Cheese tasting in Istria

Cheese making in Istria is a proud tradition, closely connected with the culture and history of the region. The region of Istria in Croatia is known for its green hills grazed by sheep, goats and cows. Local cheesemakers use traditional methods and ingredients to produce Istrian cheese in order to preserve its unique taste and texture.

Cheese making in Istria is an important part of Istrian culture and continues to be practiced by many local cheese makers to ensure that these traditions are preserved for generations to come.

In this overview we would like to introduce you to five cheese dairies that are particularly well known in the region.

Latus dairy, a family business of several generations, is located near Žminj and puts great emphasis on the fact that the cheese reflects the authentic taste of Istrian tradition.

We recommend you to try all types of cheese in the Milk & Cheese Bar. There you can also enjoy fresh milk, sour and fruit yogurts.

The dairy can be reached in about 30 minutes.

Address: Mljekara Latus d.o.o., Gornji Orbanići 12/D, Žminj
Mail: info@mljekaralatus.hr
Telephone: +385 52 846 215
Tasting sessions are not always scheduled, so you should call or email in advance!

The restaurant is located in Loborika close to the cheese dairy. In order to bring customers and cheese lovers closer to their products, they are used in the preparation of traditional dishes of Istrian cuisine. Especially the pizza is well known, which can be refined with a few drops of (own produced) olive oil. The use of high quality ingredients is an important part of the recipe and makes the restaurant unique. All cheeses can be tasted in the restaurant and purchased in the store next door.

It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Villa Verde Višnjan.

• Address Loborika 31, 52206 Marčana
• Opening hours: Mo – Do 09:00-19:00 Uhr, Fr – So 09:00h-20:00 Uhr, Di geschlossen
• Telephone: +385 52 550 468
• Mail: info@vesna.hr

The Goat Farm represents the philosophy based on non-invasive practices and a lifestyle in harmony with nature. It follows the Slow Food principles to ensure clean, good and honest food and its production. Accordingly, the cheese reflects the best qualities of the land and is produced organically, seasonally, locally and sustainably. Therefore, the taste of the cheese also changes throughout the year, much like the landscape.

At the farm itself you can take a guided tour of the goat farm, enjoy a cheese tasting with or without a hot meal, walk with goats in the pasture or have a party at the goat farm.

Journey about 1 hour from Villa Verde Višnjan.

Address: Cokuni 25, 52208 Krnica
Booking: https://www.kumparicka.com/en/home
Telephone: +385 99 797 1884
Mail: info@kumparicka.com

Known for the sheep cheese is the family inn Stancija Špin, which primarily uses local food and accordingly brings excellent quality. Especially for families with children this place is a paradise! There are romantic tables under olive trees and right next door a playground to keep the kids busy. The food is regional, homemade and traditional and the most important: simply delicious. Cheese to be tasted in the restaurant or in a tasting reserved in advance.

Driving distance is about 20 minutes from Villa Verde Višnjan.

Address: Stancija Špin 4, 52465 Tar
Opening hours: Mo, Mi-So 17:00 – 23:00 Uhr, Di geschlossen
Telephone: +385 914 221 050
Mail: stancijaspin@gmail.com
Reservation required in advance

We hope that the post gave you a good insight and that you were as excited as we were. Feel free to leave a comment and let us know how you liked it.