Hotel Spotlight: Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery

Enjoying lunch at Meneghetti

A luxurious Istrian getaway

Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery used to be a fortified 19th-century farmhouse that supplied Austro-Hungarian officers but was brought back to life in 2000 and transformed into a premier five-star resort, estate, and winery. A member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of independent luxury hotels and restaurants, Meneghetti offers guests premium accommodations, world-class wines, fine dining, and spa/wellness programs.

An exterior view of Meneghetti courtesy of Meneghetti

Arrival & accommodations

I checked into a two-floor suite that was both rustic and modern. Downstairs was a living and dining area, while upstairs was my bedroom and bathroom. Housekeeping had left me a welcome note, a half-bottle of Meneghetti Malvazija, and a snack. After getting settled, I went to the seasonal Oliveto Restaurant & Lounge Bar, where I sat outside near the pool. I enjoyed a glass of Meneghetti Zero Dosage Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, which I paired with tuna crudo.

Tuna crudo at Meneghetti

Estate tour

Later that afternoon, the winery manager led my travel companions and I on a guided tour of the estate, including its exclusive private villas and residences, walking trails, pool, and the winery. At the end of the winery tour, we tasted some of Meneghetti’s portfolio, which was accompanied by a charcuterie and cheese board. The lineup included three sparkling wines, three Malvazijas, a white blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, a rosé of Pinot Noir, Merlot, a couple of Bordeaux-style reds, and a dessert wine. We finished with sips of their brandy and Aqua Vitae.

A selection of Meneghetti red wines

Enjoying wine at Meneghetti's restaurant

Dinner at Meneghetti

For dinner, we decided to order a multi-course tasting menu—petite sizes of many dishes, each paired with a Meneghetti wine. We enjoyed their estate olive oil with freshly baked bread, risotto, seafood, meats, vegetables, and dessert—all locally sourced.

Meneghetti sparkling wines and charcuterie board

Beyond Meneghetti: things to do nearby

As a full-service resort, you will never need to leave Meneghetti, but there are some notable Istrian locales you may wish to visit.

• Rovinj: Around 30 minutes away by car, this lovely town is charming, with pastel-colored houses, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant dining scene.

• Pula: Famous for its Roman amphitheater, one of the most well preserved in the world, Pula is a must-visit for history buffs.

• Wine and Olive Oil: Istria has many small family wineries and olive farms where you can taste more local wines and oils.

• Adriatic Sea: During the summer, the resort offers The Meneghetti Beach Club. A complimentary 10-minute shuttle ride takes guests to enjoy the seaside. Two of my other favorite coastal towns are Fažana and Poreč. The Adriatic coast is ideal for sailing, sunbathing, and swimming.

• Motovun and Grožnjan: Perched on hillsides, both of these towns are known for truffles, festivals, and thriving art scenes—perfect for day trips. Motovun is also home to another combination hotel and winery, Roxanich Wine & Design Hotel.

Aerial view of Meneghetti's estate courtesy of Meneghetti

Meneghetti is Istria at its finest

For anyone seeking an authentic and indulgent escape, Meneghetti is for you. From its luxurious accommodations to its premium wine and culinary program, it is not just a place to stay—it's a lifestyle I could get used to quite easily.

Daybeds at Meneghetti's pool

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 (35 minutes), Rijeka (an hour and 40 minutes), or Trieste, Italy (two hours). Zagreb is around 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.