{"title":"Istria: Olive Oils","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"istria-an-olive-oil-mixology-experience-with-cocktails","title":"Istria: An Olive Oil Mixology Experience with Cocktails","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmong the olive groves of southern Istria, we discover olive oil from an unexpected perspective. What begins with a walk among the trees and an introduction to the mill evolves into a playful mixology session, where local spirits and extra virgin olive oil become the ingredients for cocktails of our own making. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Grove to Glass\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe begin among the olive trees overlooking the Brijuni Islands, learning how olive cultivation has shaped this part of Istria for centuries. A visit to the mill follows, introducing us to the contemporary process that transforms freshly harvested olives into extra virgin olive oil. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiscovering Olive Oil Differently\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the dedicated tasting room, we are guided through the aromas, flavours and characteristics of premium extra virgin olive oil. It is a sensory introduction designed to help us understand what distinguishes different oils before taking those flavours somewhere rather less traditional. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMixing Our Own Olive Oil Cocktails\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final part is where the experience becomes particularly distinctive. Using spirits from local Istrian distilleries alongside extra virgin olive oil, we learn to create three different cocktails ourselves. Small bites accompany the drinks, turning the tasting into a relaxed mixology experience rooted in the flavours of the region. Each guest also leaves with a branded cocktail shaker. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Awaits\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalk through the Istrian olive groves\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction to olive cultivation and production\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit to the working olive mill\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpert-guided extra virgin olive oil tasting\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHands-on cocktail-making experience\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree olive-oil-infused cocktails\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirits from local distilleries\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall bites alongside the cocktails\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCocktail shaker to take home\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeyond the Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those drawn further into Istrian gastronomy, other experiences at the estate explore olive oil alongside local wines, traditional bites and contemporary tapas. The experience itself is reserved for adults aged eighteen and over. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Invitation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlive oil may be one of Istria’s oldest traditions, but here we experience it in an entirely new way. We wander through the groves, learn to taste the oil properly, then step behind the bar to shake, mix and experiment with local spirits. It is playful, social and unexpected—a contemporary celebration of an ingredient deeply rooted in the Istrian landscape.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Slow Diary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55496457224534,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep26_2026_03_05_18AM.png?v=1790363228"},{"product_id":"istria-a-farm-to-table-olive-oil-experience-with-wine","title":"Istria: A Farm-to-Table Olive Oil Experience with Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the rolling countryside, we spend a few slow hours discovering Istria through its orchards, vineyards and olive groves. Beginning with a walk through the family estate and ending beneath the shade of an old tree, this experience brings together olive oil, local wine and a generous table of traditional flavours. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWandering Through the Estate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe begin at a historic countryside house dating from the late nineteenth century before walking through the surrounding land. The route takes us through an orchard planted with dozens of fruit varieties, followed by vineyards and olive groves overlooking hilltop villages and terraced Istrian countryside. Along the way, we hear about the family's history and approach to sustainable cultivation. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearning the Language of Olive Oil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the groves, we continue into the cellar to discover how extra virgin olive oil has evolved from ancient production methods to the techniques used today. A certified olive oil sommelier then guides us through a professional tasting, teaching us to recognise the aromas, flavours and characteristics of quality extra virgin olive oil. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Table Beneath the Trees\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe experience ends outdoors beneath the shade of a large tree. Here, we settle around a farm-to-table spread of Istrian flavours: local cured meats, cheeses and fresh ricotta alongside olives, seasonal produce from the garden, homemade bread, fruit preserves, anchovies and olive oil. Two local wines accompany the tasting, followed by an artisan dessert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Awaits\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuided walk through orchard, vineyard and olive grove\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFamily stories and Istrian history\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit to the olive oil cellar\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessional extra virgin olive oil tasting\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertified olive oil sommelier\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIstrian farm-to-table charcuterie spread\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo wines alongside the tasting\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHomemade and locally sourced produce\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArtisan dessert\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeyond the Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those wanting something simpler, the estate also offers a shorter experience focused on the landscape and olive oil itself, combining a guided walk through the orchard, vineyard and olive grove with a cellar visit and tasting. The family’s olive-growing tradition extends across five generations, with trees ranging from younger plantings to specimens more than two centuries old. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Invitation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an experience made for lingering. We wander between fruit trees and olive groves, learn to taste olive oil with a little more attention, then gather beneath the trees as wine is poured and Istrian produce arrives at the table. More than a tasting, it is a gentle introduction to the family, landscape and flavours behind this corner of rural Istria.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Slow Diary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55496987246934,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep26_2026_03_37_38AM.png?v=1790365189"},{"product_id":"istria-a-sunset-olive-grove-experience-with-picnic-wine","title":"Istria: A Sunset Olive Grove Experience with Picnic \u0026 Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003eOn the gentle hills above Vodnjan, we spend an evening among centuries-old olive trees overlooking the Brijuni Islands. A slow walk through the grove leads into an expert olive-oil tasting, before the experience settles into its loveliest rhythm: local food, sparkling wine and conversation beneath the trees as the sun disappears over the Adriatic. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Evening Among the Olive Trees\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe begin with a relaxed walk through the family olive grove, discovering how the landscape, local ecology and changing seasons shape the oils produced here. Along the way, we learn about growing, harvesting and production, as well as Istria's olive-growing tradition stretching back more than two thousand years. The walk also passes ancient olive trees and a small thirteenth-century chapel hidden within the grove. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLearning to Taste Olive Oil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs evening approaches, we gather for a guided tasting of extra virgin olive oils. Rather than simply dipping bread into oil, we learn how to recognise freshness, balance and quality, while discovering the different expressions of the family's selection. The experience is owner-led and deliberately conversational, keeping the tasting intimate and personal. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Sunset Picnic Beneath the Trees\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe evening ends slowly beneath the olives. A light picnic brings together cured meats, local cheeses and seasonal fruit and vegetables sourced from the grove and neighbouring farms, with the oils tasted alongside different dishes. Sparkling wine is poured as the sun sets over the Brijuni Islands, and candlelight takes over as the first stars appear. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Awaits\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly-evening walk through an Istrian olive grove\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCenturies-old olive trees\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eViews towards the Brijuni Islands\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit to a thirteenth-century chapel\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStories of Istria's two-thousand-year olive tradition\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuided extra virgin olive oil tasting\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight picnic of local Istrian produce\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSparkling wine\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunset among the olive trees\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeyond the Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sunset experience runs from June through September. During the cooler months, we offers a separate Grove Tour \u0026amp; Taste experience, with a countryside walk and educational olive-oil tasting accompanied by olives, fresh bread and even ice cream finished with extra virgin olive oil. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Invitation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is something beautifully simple about spending an evening beneath the olive trees. We walk slowly through the grove, learn the stories held within this ancient landscape and discover how to taste its olive oil with greater attention. Then the table is set, the wine is poured and the light begins to soften over the islands—a quiet celebration of Istrian land, food and the pleasure of lingering a little longer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Slow Diary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55498047816022,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep26_2026_04_38_47AM.png?v=1790369102"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/collections\/Istria_-_Category_-_Olive_Oils.png?v=1792156589","url":"https:\/\/www.theslowdiary.com\/collections\/istria-olive-oils.oembed","provider":"The Slow Diary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}