Hotel Spotlight: Roxanich Wine & Design Hotel in Historic Motovun

Architecture & accommodations

The award-winning Roxanich Wine & Design Hotel is perched atop a hillside just below Motovun. A century-old wine cellar (dating to 1902) turned into a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel and state-of-the-art winery, Roxanich retains the building’s history and heritage, while providing a modern, luxurious escape. In every detail, it embodies the vision of owner and winemaker Mladen Rožanić—to recognize and celebrate tradition and innovation, in a beautiful space where design and wine become one.

Patio view from Roxanich

As I walked around the property, I was immediately taken aback by the amazing views from the hotel’s restaurant patio and pool, especially the sunsets. During my stays, I enjoyed two of the hotel’s 32 unique rooms and suites. None are alike—each features custom décor and furnishing. All have amenities like toiletries, coffee and tea, cups, water and wine glasses, a wine opener, and a minibar/refrigerator. WiFi is complimentary.

Roxanich Winery & wines

During both of my visits, I had the opportunity to participate in a private tour and tasting at the winery, which is located under the hotel. Its multiple levels—dedicated to producing, macerating, aging, and cellaring the wines—are built into the hillside, quite an architectural marvel.

During the tour, you will visit each level and learn about the winemaking process, then conclude with a tasting of a variety of Roxanich’s 20+ wines: white, rosé, orange/amber, and red. Roxanich is known for what are called natural wines: organically farmed, long macerated, minimal winemaker intervention, and often long-aged.

Roxanich wine tasting

The wines are divided into three collections: First Roses, Sorelle, and Philosophy. The First Roses wines are made in stainless steel and are the youngest vintage wines. The Sorelle line—sorelle means sisters in Italian, named in honor of Mladen’s six daughters—includes Roxanich’s long-macerated amber/orange whites and reds. The Philosophy collection offers premium aged reds like Borgonja, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Teran, as well as sparkling and fortified wines.

Dining at Roxanich

Dining at Roxanich’s Forchetta 1902 restaurant was another highlight of my two stays. All meals are made from organic, locally farmed and made ingredients—and you can choose to dine outside on the patio or inside, depending on the weather and your preference. Breakfast is a buffet with a plentiful spread of foods, from savory to sweet. You will not lack for anything.

Breakfast at Roxanich

My two wine tastings were accompanied by delicious charcuterie and cheese boards. During my most recent trip, I enjoyed a departure lunch on the patio—I chose a light fish dish, which was perfect for my appetite. I also spent some time in the casual, comfortable lobby bar, where I enjoyed coffee during the day and wine in the evening. Small bites are also available in the bar.

Visit to Fakin Winery near Motovun

Things to do nearby

Beyond the hotel, the Motovun area is known for its tasty and historic delights. During my first visit, I enjoyed a wine tasting at nearby Fakin Winery, where I tasted indigenous varieties such as Malvazija, Teran, and Muškat Žuti. After a restful break at the hotel, my companions and I had dinner at the winery’s restaurant, Konoba Fakin. Truffles—also local to the area—were in season, adorning many of our dishes. We also had time to wander through Motovun’s medieval streets, explore its city walls, and take in panoramic views of the valley.

A street in Motovun

Truffle dish at Konoba Fakin

A lifestyle destination

Staying at Roxanich Wine & Design Hotel was more than a place to rest and sleep—it was a sensory journey into Istria’s wine, food, culture, and history. Both times I departed feeling deeply connected to this beautiful hotel and the surrounding region. Whether you come for a weekend or a week or more, a wine-themed vacation, or a foodie experience, Roxanich and Motovun are sure to please.

Sunset from the patio at Roxanich

• Traveling to Istria: You can travel to Istria by car and bus (Arriva Croatia and FlixBus) from major cities in Croatia. The closest airports are Pula (about an hour away), Rijeka, Croatia, or Trieste, Italy (each approximately an hour and a half away). Zagreb is about three and a half hours away.

• Currency: Euro—bring some cash for tips and other incidentals—some places in Croatia still do not take credit cards.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Croatia page.