Yesterday, 12 July 2023 I visited ByIstria shop and tasting plant and bought Torčol olive oil in 3 ltrs tin. Torčol is their base extra virgine olive oil, and although their basicc product, won many awards and is loved among people. As I prefer oil in bottle arriving home I transfer them to glass bottle having 3 bottles full to the tap, meaning in 3 litres tin producer give a few drops over 3 ltrs. Oil taste good. 3 litrs tin cost 46.5 € and 1 ltr tin is 16 €. There is no option to buy Torčol in glass bottle. I was served by 2 young girls waitress, who apparently were not in their best mood that day. Terrace was full, as big bus parked nearby brought tourists. Inside was empty, no customers. I asked to have a plate of cheese and glass of wine but I was turned down as both girls say reservation is needed, although inside was empty. OK, I said myself, their place their rules. I accept that. Then I asked, can I have a glass of wine, I will stand and not seat. It would take max 5 minutes. But I was turned down again as girls again say, reservation is needed. So, I went back to Rovinj where I have 3 flats (I live between Rijeka - 2 flats and Rovinj) and visited one of many selling/taste place along Vodnjan-Rovinj road and where reservation is not needed like in 99% restaurant in Rovinj - reservation is needed only in * Michellin star Agli Amici and Monte restaurants and Cape Aureo in hotel Park. But such are places where full diner with wine for 2 cost around 500 €, so such policy I understand. But I do not understand reservation in such basic place like ByIstria?! But, once again, their place, their rules. I accept that although I disapprove such reservation policy for basic places. ByIstria itself, is a very small place and terrace, is situated in nice pytorestic place, near old train station, plenty woods around. Shop and taste plant are modern and clean. As per my opinion rustic old style would be more appropriate. Attached is their producing plant where I first entered and was kindly directed to adjacent...
Read moreFirst of all, I have to emphasize that the location is really beautiful. The picturesque surroundings and the ambience have a special charm that invites you to linger.
However, I was a little disappointed with the quality of the wines. The taste profiles were not quite in line with my preferences, and I had hoped to discover a wider range of nuances and aromas. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that taste is a subjective matter and other visitors may have had a different experience.
Another aspect that affected my visit was the unfriendliness of the lady at the cash register. Her lack of courtesy and helpfulness clouded my impression and influenced the overall experience. It would have been nice to have a more pleasant interaction.
Despite these criticisms, I would like to emphasize that I appreciate your efforts and think that you have the potential to improve...
Read moreThis is about @markokrstacic He makes things, one of which is Punte Greca, a Merlot. He is an engineer at heart, and he makes things to last, and with huge care and consideration. He starts by growing grapes on a remote peninsula right on the seaside in Istria. The grapes need his help to survive the sun, the bura winds, the salt, the wild boar, the thin biscuit coloured soil, and the birds. If they survive (!), he and his team will lovingly hand select the grapes that go into Punte Greca. Then he will spend 2 years assembling and 2 more years caring for that wine. On careful reflection, I would say anyone who finds themselves with a glass of this, and some cheese, can count themselves very grateful indeed for the effort. The wine is wonderful. Medea Vinarja is a...
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