Wine picnic

A Relaxing Wine Picnic in Istria: An Authentic Taste of Croatia’s Countryside

Our review explores a charming wine picnic experience in the picturesque region of Istria, Croatia. While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, the detailed descriptions and traveler reviews paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. It’s designed for anyone craving a break from busy city life, seeking a tranquil outdoor activity that combines good wine, tasty local delicacies, and stunning scenery.

What draws us to this experience are two main features: the carefully curated picnic basket filled with local cheeses, meats, and vegetables, and the breathtaking views from the private picnic spot under an old oak tree. A potential consideration is the weather—since it’s an outdoor experience, rain or extreme heat could interfere with your plans. That said, it’s perfect for those who want a laid-back, authentic taste of Istria’s rural charm—ideal for couples, families, or small groups of friends.

Key Points

• Beautiful setting: Enjoy a scenic picnic spot with panoramic views of Istrian countryside.
• All-inclusive: No need to bring anything—your basket comes ready with local cheeses, meats, bread, and wine.
• Private experience: The picnic hill hosts just your group, making it intimate and relaxing.
• Authentic local flavors: Savor locally sourced produce, olives, and vegetables alongside quality Pervino wines.
• Flexible and family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with options for children and service animals.
• Great value: For roughly $60, the experience offers a well-rounded, authentic outdoor tasting in a stunning location.

The Details: What’s Included and How It Works

This wine picnic experience is hosted by Vino P&P – Pervino in their scenic property in Novigrad. It’s a straightforward, worry-free outing—you simply reserve your spot and everything else is taken care of. The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity, especially if you’re looking to relax without a long commitment.

You’ll meet at Sv. Servul 7c in Novigrad, which is easy to reach. The experience operates from March 24 to October 31 each year, with outdoor conditions generally favorable for most of the season, and the opportunity to cancel or reschedule if the weather turns poor.

What to Expect During the Picnic

The private picnic spot is situated beneath a large, shady tree—perfect for escaping the sun while enjoying nature. The view is often praised as fantastic, with the reviews mentioning “overwhelmingly beautiful vistas” and “breathtaking scenery.” The picnic basket is designed for 2-8 adults, so it’s suited for couples or small groups.

Inside your basket, you’ll find locally sourced charcuterie, cheeses, and bread or crackers—all chosen to complement the wine you select. Accompanying these are olives and vegetables from the host’s garden, adding freshness and an authentic touch. The Pervino wines are available for you to choose, and many find the wines to be of excellent quality, as one reviewer noted: “The wines are excellent.”

The Atmosphere and Experience

Travelers consistently highlight the peaceful atmosphere, with reviews emphasizing the “nicer shaded place under an old oak tree” and “great service.” It’s a laid-back experience, focused on enjoying good food and wine, soaking in the scenery, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Some reviews mention children being accommodated on-site, which makes this a family-friendly outing, especially since most travelers can participate. Service animals are also allowed, adding to the accessibility.

The Value of the Experience

Priced at $59.67 per person, this experience offers a lot of value. For that price, you get not only the delicious local produce and quality wines but also the chance to unwind in a scenic, tranquil setting—a real bargain compared to more structured winery tours. Many reviews describe the service as “excellent” and the setting as “really great,” reinforcing the idea that this is a memorable, authentic outing.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This wine picnic is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic outdoor experience—perfect for those who enjoy good food, wine, and nature. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a romantic getaway, families seeking a gentle outdoor activity, or small groups of friends looking for a peaceful retreat. Because it’s private and limited in size, it offers a more personalized and intimate experience than larger tours.

If you’re after stunning views, local flavors, and a quiet spot to unwind, this picnic really hits the mark. Just remember to bring sunscreen and a hat—shade is plentiful, but sun protection is always wise.

A Deep Dive: Why Consider This Wine Picnic

The appeal of this experience is its combination of simplicity and authenticity. Unlike elaborate wine tastings that might require traveling between vineyards, this picnic keeps everything at one scenic location. You get to sample a selection of Pervino wines with locally sourced delicacies, which adds a level of freshness and genuineness you might not find in commercial tour settings.

The scenery is an unmissable highlight—reviews consistently mention the fantastic views and tranquil setting as key reasons to choose this experience. It’s perfect for capturing photos, enjoying peaceful conversations, or just sitting back and soaking in the beauty of Istria.

The all-inclusive nature simplifies planning—no need to worry about bringing food or drinks, as everything is thoughtfully prepared and waiting for you. This ease of access means you can truly relax and focus on enjoying the moment.

The Practicalities

Booking in advance is recommended, with an average of 96 days in advance—this suggests the experience is popular among those looking for a unique outdoor activity. The tour operates within specific hours (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) which aligns well with a leisurely midday outing.

Since the experience is private for your group, it offers a personalized touch—no crowded tasting rooms or busy winery visits. The two-hour duration provides ample time to savor the food and wine, take photos, and simply enjoy the surroundings.

The Reviews Say It All

One traveler called it “really great vine cellar,” praising both the service and the variety of vine and olive oil options. Others appreciated the shade and comfortable setting, with one describing the location as “a very special place,” and complimenting the attentive care they received. The presence of excellent wines and a stunning view seems to be the consensus about what makes this experience special.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This?

This wine picnic in Istria offers a unique blend of scenery, local flavors, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want a simple, authentic outdoor experience without the fuss of a traditional winery tour. Travelers interested in sampling authentic Croatian cheeses, meats, and wines while enjoying quiet, scenic surroundings will find this experience speaks directly to their desires.

It’s especially suited for couples seeking romance, small groups wanting a peaceful day outdoors, or families looking for a casual, enjoyable outing. If you’re after a low-key, genuine taste of Istria’s countryside, this wine picnic could be a highlight of your trip.

Keep in mind the weather—since it’s outdoors, good weather makes all the difference. But with the flexibility of free cancellation if the weather turns unfavorable, it’s a risk worth considering.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children? Yes, children can be booked on-site, making it a family-friendly outing.
Are service animals allowed? Yes, service animals are permitted.
How long does the picnic last? Approximately two hours.
What is included in the picnic basket? Locally sourced cheeses, meats, bread or crackers, olives, vegetables from the garden, and a selection of Pervino wines.
Do I need to bring anything? No, everything is provided; just wear sunscreen and bring a hat for sun protection.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What’s the price per person? About $59.67, which includes food, wine, and the scenic setting.
Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions? The provided info doesn’t specify, but since it’s a curated experience, you might want to contact the provider in advance.
What season does this tour operate? From late March to late October, when outdoor conditions are most favorable.
How many people can join? The picnic spot accommodates 2-8 adults, making it ideal for small groups or couples.

In all, this wine picnic offers a delightful way to enjoy Istria’s rural charms—with good wine, local food, and stunning views all woven into a relaxing outdoor setting. It’s a genuine experience that captures the peaceful spirit of Croatia’s countryside.