If you’re after both a vacation in Croatia and lush, scenic surroundings that produce delicious food and wine, then we cannot recommend anything more highly than browsing our villas in Istria and planning a getaway in this region. The most developed tourist region in the country, it is most famous for the so-called, “Blue Istria,” of the coast where there are endless lovely seaside resorts to choose from. However, if you head inland to, “Green Istria,” you will find quiet and peaceful little villages bursting with authenticity, a varied landscape of orchards, vineyards, and olive groves, and lots of delicious things to eat and an acclaimed culinary heritage. Therefore, it is well worth going beyond the places many tourists spend time in while on vacation in Istria and discovering the wealth of incredible things to see and do inland. In particular, this is where to head if you want to plan a day at a vineyard during your holiday in Croatia.
There are all sorts of wineries and vineyards to visit in Istria from the traditional to the innovative to the chic to the trendy. Trapan Winery, located in the heart of the fascinating Šišan wine region falls into this latter category. Producing 100% organic Croatian wines in a cool and lively atmosphere and packaging them with fun and well-designed labels, this is a vibrant and modern winery that is full of energy and style. Stretching over 12 hectares, the vineyards of Trapan Winery are home to a variety of different wines with Malvasia being the flagship grape and produced alongside Teran, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. All of these grape varieties are grown organically and then harvested using manual methods of old to produce top-class red, white, rose, and sparkling wines.
Born as a small business in a little garage next to their family home, the owners later were able to expand and buy this land located in the beautiful southernmost part of Istria. Since 2005, the cellars of the winery have continued to undergo various alterations and advancements to produce the most impeccable, high-quality wines and it is in this space, alongside rooms for vinification, ageing, and bottling that there is also an elegantly decorated and relaxing tasting room in the basement, where visitors can sample and learn about the wines of the estate.
This tasting space, the Wine Station, has also been enhanced in recent years by the addition of a menu of culinary delights prepared by Lorena Božić and Ettore Vignandel to complement the wines and to make your experience at Trapan even more enjoyable. This special menu consists of dishes made entirely with seasonal and local ingredients, imbuing each bite with the utmost flavour and freshness, and working towards greater sustainability. Some of the dishes that can be enjoyed include the likes of: gnocchi made with homemade skuta cheese and thyme, and lamb ragu; spring risotto with goats cheese and beetroot; lamb chops with fragrant potatoes and yoghurt sauce; and rabbit meat rolls, “Alla Mediteranea”.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 11pm, the tasting room is only accessible if you have made an appointment in advance and reservations can be made by calling or emailing them at info@trapan.hr. Please do so if you have found a villa in Istria, want to pay a visit during your trip, and wish to avoid disappointment!
One of many incredible places to enjoy the great bounty of the landscape of this region, it is a real must for serious foodies who are considering a vacation in Croatia.
Wine Station
OPG Trapan Bruno
HR-52204 Šišan, Giordano Dobran 63
+385 91 581 72 81
+385 99 311 6031
info@trapan.hr