Why early autumn is perfect for exploring Istrian wineries
There is something about Istria in early autumn that makes me want to slow down and spend more time exploring its countryside. The summer crowds begin to disappear, the vineyards are full of colour and the afternoons are still warm enough to enjoy being outdoors.
For me, this is one of the best times to discover another side of Istria. Away from the beaches and seaside towns, the landscape changes into rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and picturesque villages. And, of course, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some excellent local wine.
On this particular afternoon, our destination was Deklić Winery, a family-owned winery near Vižinada, in one of Istria’s beautiful wine-growing areas. We had planned an afternoon of wine tasting, but it turned into something much more memorable – a combination of interesting architecture, excellent food, local wines and one of those sunsets that makes you forget to check the time.
First impressions: a modern winery surrounded by nature
As we approached the winery, the first thing that caught my attention was its architecture. Instead of a traditional stone building, Deklić Winery welcomes visitors with a striking contemporary design that somehow feels perfectly at home in the surrounding landscape.
The building’s warm, rust-coloured exterior creates a beautiful contrast with the green vineyards and bright blue sky. I particularly liked how the structure seemed to emerge from the hillside, with its large curved roof and outdoor terrace overlooking the countryside.
The architecture is actually part of what makes this winery so interesting. Designed by Croatian architect Viktor Vrečko, the building was created to blend into the landscape while offering a modern setting for a family winemaking tradition that goes back four generations.
And although we had come for the wine, I could already tell that the views would be just as important to the experience.
Discovering the story behind Deklić wines
One of the things I enjoy most about visiting wineries is getting to know the people and traditions behind the wines. Tasting a glass of Malvasia is one thing, but learning where the grapes grow and how the wine is made adds another dimension to the experience.
Today, the family cultivates around 25 hectares of vineyards and produces approximately 200,000 bottles of wine each year, combining generations of winemaking knowledge with modern technology and a passion for Istria’s unique terroir.
During our visit, we also had the opportunity to see the wine cellar. Walking between the neatly arranged wooden barrels, I was struck by the contrast between the contemporary architecture upstairs and the quiet, traditional atmosphere of the cellar. There is something fascinating about seeing rows of oak barrels and knowing that each one contains wine slowly developing its character.
Wine tasting in Istria: even better with local food
Local cheeses, Istrian prosciutto, olive oil and truffle specialities accompanied our afternoon tasting. After exploring the cellar, it was time for the part we had all been looking forward to – sitting down to enjoy the wines.
Istrian delicacies paired with excellent wines
Our table was soon filled with generous platters of Istrian delicacies. There were different local cheeses, thinly sliced prosciutto, olives, dried fruit, almonds and olive oil. We also enjoyed beautifully presented dishes featuring burrata and truffles, one of the ingredients that makes Istrian gastronomy so special.
It was exactly the kind of food I love when visiting inland Istria. Nothing overly complicated, just good local ingredients, carefully selected and served in a way that lets their flavours speak for themselves.
The wines complemented the food beautifully, and what I particularly enjoyed was having time to taste, compare and discuss them without feeling rushed.
Istria is especially well known for Malvasia, a fresh and elegant white wine, and Teran, a distinctive local red. Deklić also produces other varieties, including Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a beautiful rosé that is perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon overlooking the vineyards. One of its signature wines is Konstantin, an oak-aged Malvasia named in honour of the family’s winemaking heritage. The winery’s Konstantin Malvasia has received particular recognition, including a Gold medal and 96 points at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards.
What made the experience special, though, wasn’t just the wine or the food. It was the setting and the feeling that we could spend the afternoon enjoying good company, without needing to be anywhere else.
A vineyard terrace made for long afternoons
If I had to choose my favourite part of the visit, it would probably be the terrace. With comfortable seating, large umbrellas and uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside, it is the sort of place where you sit down for one glass of wine and suddenly realise that a few hours have passed.
From our table, we could look across the vineyards towards the hills around Vižinada. The landscape seemed to stretch endlessly, with rows of vines, patches of woodland and small villages in the distance. And in early autumn, when the afternoon sunshine is still pleasantly warm but no longer as intense as in midsummer, it feels particularly inviting.
We had already enjoyed the wines, the food and the tour, but sitting back and watching the sunset made the experience feel complete. There was no need for another activity on our short break in Istria.
Planning your own visit to Deklić Winery
If you’re planning a trip to Istria, I would definitely recommend including a wine-tasting experience in your itinerary, particularly if you enjoy discovering local food, wine and smaller places away from the coast.
Deklić Winery is located in Mekiši near Vižinada, surrounded by the vineyards and countryside that make this part of Istria so appealing. Just a 30-minute drive from Poreč, it’s an ideal destination for an afternoon getaway, especially if you’re staying at Pical Resort 5*.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore inland Istria, discover its winemaking traditions and enjoy a memorable wine-tasting experience without venturing too far from the coast. The winery offers several tasting experiences, from introductions to its wines paired with local specialities to longer visits that include a cellar tour and a tasting on the panoramic terrace.
A few things I would recommend before visiting:
- Book your tasting in advance, particularly if you are visiting over a weekend.
- Allow at least a couple of hours so you have time to enjoy the tasting and the surroundings.
- Choose a late-afternoon visit if you’d like to experience the beautiful golden light over the vineyards.
- Explore the surrounding area, as Vižinada and the nearby countryside are well worth discovering.
- Arrange a designated driver or transfer so everyone can enjoy the wine tasting responsibly.
If you’re staying at Valamar properties, Experience Concierge by Valamar can help you arrange your wine-tasting experience, making it even easier to enjoy a memorable afternoon in the heart of Istria.
More than wine: why I’d return to inland Istria in autumn
For me, visiting Deklić Winery was another reminder that while Istria’s beautiful coast offers endless opportunities for unforgettable experiences, some of the region’s most memorable moments are waiting to be discovered inland.
From excellent wines and local delicacies to beautiful vineyard views, it’s the perfect way to spend an early autumn afternoon. And the best part is that this is just one of many wonderful wine experiences waiting to be discovered in Istria. Wineries such as Damjanić, Radovan and Ipša are also well worth exploring, each offering its own take on the region’s rich winemaking traditions. After all, discovering Istria one winery at a time is never a bad idea!
