Damjanić Winery in Fuškulin

Closed. Opens on monday 11:00.

Damjanić Winery in Fuškulin produces Istrian Malvasia in several styles, as well as the varietal wines Borgonja and Duranija. Visits are arranged in advance, with a choice between a guided tasting and a tasting without a cellar tour.

Five styles of Istrian Malvasia

Five wines made from 100 per cent Istrian Malvasia show how the choice of vessel, the length of maceration and the drying of the grapes produce distinct styles from the same variety. The dry Malvazija Istarska matures on fine lees in stainless steel. After fermentation in stainless steel, Malvazija Akacija ages for eight to twelve months in acacia barrels, while Justina ages for one year in oak barriques. Fenice is an unfiltered amber wine that undergoes six months of maceration followed by one year in oak. The dessert wine Sincerus is made from dried grapes and ages for one year in small oak barrels.

Virtù Brut has a different composition: it is a sparkling blend of 60 per cent Istrian Malvasia, 30 per cent Chardonnay and 10 per cent Pinot Blanc, made using the Charmat method.

At the 2026 competitions, three wines won gold medals. Justina 2023 scored 90 points at the World of Malvasia. Clemente Blanc 2023 scored 91 points and Clemente 2020 scored 93 at the Vinistra Wine and Spirits Awards.

Borgonja from Frankovka and the renewed cultivation of Duranija

The Borgonja label is made from Frankovka, the grape known internationally as Blaufränkisch and locally in Istria as borgonja. Duro Istriano combines 50 per cent Frankovka and 50 per cent Teran. The family brought Duranija, a nearly forgotten Istrian grape variety, back into cultivation and makes a dry white wine from it that matures on fine lees in stainless steel.

Giorgio Jurković, Ivan Damjanić's great-grandfather, made wine in the early 20th century for a market extending from Fuškulin to Trieste. His blend of borgonja and Teran won the Grand Prix in Paris in 1928. Ivan Damjanić formally registered the family farm in 2004; the family now cultivates 13.5 hectares of vineyards, and the new winery opened in 2023.

Guided tasting or tasting without a cellar tour

The Classic programme includes a cellar tour and a tasting of four wines with Istrian cured meats, cheeses and olive oil, and lasts two hours. Premium also includes a cellar tour and small bites; six wines are tasted and the programme lasts two and a half hours. Wine & Relax does not include a guided cellar tour; wine by the glass or bottle, cured meats and cheeses are ordered separately.

Visits and tastings must be arranged in advance. The tasting room accommodates up to 48 guests; parking includes a free charging point for electric vehicles. Pets are allowed in the tasting areas but not in the production area of the cellar.

Distance from Bale: 28 minutes driving (24.2 km)

Address: Fuškulin 99, 52440 Poreč, Istria, Croatia

Start navigation