Day trip from Poreč or Rovinj into the Motovun forest for truffle hunting with trained dog and Zigante family guide. Afternoon wine tasting at Kozlović or Clai winery with Malvazija and Teran wines paired with truffle-topped bruschetta, Istrian boškarin beef, and local cheeses.
The Istrian Truffle and Wine Experience is a six-hour day trip from the Istrian coast — typically departing from Poreč or Rovinj — into the oak and hornbeam forests surrounding the hilltop medieval town of Motovun, one of the most productive truffle-hunting territories in Europe. Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula in northwestern Croatia, produces both white (Tuber magnatum pico) and black (Tuber aestivum) truffles, with the white Istrian truffle rivalling the celebrated white truffle of Alba in quality and market price.
The truffle-hunting segment is conducted in the Motovun forest along the Mirna river valley with a trained hunting dog and an experienced guide. The Zigante family name is closely tied to this territory: Giancarlo Zigante found the world-record white truffle here in 1999, a specimen certified by the Guinness Book of Records. Participants follow the dog through the forest floor as it alerts to buried truffles by scent, typically uncovering specimens at depths of five to thirty centimetres. The guide explains seasonal differences between black summer truffles and the rarer white autumn truffle, as well as the strict regulations governing sustainable harvesting in Istria.
After the forest excursion, the tour moves to the wine country of western Istria for tastings at two of the region's most respected producers. Kozlović winery in Momjan and Clai winery near Buje both produce Malvazija Istarska, the indigenous white grape variety with floral and herbal character, alongside Teran, the robust indigenous red grown on iron-rich terra rossa soil. The truffle-and-wine pairing includes truffle-topped bruschetta made with local extra-virgin olive oil, boškarin beef carpaccio (boškarin being the indigenous Istrian grey ox), and a selection of local cheeses. The experience ends with a tasting of preserved truffle products at a farm shop.
Group sizes are small to allow manageable movement through the forest. The tour is conducted in English; private tours in Italian or German can be arranged. Autumn (September to December) is the peak season for white truffles, though the experience is available year-round with black truffle in summer.
What is included
- Truffle hunting, 3-stop wine tasting, truffle product sampling, transport from Istrian coast
Good to know
- Operator
- Zigante Tartufi
Highlights
- Hunt for Istrian white and black truffles in Motovun forest with a trained dog and expert guide
- Walk the Mirna valley forest where a world-record white truffle was found in 1999
- Wine tasting at two top Istrian producers featuring Malvazija Istarska and indigenous Teran red
- Truffle-topped bruschetta and boškarin beef carpaccio paired with single-estate wines
- End with a tasting and shopping session at an Istrian truffle farm shop
Tips for visiting
- Book the autumn departure (September to December) for peak white truffle season and the most pronounced aromas
- Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes — the Motovun forest floor is root-crossed and muddy after rain
- The forest segment lasts roughly 1.5 hours on uneven terrain; mobility concerns should be discussed with the operator before booking
- Bring cash for the farm shop; preserved truffle products make popular gifts and card payments are not always accepted
- Avoid feeding the truffle dog — the animal's training depends on food motivation and interference disrupts the hunt
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between white and black Istrian truffles?
White truffles (Tuber magnatum pico) are harvested in autumn, have a more pungent aroma, and command significantly higher prices. Black truffles (Tuber aestivum) are available summer to winter and have a milder, earthier flavour. Both grow in the Motovun forest area.
Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, but the truffle variety differs by season. White truffle hunting is available September to January; black truffle is found summer through early winter. The winery visits and tastings run year-round regardless of season.
What is boškarin beef?
Boškarin is the indigenous Istrian grey ox, a breed historically used as a working animal and now revived as a slow-food cattle breed. The meat is lean, richly flavoured, and featured on most Istrian restaurant menus as a regional speciality.
Is the Motovun forest terrain difficult to walk?
The forest floor is generally walkable but includes tree roots, soft soil, and slopes. Participants with limited mobility should discuss options with the operator before booking, as the truffle hunt involves roughly 1.5 hours of uneven-terrain walking.