Cattunar Wine Residence is in a wonderful, slightly elevated location just along the road from the tiny village of Nova Vas which has a few charming old stone houses. Brtonigla is a larger village and is 2.5 kilometres and a four-minute drive from the Wine Residence. For guests wanting to go out for dinner or do some shopping, Brtonigla would be the closest place with well-known coastal spots including Novigrad, 12 minutes’ drive and Porec in 30 minutes’ drive. The famous truffle region is close by too with its centre Livade, just 20 minutes away. Tours, tasting and forest truffle hunts can be arranged at reception. There is an excellent riding stables nearby, also bookable via reception.
The position of the Residence has something of a fairy-tale quality, surrounded by gentle hills and rolling valleys of vineyards and olive groves. On a clear day, the Istrian coast, the Slovenian coast and even Venice can be seen from the terrace and garden and from some rooms. This place is all about the views. Truly stunning ones and most guests say that this is the real “wow” factor.
This part of the Istria region is home to some award-winning winemakers and the Cattunar Winery is no exception. A family-run business, the residence came about following comments from visitors to the winery mentioning the stunning location and how wonderful it would be to be able to stay for a night or two.
The owners thought about it – and acted. 2023 will be year six for Cattunar Wine Residence. It is a five-star, luxury property that feels more like one huge villa than a hotel. Many aspects of the interior reflect the region itself, with use of wood, stone and with some spectacular views.
The idea for the residence was all about space, tranquillity, freedom to enjoy Istria at any pace – plus of course, it is a great place for lovers of wine. Interestingly, guests are completely mixed, some stay for a couple of nights while touring this part of Croatia by car. Others stay for longer, even up to eight nights, in search of complete relaxation and use taxis to move around. The borders of neighbouring Slovenia are close by meaning exploring in these countries is easy (traffic heavier in August). To the Slovenian border it’s 30 minutes’ drive, to the historic town of Trieste in Italy it’s 50 minutes’ drive and even to famous Lake Bled in the north of Slovenia, it's just over two hours’ drive.
We must mention Cattunar wines here: many are award winning (including awards from Decanter of London) and grapes are hand-picked. Many of the winemakers have been making wine since their teens. Cattunar also has its own olive groves and produces excellent virgin olive oil. Unique to this area are grapes grown in four different soil types – known as “4 terre” (Italian). The types are black, white red and grey and all contain different minerals. Only the indigenous white Malvasia wine can be made from Malvasia grapes grown in all four soils.
There is a beautiful breakfast restaurant with extensive outside terrace seating by the pool, serving extensive buffet breakfast using local produce and with hot dishes to order. There is a choice of some four or five restaurants in Brtoniglia, around a five-minute drive away where there are also shops, a pharmacy, and post office. The closest seaside spot is Novi Grad with its lovely old town and circular beach with a wider choice of bars, restaurants and shops.
This is a really stylish, spacious property with an “at home” feel. The staff has mostly been there since opening and many returning guests mention the friendly, helpful staff on reviews.
The spacious pool is heated if required (at a charge) and has a wide surrounding terrace with sunbeds, pool towels and shower. Drinks can be ordered at reception to be served at the pool.
A small spa-wellness studio is for the private use of guests and must be booked for a period of one hour. In some months, it can be booked for longer periods, subject to occupancy at the residence. There is a whirlpool, sauna, relaxation beds, swing seats and massage treatments can be booked in advance at reception with a visiting therapist. It also has a well equipped gym.
Two electric charging points, including for Tesla vehicles and also one charging point for motorbikes.
The property is perfect for adults, couples or groups of friends. There are no facilities for children.
Cattunar Wine Residence can be booked in its entirely for exclusive use, sleeping a maximum of 26 guests, for a minimum of three nights and this needs to be booked well in advance. Special events and parties can be organised using outside catering services and musicians. Please ask for details.
Accommodation
- There are 11 spacious rooms and suites (two types, junior suite and the more spacious deluxe suite)
- All accommodation is named after wines produced by the Cattunar family winery
- All have balcony or terrace, in some cases huge ones
- Each room or suite is different with use of light Mediterranean colours (with the exception of Deluxe Suite Kappi which uses shades of red), striking accessories and high-quality fabrics
Amenities/Features
- Beautiful outside spaces and seating areas at the pool terrace or on lawns for reading, sunbathing or perhaps sipping wine
- Outdoor pool with sunbeds and pool towels
- Drinks service to pool terrace
- Breakfast restaurant serving extensive buffet breakfast
- Free WiFi throughout
- No lift, two floors
- Spa-wellness studio offering sauna, whirlpool, relaxation area and pre-bookable massage treatments
- Electric car and motorbike charging points
- Discounts on wine tasting experiences
- Car park (no charge)
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast