Nothing says ''getaway'' like sipping a glass of wine and relaxing in the sun's warmth while enjoying the beautiful scenery of vineyards—an idyll. If you have pictured yourself in this scenario too many times, then it's time to make a trip to the Istria peninsula and a small family-run winery, Stancija Collis. A place where the sea touches the sky and gentle hillside slopes nourish the vineyards, Stancija Collis creates wine pearls unlike anywhere else in the world.
On the Steep Slopes of Collis hill in Istria sits Family-Run Winery
They don't say without reason that the best and most exciting wines are made in small, family-run wineries. Indeed, Stancija Collis wines are a true masterpiece, but this small winery offers so much more than that. From the moment you step foot on Collis hill, you will be welcomed by the breathtaking view of the picturesque city of Rovinj and its island, and if you turn around a bit, you will see the Brijuni islands –a place where dinosaurs' footprints were found.
Stancija Collis is the result of hard work, love, and passion for wines. The story begins in 1988, with the father, Mirko, who, enchanted by the beauty of the hills, the peace, and the warmth of the sun, decides to build his family home and plant olive groves. Twenty years later, his son Juraj, took over the business and started producing wines. He turned the garage into a winery, replaced the traditional equipment with professional, and transformed the small family-owned cellar into a barrique cellar. Juraj and his family worked hard from the second the first vine was planted to the development of a product to the true wine masterpiece. The family pours their heart and soul into harvesting the grape at the right time, tending to the vines all year round, making sure that the barrel-aging is done to perfection, and will often even serve you their wine.
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Enjoy the View While Sipping Good Wine and Eating Local Delicacies
We love small, family-owned wineries because they tend to have so much passion and love for the winemaking process. But not only that! You get a sense of the place, its people, and its traditions. After a beautiful walk through the vineyards and olive groves, relaxing with an incredible view and enjoying a Collins wine in the deep shade of the old oaks is best. Then, you will be greeted at the table with a plate of local delicacies, such as cheeses and Istrian sausages. A perfect combination, if you ask us!
In addition to the Collis winery and olive trees, special attention is paid to the animals. Autochthonous Istrian boškarin, cows, calves, and Istrian cattle found their home there. The animals are cuddly, and with their sweet looks, they will quickly coax treats from your hands. But who could resist them, right?
Stancija Collis Wines
Collis winery offers 5 different wines, Malvažija(their special version of malvazija), Rose, Vita, Monteran, and Trinitas. If you prefer refreshing wines, Malvažija is perfect for you. Full of rich natural aromas from apples, apricots, elderberries, almonds, citrus, and minerals, this wine pairs well with seafood and is ideal in the summer months. We could say the same about Rose! This beautiful light, fresh fruit wine is a perfect choice if you can't decide between white and red wine. A mix of of strawberry, currant, and cherry scents with a final note of rose petals. Sounds great, doesn't it? An exceptional wine is Vita, which is made in small quantities. The wines that particularly delighted us were Monteran and Trinitas. With fragrant notes of forest fruits, cherries, ripe plums, and blackberries and with floral notes of geranium and violet, Monteran has a particularly light note but also has a rich, fruity taste. The aromas of forest fruits and ripe cherries are also predominant in Trinitas wines. But also a hint of dark chocolate.
This wonderful family-run winery is a perfect destination for all those who love peace, nature, great food, and even better wine.
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