their characteristic varietal aromas, fruity exuberance and delectable harmony reflect the rich traditions of their native environment. Their vines are grown on Istria’s sun-soaked, flysch soil, in close proximity to the Adriatic Sea. This combination has been creating the perfect conditions for the production of superb wines since 1947. Discover the rich history, curiosities and details that make these wines so unique. Vinakoper’s lavish interiors and team of welcoming experts, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have, is sure to turn your wine tasting into an unforgettable experience.
You can book your experience at : hisa.refoska@vinakoper.si
The tours are available in Slovenian, English, Italian and Croatian and typically last about 90 minutes. The prices range between €15 and €30 per person, depending on the package chosen. The experience is suitable for both individuals and groups. Vinakoper is open to visitors all year round (Summer hours: Monday – Friday: 8.30 – 19.00 Saturday: 8.00 – 17.00 Sunday and public holidays: Closed; Winter hours: Monday – Friday: 8.30 – 19.00 Saturday: 8.00 – 13.00 Sunday and public holidays: Closed). Free parking is available on site, right outside the Vinakoper wine cellar.
KONTAKT
Vinakoper
Address: Šmarska cesta 1, 6000 Koper
Phone number: 00 386 56 630 147 or 00 386 56 630 100
E-mail: hisa.refoska@vinakoper.si
Website: https://www.vinakoper.si/sl/
Wine tasting with a selection of cold cuts in a wine cellar
Located in the Istrian village of Trebeše, just a 20-minute drive from Koper, the Rakar Wine House offers a unique experience in a fully restored Istrian house. The house has a wine cellar where wine tastings and evening events are held, featuring their organic wines (4 samples), which are served to guests with a selection of cold cuts.
Prior reservation is required at: info@vinarakar.si
The experience is available in Slovenian, English and Italian and lasts 60 to 90 minutes . The price of the experience is 20€ per person. The Rakar Wine House is open to visitors all year round. Parking is available on site at a public car park (by the bus stop), as well as at the private car park in front of the wine cellar.
KONTAKT
Wine House Rakar
Address: Trebše 4, 6272 Gračišče
Phone number: : 00 386 41 281 393
E-mail: info@vinarakar.si
Website: https://www.vinarakar.si/site/home
EXPERIENCES AT THE BUTUL HOMESTEAD
The tradition of producing premium wines has been handed down from generation to generation here in the vineyards of the Butul homestead. They cultivate malvazija, refošk, Istrian muscat and cabernet sauvignon on the sun-drenched coastal hillsides, using only natural methods.
The hallmark of the “Butul Wine Selection” wines is their boutique style of production. This line of wines is featured in wine shops and on restaurant wine lists across 27 countries, and the bottles come with unique labels designed by young and established artists from Slovenia and abroad. If you wish to sample their exceptional selection of wines, wine tastings are available by appointment at the Butul homestead.
Reservation is required at least 24 hours before arrival at : tatjana.butul@gmail.com
Tours are available in Slovenian, English, Italian, Croatian and Serbian and last between one and two hours. The price of the experience is about 25€ per person. It is open to groups of 4 to 25 people. The Butul homestead is open to visitors all year round. Free parking is provided on site.
KONTAKT
Farm stay Butul
Address: Manžan 10d, 6000 Koper
Phone number: 00 386 41 718 219
E-mail: tatjana.butul@gmail.com
Website: http://www.butul.net
TOUR OF A CENTURIES-OLD VINEYARD AND WINE CELLAR WITH WINE TASTING
The Bržan winery is located on the top of the Marezige hill, with a beautiful view of the Bay of Koper, the city of Koper, Trieste, the Alps and the Dolomites. Their vineyards are in close proximity to the homestead, including a 150-year-old refošk vineyard, which you can book a tour of in advance. Treat yourself to a very special experience that includes a tasting of sustainably produced fine wines, paired with local cuisine.
Reservation is required at least 24 hours before arrival at : nada.brzan@gmail.com
Tours are available in Slovenian, English, Italian, Croatian and Serbian and last about an hour. The price of the experience is about 25€ per person. The experience is open to individuals and groups of up to 30 people. The Bržan winery is open to visitors all year round. Free parking is available on their premises.
KONTAKT
Wine cellar Vilij Bržan
Address: Marezige 76, 6273 Marezige
Phone number: 00 386 31 480 905
E-mail: nada.brzan@gmail.com
Website: http://www.vilijbrzan.si
