Istria Wine Run — a 3-day weekend in Istria

The weekend, day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Various (Istria)

   Land at Pula Airport (PUY), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.

2. Day 2

   Istria Wine Run

   Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Insider tip: The walk option passes smaller family producers making exceptional natural Malvazija—seek out Kabola and Velenosi at the stations; their orange wines aren't widely exported. Book a private cellar visit to a Teran producer in Raša beforehand to understand this local red's mineral, tannic character that's impossible to appreciate in passing.

3. Day 3

   Wine country day in Istria

   Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.

Where to stay

Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.

• Hotels in Various (Istria)

  Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.

• 4–5 star options near Various (Istria)

  Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.

• Apartments in Various (Istria)

  Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.

Booking.com links — we may earn a commission. We never recommend hotels we wouldn't use ourselves.

One winery worth a detour

Where to eat

Practical

Nearest airport

Pula Airport (PUY)

Mid-range daily budget

~€110/day for two

Festival site

Visit official site