Matijašić Wine Tour – an authentic Istrian winemaking experience
Motovun, Istria, Croatia
At the Matijašić family estate near Motovun, surrounded by organically certified vineyards, guests taste six wines straight from the barrel alongside a generous homemade platter of Istrian specialities from their own production. The visit includes a tour of the wine cellars, the family story behind their winemaking tradition, and free time by the lake and among the vineyards.
Nestled in the heart of Istria, not far from the picturesque town of Motovun, the Matijašić family estate is one of the rare wine destinations offering a truly authentic encounter with the tradition of Istrian winemaking. The Matijašić family tends their vineyards with deep dedication and a love for the land, and since 2009 their entire production has followed the principles of organic farming – free from chemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers, in full harmony with the natural cycles and microclimate of this exceptional Istrian landscape.
The visit begins with a warm welcome and the family story – guests learn how the estate came to be, which grape varieties grow across its specific micro-locations, and what it truly means to cultivate grapes in an ecologically responsible way. Every vine has its own story, and it is precisely that story which sets apart an industrial wine from one that carries the soul of a place.
The heart of the tour leads guests into the wine cellar – a room filled with wooden barrels where tannins and history hang in the air. Guests have the unique opportunity to pour wine directly from the barrel with their own hands and taste six carefully selected wines, as Denis Matijašić guides them through the secrets of each variety, its aromas, characteristics and the process of organic grape production. Together with the underground cellar where wine ages in bottles, the visit becomes a genuine small enological journey.
After the tasting, a generous spread follows – a homemade platter with Istrian prosciutto, cured meats from their own production (ombolo, panceta, sausages – depending on the season), Istrian cheese, olives, organic olive oil and homemade pastries. Alongside the food, guests continue to enjoy whichever wine captured their heart during the tasting.
The tour ends with free time on the estate – a stroll along the lake, a boat ride, a walk through the vineyards and time spent with the farm animals. The peaceful surroundings, clean air and warm hospitality of the Matijašić family make this visit an experience that stays with you long after the 90 minutes of the programme have passed.
Booking and availability
Travel and experience program
Matijašić Wine Tour – an authentic Istrian winemaking experience
1. Welcome and Family Story
- Arrival at the Matijašić estate in Pekasi near Motovun. Warm welcome by the hosts. Introduction to the history of the estate, the winemaking tradition, grape varieties and the organic farming practices applied since 2009.
2. Wine Cellar Tour
- Visit to the above-ground cellar with wine barrels and the underground cellar where wine ages in bottles. Explanation of the organic grape processing and ageing technology.
3. Wine Tasting
- Tasting of 6 wines in the wine cellar. Guests pour the wine directly from the barrel themselves. Each wine is accompanied by an expert description of the variety, its aromas and production method.
4. Cold Platter
- Serving of a generous homemade platter with Istrian prosciutto, cured meat specialities from their own production, Istrian cheese, olives, organic olive oil and homemade pastries. Guests continue to enjoy the wine of their choice.
5. Estate Tour and Free Time
- Free stroll along the lake, boat ride, walk through the vineyards and time with the farm animals. Opportunity to purchase wines and estate products.
Conditions
- Expert guided tour and family presentation of the estate, vineyards and organic production philosophy
- Visit to the wine cellar (above-ground and underground sections)
- Tasting of 6 wines (with the opportunity to pour directly from the barrel)
- Generous homemade platter: Istrian prosciutto, cured meats from own production (ombolo, panceta, sausages), Istrian cheese, olives, organic olive oil, homemade pastries
- Continued enjoyment of your favourite wine alongside the platter
- Free exploration of the estate: walk by the lake, boat ride, vineyard tour, encounter with farm animals
- Transport to and from the estate (available at an additional cost)
- Purchase of wines and other estate products
- Beverages not listed in the tour programme
- Gratuities
Tour details:
- Tour duration: up to 90 min.
- Travel time to the experience and back to the departure point: approx. 40 min. depending on traffic conditions (additional charge applies!)
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited for persons under 18 years of age.
- The itinerary is indicative and may vary depending on the time of year, number of participants and other external factors such as road traffic conditions.
- Alternative pick-up point: an alternative departure and return point can be arranged upon request (surcharge between €5 – €100)
What to bring:
- Personal identification document (national ID card or passport)
- Voucher: electronic booking confirmation (PDF) or printed version on A4 paper
Availability:
- Available months: all year round
- Available days of the week: every day
- Booking notice: you will be informed of the exact time of the experience 24 hours before it begins
- The agency reserves the right to cancel the excursion if unavailable on the requested date. The agency undertakes to notify the client and, if no alternative date can be found, to refund the amount paid in full.
Other information:
- Persons with disabilities are unfortunately unable to participate in this excursion.
- Advance reservation is mandatory prior to arrival.
- Weather conditions: this tour takes place regardless of weather conditions.
- Languages: Croatian, English (Italian and German available upon request)
- Organiser: MATIJAŠIĆ, ZAJEDNIČKI OBRT ZA VINOGRADARSTVO I VINARSTVO
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