Pilato Winery: Malvasia and Grand Cuvée from Lašići

To understand Pilato’s range, begin with fresh and aged Istrian Malvasia, then taste Terose rosé from Teran and Grand Cuvée, a blend of Teran, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Which Pilato wines should you taste?

White wines lead a range of roughly ten labels. Istrian Malvasia is made in both fresh and aged styles, while Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc show the winery’s approach to international grapes. A useful tasting order is to begin with the fresh Malvasia, compare it with the aged version, and only then move on to the fuller red wines.

The reds include Teran, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Grand Cuvée, which combines all three. The range is completed by Principe sparkling wine, Terose rosé made from Teran, White Muscat and Serafin, a dessert wine from dried grapes. Among the more recent distinctions, Falstaff awarded 93 points to the 2018 Grand Cuvée in April 2026. The 2025 Rosé received silver and the 2022 Merlot bronze at the 2026 Vinistra awards. These distinctions apply to the stated vintages, so check which bottles are still available when buying.

From the first vineyard to the fourth generation

Ivan Pilato planted the family’s first vineyard in 1934. His son Končeto expanded the vineyards during the 1960s. In the 1990s, Eliđo Pilato took over, broadened the range and bottled the family’s first wines in 1994. That same year, he won a gold medal at the inaugural Vinistra competition.

The winery is gradually passing to Eliđo’s children Karin, Sanjin and Sanja, the fourth generation. The family now farms about 20 hectares, with white varieties accounting for most of its production. Each generation changed the scale or method of work: vineyards were expanded, bottling began under the family name, and today’s range includes both fresh and aged wines.

How do you arrange a tasting?

Tastings and cellar tours should be booked in advance. Local cheeses and cured meats can accompany the wines in the tasting room. In your enquiry, include your preferred date and time, the number of visitors, the language required and whether you would also like a cellar tour.

The winery is in Lašići near Vižinada, about a 35-minute drive from Bale. As published opening times differ, wait for confirmation before setting out.

Distance from Bale: 36 minutes driving (38.6 km)

Address: Lašići 16, 52447 Vižinada, Istria, Croatia

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