Motovun Wine
Explore Motovun Wine: Shops, Wineries & More
Motovun sits at the center of Istria’s wine-producing heartland, surrounded by rolling vineyards and family-run wineries. The region is best known for two native grapes—Malvazija Istarska, a crisp and aromatic white, and Teran, a bold red with lively acidity. Both are staples on local restaurant menus, often paired with Istria’s other famous delicacy: truffles.
We spent several days in Motovun exploring its wine bars, wine shops, and nearby wineries. This guide brings together everything we learned—local grapes, where to taste, and where to buy—so you can enjoy the best of Motovun wine from your very first glass.
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Local Wine in Motovun
Motovun’s hilltop location in central Istria offers excellent conditions for grape growing—plenty of sun, limestone soils, and cool nights. Small-scale producers dominate the landscape, many working vineyards that have been in their families for generations.
Wine is an everyday part of life here. You’ll find local bottles in every restaurant and wine bar, often poured by the winemakers themselves. Many accommodations even offer tastings on their own terraces.
Istria Wine
Istria’s signature grape varieties are well represented in and around Motovun:
White Wine
- Malvazija Istarska – Dry, aromatic, with notes of citrus, green apple, and herbs. Often aged in stainless steel or amphora.
- Muškat – Typically made in a semi-sweet or dessert style, fragrant and floral.
Red Wine
- Teran – Indigenous red known for its bright acidity, wild berry notes, and aging potential.
For more on the region’s wines, see our Istria Wine guide.
Wine Shops in Motovun
Many visitors to Motovun enjoy a glass of local wine on their terrace at sunset—and the best place to find a bottle is one of the town’s wine shops. Most are located along Ul. Vladimira Gortana or near the Gradiziol gate.
Several also sell vini sfusi—bulk wine sold by the liter. This is how many locals buy their everyday wine, and it’s a great option if you’re staying nearby and want good value.
Vino Fruit Vegetables
Address: Ul. Vladimira Gortana 49, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
This unassuming corner shop stocks everyday wines, fruit, and local snacks. Look for large demijohns of vini sfusi inside.
Wineries Near Motovun
Motovun is surrounded by family-run wineries that produce some of Istria’s best wines. Most specialize in Malvazija, Teran, and Muškat, with some also making rosé, sparkling wines, or barrel-aged blends. Tastings are typically offered by appointment and may include cellar tours or food pairings.
Fakin Winery
Address: Bataji 20a, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Less than 5 km from the town center, Fakin produces award-winning Malvazija, Teran, and Muškat. Their restaurant in Motovun serves house wines alongside truffle-forward cuisine.
Roxanich Winery
Address: Kanal 30, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
A modern winery known for long-aged, natural-style wines. Their SuperIstrian red blend and Teran RE are highlights. On-site wine hotel and cellar tours available.
Tomaz Winery
Address: Kanal 36, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Located just below Motovun, Tomaz produces classic Istrian styles, including sparkling Malvazija and Teran rosé.
Novak Wines
Address: Kanal 23, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Small winery with a convenient location in town.
Vina Fachin
Address: Rodeli 77a, 52424, Brkač, Croatia
Located in the nearby village of Brkač, Fachin focuses on Teran and Malvazija.
Benvenuti
Address: Kaldir, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
One of Istria’s best-known producers. Offers tastings with local snacks by reservation.
Valenta Family Wines
Address: Kaldir 9a, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Small winery located near Benvenuti in Kaldir.
Vina Bertoša
Address: Kaldir 20, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Family winery producing classic Istrian varieties.
Distillery AurA
Addresses: Trg Andrea Antico 7 and Mure 11, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Known for fruit brandies and herbal liqueurs. Two tasting shops in Motovun.
Self-Guided Winery Tour from Motovun
If you’d like to explore the Motovun wine scene on your own, several top wineries are within a short drive. A loop through nearby villages like Brkač and Kaldir offers access to tasting rooms with scenic views, friendly hosts, and distinct wine styles.
Suggested Route (Loop from Motovun):
- Fakin Winery
- Vina Fachin
- Tomaz Winery
- Roxanich Winery
- Novak Wines
- Benvenuti
- Valenta Family Wines
- Vina Bertoša
This route covers roughly 20 km total, with under 45 minutes of drive time. A full day allows time for tastings, a lunch stop, and some vineyard views along the way.
Tip: Many Istrian wineries require advance bookings for tastings, especially in shoulder and off-seasons. Be sure to contact them ahead of time.
Best Places To Stay In Motovun
Hotels in Motovun
For easy access to wineries, restaurants, and sunset views, we recommend staying in Motovun’s Old Town. The cobbled streets and historic stone houses offer a peaceful base for exploring Istria’s wine region.
Hotel Kastel is a three-star boutique hotel located at the top of the Old Town. It offers an indoor pool and spa, making it an ideal place to stay for those who want to relax and rejuvenate. In addition to Hotel Kastel, the town has a number of guesthouses and apartments—many with balconies overlooking the valley. These are ideal if you plan to enjoy a bottle of local wine while watching the sunset.
Use the map below to filter accommodations by dates, amenities, or price.
FAQs About Motovun Wine
What types of wine is Istria known for?
Istria is best known for two native varieties:
- Malvazija Istarska – A crisp, dry white with citrus and herbal notes.
- Teran – A bold red with bright acidity and flavors of wild berries and spice.
Both pair well with the region’s truffle-based dishes.
Can I visit wineries in Motovun?
Yes. Many wineries near Motovun welcome visitors for tastings and short tours. Most are family-run and appreciate advance notice, especially during weekends and harvest season.
What’s the best way to explore the wine region?
A self-guided tour by car is the most flexible option. Alternatively, some private guides offer small-group tours from nearby towns like Rovinj, Poreč, or Pula.
Motovun is more than just a scenic hilltop town—it’s one of the best places in Istria to explore local wine. Whether you’re tasting Teran with truffle pasta, sipping Malvazija on a terrace, or following vineyard roads to family-run wineries, wine is part of everyday life here. Bring a bottle home—or better yet, stay long enough to enjoy a few.
Planning a trip? Don’t miss our full Motovun Travel Guide for more tips on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see.