Cuj: extra virgin olive oils and tasting in Farnažine

Cuj is a family estate with its own olive mill and wine cellar in Farnažine, near Umag. Its range includes the single-varietal Črna, Buža and Bjelica oils and the Selekcija blend. Visits are arranged in advance.

Buža, Črna, Bjelica and Selekcija

The estate’s 800 olive trees grow in terra rossa soil at around 100 metres above sea level. It cultivates Frantoio, Istrian Bjelica, Karbonaca, Buža, Crnica and Casaliva. Buža has balanced bitterness and pungency; both are more pronounced in Bjelica, while Črna shows notes of green fruit, grass and almond. Črna, Buža and Bjelica are offered as single-varietal oils, while Selekcija is a blend.

Cuj’s own olive mill and 96 points in Flos Olei

The Kraljević family has developed the present estate since the 1990s and completed a new wine cellar and its own olive mill in 2006. The estate is certified for organic production and the Istra protected designation of origin. Cuj scored 93 points in the 2022 edition of Flos Olei, 94 points in 2024 and 96 points in 2025. At Zagreb’s ninth Olive Festival in 2024, it was named the best olive mill.

Which tasting programme includes olive oil?

Olive oil is not included in every tasting programme. Full Experience comprises a guided cellar tour, five wines and two extra virgin olive oils. It lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, is offered for a minimum of two guests and is not a private tasting. The programme is available in Croatian, English, Italian and Russian, and parking is provided. Tastings take place Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm; there are no tastings on Sundays. Before travelling to Farnažine, confirm the time by email and ask which oils will be available to taste and buy.

Distance from Bale: 47 minutes driving (60.9 km)

Olive oil score in the Flos Olei guide: 2022 93, 2024 94, 2025 96

Working time on Sundays: closed

Working time on Saturdays: from 10:00, to 19:00

Working hours from Monday to Friday: from 10:00, to 19:00

Address: Farnažine 6A, 52470 Sveta Marija na Krasu, Umag, Istria, Croatia

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