Mate: olive oils and tasting room in Zambratija

Mate Vekić began developing a large olive grove in Zambratija at the age of 75. Today, his daughter Aleksandra runs the estate. Its 69 hectares hold 27,500 trees and an on-site olive mill.

The estate is now presented under the Mate name and operated by ORNA d.o.o. The olives are grown in red soil at about 50 metres above sea level. Production is organic and carries the Istria Protected Designation of Origin; the olives are milled on the day they are picked.

Single-variety oils, blends and limited editions

Three single-variety oils offer a direct comparison of important Istrian and Mediterranean cultivars: Bianca Bellezza is made from Istarska bjelica, Viola Tonda from Buža and Timbro Istriano from Frantoio. Trasparenza Marina combines Leccino and Pendolino, while Blend brings together Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Istarska bjelica and Buža. Novum and Centum are made in limited quantities.

Three consecutive years in the Flos Olei Hall of Fame

The estate received the maximum 100 points and Hall of Fame status in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions of Flos Olei. In the EVOOLEUM 2025 guide, Timbro Istriano scored 95 points and was named Best Mature Fruity, Best from Croatia and Best Frantoio.

Tasting and buying in Zambratija

The tasting room accommodates up to 30 people and offers a chance to compare single-variety oils, blends and limited editions. Free parking is available. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to noon. Tastings and group visits must be arranged in advance.

Distance from Bale: 1 hour driving

Olive oil score in the Flos Olei guide: 2020 98, 2019 97, 2022 99, 2021 98, 2023 99, 2024 100, 2025 100, 2026 100

Working time on Saturdays: from 09:00, to 12:00

Working hours from Monday to Friday: from 09:00, to 15:00

Address: Romanija 60/A, Zambratija, 52475 Savudrija

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