Istria Wine Tours (2026): Malvazija, Teran & Tastings

The short version: Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula in northern Croatia, is one of the most rewarding small wine regions in Europe. Its two native stars are Malvazija Istarska, a fresh, almondy white made for seafood, and Teran, a deep, high-acid red from the iron-red soils. Family wineries around Momjan, Brtonigla, Novigrad and Motovun offer tastings with pršut, cheese, olive oil and, in autumn, truffles. Here is where to go and how to book.

At a glance

Question	Answer
Whites	Malvazija Istarska (fresh or skin-macerated), Muškat Momjanski (sweet)
Reds	Teran, plus Refošk, Merlot and Cabernet
Wine villages	Momjan and Buje, Brtonigla, Novigrad, Motovun, Poreč hinterland
Base	Rovinj, Poreč or Novigrad on the coast; Motovun inland
Best season	September and October for harvest and truffles; St. Martin’s Day (11 November) for new wine

Malvazija and Teran

Malvazija Istarska is the white you will drink everywhere: crisp, lightly floral and salty-fresh when young, rich and nutty when aged or fermented on the skins in the traditional way. Teran is Istria’s red signature, bright and tangy with dark fruit, best with pršut, game and truffle dishes. In the hills around Momjan, look for Muškat Momjanski, a fragrant sweet muscat. For the grapes of the whole country, see Croatian wine grapes explained.

How to taste Istria

Most wineries are small and family run, with tastings on a terrace above the vines, often paired with the estate’s own olive oil (see Istria olive oil tours). In autumn, combine a tasting with truffle hunting in Istria, and read what to eat in Istria and our 3-day Istria food and wine itinerary to plan the route.

Our pick: the Istria: Pervino Wine Tasting at a family winery near Novigrad pairs six wines, including Malvazija and Teran, with cheese and prosciutto after a cellar and vineyard tour.

Plan the days out: Istria day trips for food lovers.