Truffles and Wine in Inland Istria: a Guide for Food Lovers

Inland Istria is a land of hills, medieval hill towns, vineyards and forests, and for many food lovers the best reason to come. At the centre of that world is Motovun with its forest, famous for truffles, but konobas, wineries and olive groves are everywhere.

Truffles: what and when

The Motovun Forest is one of the best-known truffle grounds in Europe, and Livade is the place most associated with them. It is said that one of the largest white truffles in the world, weighing 1.31 kg and entered in the Guinness Book of Records, was found there in 1999. The white truffle is seasonal and lasts roughly from autumn to winter, while the black truffle (summer and winter varieties) can be found for much of the year. That is why autumn is the best time for truffles, which we also cover in our guide to when to go to Istria. It is best to check the season before you arrive.

What to order

The classics are fuži or pljukanci pasta with truffles, eggs with truffles and cheese with truffles. Truffle is usually not cooked but shaved over the hot dish at the end, so order it simply, with dishes that do not overpower it. You can also read about traditional pasta in our article Fuži – What are they?.

Wine: malvasia, teran and others

Istrian wine is often the reason people come back. The best-known white grape is Istrian malvasia, fresh and aromatic, and the best-known red is teran, strong, purple and acidic. Alongside them you will find muscat and many others. Wineries often welcome guests for tastings, but it is always better to announce your visit. If you are driving, decide who is the driver or take a taxi.

Olive oil

Istrian extra virgin oils rank among the best in the world. The olive harvest is in October and November, and many family producers sell their oil directly. Read more about this tradition in Olive Harvest in Istria.

How to fit it into a villa holiday

A villa inland gives you two options: dine in a konoba or cook at home. In our offer every villa has a fully equipped kitchen, and almost all have a barbecue, so you can buy local produce and prepare lunch yourself. Some villas also have a wine cellar. Villas for this kind of holiday are in Motovun and in central Istria, and Livade lies on the Parenzana cycling trail.

Practical tips

• In autumn, book konoba tables in advance, especially at weekends
• Truffle hunts with a dog are run by guides and need to be booked
• Buy truffles and oil from local producers and ask about origin
• Ask about prices before ordering, since truffle is usually charged by the gram

Browse villas inland and filter by region, and if you are planning a whole food holiday, tell us your dates and we will suggest a villa and area.