Istria Wine Tour from Rijeka: Family Wineries & Local Cuisine

Summary

Day Trip to Istria: Wine Tasting, Grožnjan Walk & Local Lunch

You’ll taste real Istrian wines in family cellars, wander Grožnjan’s artsy streets at your own pace, and sit down to homemade pasta in a cozy hilltop restaurant—all in one relaxed day out from Rijeka or Opatija.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the scent—grapes, earth, and a hint of wood smoke drifting from the old stone winery. Our guide, Marko, greeted us with a grin and led us straight into the cellar. The family’s been making wine here for generations; you can see it in the faded photos tacked up behind the bar. We tried three different wines—Malvazija was my favorite, crisp and just a little floral. With each glass came slices of prosciutto and cheese so fresh you could taste the grass in it. There was this one moment when the winemaker’s dog wandered in and flopped at our feet—felt like we were visiting old friends.

Grožnjan is something else. Cobbled lanes twist between tiny galleries and cafés where locals sip coffee under fig trees. I wandered off for a bit, poking my head into an art shop run by an older woman who told me about the jazz festival they hold every summer. The air smelled like lavender and baking bread—someone nearby must’ve been making focaccia. It’s easy to lose track of time here; you’ll want to linger just a little longer than planned.

Lunch was at a family-run place tucked away on a hillside outside town. No menu—just whatever they’d made that morning: hand-rolled fuži pasta with truffles, slow-cooked beef from a farm down the road, two glasses of local wine included (I went for Teran this time). The owner sat with us for a while, sharing stories about his grandmother’s recipes and how they still pick wild herbs from their own garden. By then, the sun had shifted, casting long shadows across the vineyard below. We left with full bellies—and a surprise gift tucked into our bags.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istria Wine Tasting and Lunch

• Wine tasting at family winery with cheese and prosciutto
• Free time in hilltop town Grožnjan
• Lunch with homemade pasta and local meat, includes wine

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids?

This tour isn’t recommended for infants but older children who enjoy food experiences are welcome.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, just let us know ahead of time so we can arrange vegetarian dishes with the restaurant.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk around Grožnjan’s cobbled streets and between stops at your own pace; nothing too strenuous.

Can I buy wine at the winery?

Absolutely! You’ll have time to purchase bottles directly from the winemakers if you wish.

What’s included

You get guided tastings at a traditional family winery (with cheese, prosciutto, and dry cuts), free time in Grožnjan village, lunch featuring homemade pasta and local meats (plus two glasses of wine), transport in an air-conditioned vehicle—and there’s even a little surprise gift to take home.