Although better known as a holiday destination than wine producer, Croatia’s wines are well worth exploring. Istria is the most northerly, and arguably one of the top regions of Coastal Croatia, famous for its very own clone of Malvasia, known as Malvazija Istarska. Close to the border of Italy, Istria experiences a Mediterranean climate – with long, hot, dry summers and mild, short, wet winters – that’s ideal for grape growing.

Founded in 1998 by Nives Visintin, Veralda’s first vintage was produced in 2002. Owned by the Visintin family of Verteneglio, Veralda is one of the largest wineries in Istria, with 33 ha of vineyards, as well as 5 ha of olive orchards. The focus in Istria is on fruity, dry white wines from a wide range of grape varieties, but most notably Malvazija.

The Veralda vineyards are planted on the sunny hills of Buje, 200m above sea level and 7km from the ocean. With a keen focus on looking after the environment, they are now in their second year of conversion to becoming a certified biodynamic producer.

Veralda is the first Croatian winery to win Platinum Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2016 with their Refosco in the red single varietal over £15.