Wines of Istria

Istrian Wine Tasting

Mostly in Croatia although with a small part in Slovenia and an even smaller part in Italy, Istria combines Alpine freshness with Mediterranean sunshine. Now recognised for producing some of Europe’s most characterful (and criminally under-the-radar) wines, we have winemaker and Vinistra President Luka Rossi with us tonight to showcase the quality that the Istrian peninsula can produce.

For centuries, this Adriatic crossroads has been a meeting point of cultures—shaped by Italian flair, Austro-Hungarian structure, and a distinctly Slavic soul. The result? A region with serious depth, both historically and gastronomically and known for wines made by passionate, often family-run estates with generations of know-how

On this tasting, we’ll dive into the stars of the show:

• Malvazija Istarska – the local white hero. Fresh yet textured, brimming with peach, apricot and floral notes, often with a subtle mineral edge that hints at the nearby Adriatic. We will experience not only this popular grape in its youth but also explore how it can age with 2 past vintages rarely seen in the UK.
• Teran – a bold, characterful red with plenty of personality. Expect sour cherry, spice, and a lively, food-friendly bite in these 2 complex, aged expressions.

We’ll also taste a sparkling and a sweet wine, showing just how confidently Istria balances tradition with a modern touch.

Come and discover why Decanter awarded Istrian wines 386 medals in their World Wine Awards 2025, making it one of the top 10 awarded countries in the world.

Wine list (7 on tasting, each showcasing a different producer):

1. Meneghetti Blanc de Blancs 2022, sparkling wine
2. Malvazija istarska Alba 2025, Matošević winery
3. Malvazija istarska Turtian 2025, Medea winery
4. Malvazija istarska Templara 2024, Rossi winery
5. Teran Grgo 2024, Bruno Ferenac winery
6. Teran II Primo 2022, Fakin winery
7. Muškat San Salvatore 2022, Benvenuti winery, sweet wine