Anđelini Winery

Anđelini Winery is a small family estate near Pazin, in the green, hilly centre of Istria, where vineyards, olive groves and woods surround small hamlets and the land is quieter than the coast. The address is Velanov Brijeg, a hamlet outside the town, and the farm, where tastings can be arranged in Croatian, English or Italian, is run by the Anđelini and Velan families, who combine winemaking with beekeeping. The setting is rural and unhurried, which suits a visit built around conversation and tasting.

Istria is one of the most respected wine regions in Croatia, and Istrian whites and reds are poured across the country, and the main grape here is Malvazija, a fresh, aromatic white that is the region's signature, together with Teran, a deep red with lively acidity. These wines pair naturally with the local cuisine of cured meats, cheese, olive oil and truffles. Family wineries like this one offer a close view of the process, from the vineyard to the cellar, and visitors often find that the owners are happy to talk about the vintage, the soils and the local traditions.

What sets this place apart is the honey. Beekeeping has a long tradition in Istria, where the mixed landscape of acacia, chestnut, lime and wildflowers produces several distinct honeys, each with a different colour and flavour. A tasting here pairs wines with honeys, so that guests can compare how the sweetness and floral notes play against the acidity of a Malvazija or the structure of a Teran. Tastings usually also include local cheese, olives and seasonal fruit, and the family takes visitors through the cellar and out into the vineyard.

Tastings are best arranged in advance, since a small family business works by appointment rather than fixed opening hours. It is wise to ask about group size, languages, timing and price when booking, as these details can change. Guests should allow around two hours, and a car is needed to reach the farm.

The winery is near Pazin, a town known for its castle above the Pazin Cave, the chasm that inspired Jules Verne, and the Zarecki Krov. The area also offers walking, cycling and country lanes that connect small villages and viewpoints. A visit suits couples, small groups of friends and anyone who prefers a personal tasting to a large commercial cellar. It is especially pleasant in spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and the vineyards are at their best.