I have been asked many times to write a blog but declined, why would people be interested in what I have to say!

Today is the Day!

I will try not to bore you with too many facts and figures – however, I do hope to entertain you with my wine journey. But first things first…..
I became aware of Croatia as a holiday destination in 2004 – I had heard many stories from friends about the wonderful scenery,  the clean sparkling sea, its amazing small villages, the glorious weather, Dubrovnik – the Pearl of the Adriatic, and not forgetting the amazing Croatian people themselves.
The first visit was to Dubrovnik with a Croatian friend, Danijela Kopcic, who invited me to join her in a business venture to establish an Irish property business selling property to Irish & English clients.
Short version: we traveled across the country meeting local property agents, lawyers,  etc.  However, once we arrived in Istria I fell in love! A magnificent region, it is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, bordered by Slovenia which, in turn, borders with Italy. We visited many famous seaside towns too: Rovinj, Pula, Novigrad, and Motovun, a magnificent hilltop village, also Grosnjan, an artist’s paradise.

A journey that should have taken 2 weeks took a month and I still didn't want to leave.

But leave I did.

But not for long!

On returning to Dublin we got down to business.

My responsibilities included the formation of a company, securing the services of accountant/lawyer, locating a small office in Dublin 15, while Danijela did likewise in Croatia including arranging accommodation for hotel/apartment rental. Next on the list – interested customers – we talked to anyone who would listen, we hosted seminars, we advertised in local newspapers, and then it all took off.

Istrian property business.

The return.

We returned to Istria on our first inspection trip with 6 interested parties. The trip turned out to be successful with 4 of the group interested in buying property. We were on our way!

But then came the big financial crash in 2008/2009, and we could not give away inspection trips/property – we had a most enjoyable 6 years, but it was time to let go, which we did by closing the company.

There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds.

— Gilbert K. Chesterton

Wine.

And now I would like to discuss my favourite topic and indeed my passion: Croatian Wine, particularly Istrian wines which I have grown to appreciate over the years I have been traveling to Croatia. I am especially fond of the red Teran grape which, on first tasting, I found unpalatable as I was not used to the taste. However, I persevered and now it is my favourite. I am also very partial to the refreshing Malvazija made from a white Istrian grape . In fact, I now love all Croatian wine including wines produced in other Croatian regions e.g.  red Plavic Mali, Posip, Grasevina, and Muskat, to mention a few.

Have you tried it yet?

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