Although the temperatures are still high and summer-like, we are approaching many people’s favorite season – fall. In fall it’s as if a new life begins. The leaves change color and are painted in countless shades of yellow and brown, and the temperature is pleasant and ideal for being outdoors. This period is also rich in events – from cultural events to concerts and food and wine events. In this article we will focus on one of the latter, eno-gastronomic. We hope to encourage you to go on a one-day (or one-week) trip and taste the breath of fall in one of the most magical regions of Croatia. And where are we taking you? To Istria, of course.
We present you 5 eno-gastronomic events that take place every year during the fall months. There are traditional events whose history goes back several years, and there are newer events that have just begun to become popular. We believe that everyone will find something of interest in this list. To make your visit to Istria complete, why not rent one of our villas in Istria? Our cozy villas will provide you with an ideal place to rest after days spent at events.
Zigante Truffle Days, Livade
In the valley of the river Mirna, in the green of the Motovun forest, an extremely valuable and highly appreciated food has found its habitat – the truffle. With its intense taste and specific shape, in white and black, the truffle attracts gourmets, travel bloggers, politicians and artists from all over the world. We don’t know how such a refined food found its way to our beautiful Croatia. What we do know is that it raised the cooking and presentation of dishes to a new level.
The Zigante family from the village of Livade became famous when they harvested the largest white truffle ever found in the world in the very same Motovun forest in 1999. The truffle entered the Guinness Book of Records and Livade became the world center of truffles. The family further popularized the truffle by organizing the so-called “Zigante truffle days“. This is now a marathon event that gathers numerous domestic and foreign gourmands during 5 weekends in September and October. The event has a rich program that includes, among other, a truffle fair and an exhibition of local wines and Istrian gastronomic specialties. There is also a demonstration of truffle hunting and a presentation of dishes whose main ingredient is, you guessed it, truffle.
Whether you are a truffle lover or about to become one, come to Livade and discover why people from all over the world come here every fall. Refresh yourself with local wines, taste traditional Istrian dishes or take a truffle as a souvenir. To make sure you don’t miss a single day of this spectacular event, we suggest staying at Villa Casa Mavretići. Located in the heart of Livade, this villa is the ideal choice for those who wish to extend their stay in this magical area and be close to the events.
Truffle hunting demonstration guarantees fun and unforgettable experience
Teran Wine and Truffle Festival, Motovun
Since the truffle is a trademark of the inland Istria, one event dedicated to this exceptional food is not enough. Besides the aforementioned weekends in Livade, Motovun hosts a two-day truffle and Teran wine exhibition every fall. What better combination than wine and fruffles, right? We have already written about truffles, but now let us tell you something about Istrian Teran.
Teran grapes ripen in the fall, and the result is a wine of a rich red color, on closer look even purple. It is a harmonious and full-bodied wine with a sweet, fruity aroma that makes it extremely attractive and drinkable. In order to preserve all these characteristics, Teran wine is stored in oak barrels. Due to its high content of polyphenols, it is said to have medicinal properties. It goes well with red meat and game and gives a special charm to dishes with the addition of truffles. Even Giacomo Casanova wrote about Teran wine in his memoirs. He once happened to be in Vrsar and tasted this excellent drink.
If you want to try the combination of these two top Istrian treasures, don’t miss the Teran and Truffle Festival. Year after year, Motovun is the meeting place of the best truffle producers and truffle buyers. In this magical place above the Motovun forest you can taste, shop, attend workshops and above all have fun. For more information, visit the official Facebook page of the Motovun Municipality.
Find out what happens when the palate meets two of the finest foods – truffle and Teran
International Prosciutto Fair, Tinjan
Besides truffles and excellent wine, Istria is also famous for its excellent prosciutto. The inhabitants of Istria are very fond of this cured meat product, which is anything but ordinary. Because of its shape and the way it is sliced, it is called vijulin, which translates as “violin”. It is also treated as such. Behind the sweetness and enticing smell of Istrian prosciutto is a long and careful process of cultivating, drying and even cutting. “His Majesty”, prosciutto, has become a symbol of Istrian cuisine and can be tasted and purchased at various food and wine events.
Every year in October, the small village of Tinjan in the interior of Istria becomes completely packed thanks to the ISAP, the International Prosciutto Fair. A considerable number of people, 20,000 of them, visited this event last year. The organizers expect the same this year and every year after. For years (more precisely, since 2006), this fair has gathered exhibitors from 6 countries – Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Spain. It is an ideal opportunity for gourmands to taste not only prosciutto, but also other gastronomic specialties and top quality wines.
Apart from tasting and selecting the best prosciutto, the program also includes an educational, sporting, recreational, cultural and entertainment part. To cut a long story short – visit Tinjan and, in addition to the beautiful landscapes, enjoy the view of an even more beautiful – prosciutto.
Istrian prosciutto is a symbol of originality, quality and tradition
Istria Wine & Walk
Feel like walking along the sea or through the vineyards, sipping excellent Istrian wine? If your answer is yes, you have come to the right place. Wine & Walk is an initiative that offers tours of the Istrian hinterland and coast. It is ideal for those who like to spend time in nature while enjoying the best local food and wine. Since 2015, this concept has been used to promote Istrian wine regions and eno-gastronomy all year round.
There are several routes, and their starting and ending points are subject to change. What is constant is also the most beautiful – colorful landscape, spectacular view and excellent wine. The length of the route also varies depending on the location. However, be prepared for a full day’s adventure with numerous stops along the way. Depending on the route, you will have the opportunity to walk through the vineyards near Motovun and enjoy the view of this attractive medieval town. Also, you will be able to take a walk along the coast of picturesque Novigrad, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town of Buje and its surroundings. We know that nature has a special charm in the fall, so get your cameras ready, because unreal scenery awaits you.
Food and drink will be plentiful, so it’s up to you to invite your friends and head to this magical place. Each tour ends with a celebratory gathering with music and, of course, good food and wine. For more information, exact dates, and application links, visit the official Wine & Walk Facebook page.
Wine & Walk tours are an essential part of staying in Istria
Fall Flavors on a Plate in Central Istria
Everyone who likes to try new dishes will agree on one thing. There is nothing better than top quality food at an affordable price. This combination is offered by restaurants in Central Istria as part of the gastronomic event called “Fall flavors on a plate in central Istria”. This event has been held for 3 consecutive years during the entire month of October.
Every year, several restaurateurs take part in the event. They offer menus that include dishes prepared from the autumnal ingredients of the Istrian climate. The menu includes pumpkin soup, meat dishes in mushroom sauce, pancakes with homemade fig jam, etc. It consists of a starter, main course and dessert, all at a special price.
Come and taste traditional dishes made from local, autochthone ingredients, which will surely satisfy even the most demanding palates. For additional information and the event announcement, follow the official Facebook page of the Tourist board of Central Istria.
Fall colors and flavors on a plate – what could be better?
In addition to the rich food and wine scene, Istria offers so many other experiences and attractions. That said, it’s a shame to stay there for only a few days. In the fall, the temperatures are more pleasant, the days are shorter, the crowds are fewer and the prices are lower. All this can be a recipe for an ideal vacation.
Some have already taken their annual vacation, and some have wisely waited for this time of year. While you are visiting the fall events, take the opportunity and book your dream week in Istria right now. Our villas in Buje, Motovun, Novigrad and Tinjan are waiting for you!
