When we first said we were traveling to Croatia, one of Suzette’s colleagues was adamant that we visit the area around Motovun. This hilltop town is located in the central part of Istria, a region of Croatia that is frequently referred to as the new Tuscany. The food definitely inspires comparisons to Italy with olives, wine, brandy, and truffles featured on the menu. We scheduled a day trip from our home base of Rovinj to sample these Istrian specialties.
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We were joined by a couple from California, who happen to live near our cousins in the El Dorado Hills vicinity. Our first stop was an olive and wine estate called Ipša. We learned about how olive oil is produced and sampled several wines paired with tasty charcuterie boards and beautiful scenery. Our guide who explained olive production was excited to hear that we lived near Texas because she “loves cowboys.”
The next stop on the full day tour was Karlič Tartufi, where we had the fascinating opportunity to participate in a truffle hunt and try these local delicacies. We met highly trained truffle hunting dogs, including sisters Candy and Betty. As you’ll see, Becky quickly bonded with Candy as her truffle hunting buddy.
If anyone ever asks us to name our favorite truffle dish, we’ll likely launch into how we had a second serving of scrambled eggs with truffles at Karlič Tartufi - delicious! The brandy we tasted in the shop at the end of the tour capped the celebratory experience.
Motovun, the town that originally inspired this Istrian feast, offered a picturesque view from the vineyards below and a panorama of the countryside from its medieval walls.
The final winery of the day was Rossi: our tour guide, Agnieszka‘s, preferred choice. What a wonderful way to watch the Istrian late afternoon fade into the sunset!
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