Chasing the sun to wine country
After a couple of very rainy days, we decided to wake up and follow the sun for the next couple of days. Equipped with overnight bags we headed north with vineyards as our number one mission. We stopped in the tiny village of Groznjan on the way, known for its local artists and only 24 people actually living in the town. The hilltop town was abandoned for 500 years before being reinhabited by these 24 brave souls, and, despite the tour buses in the parking lot, it feels like stepping back in time. After some wandering and amazing pizza at the one pizza joint in town we headed off for our cellar and vineyard tour at Kozlavic Winery. After touring the grounds we got to taste many of their delicious wines with a platter of cheese, fruit and nuts. The cheese from Pag was amazing! Must find more of that.
The drive through the Istrian countryside was amazing. Abandoned castles and small hilltop villages stick out from the rolling hillsides covered in vineyards and small farms. We drove past a shepherd and his flock on the side of the road. He was wearing a cape and had a staff and the picture in our minds will last forever and was straight out of the Bible.
After the crew was imbibed with Kozlavic wine we headed to another adorable hilltop village called Motovun, which means mountain in Croatian. It seems this was a military post since it is built on the highest point around and walled in on all sides. You can almost hear the clip clop of roman soldiers’ horses as you enter through the main gate to the city.
We were lucky enough to be seated at a table with a view when the skies finally opened up poured on us. The sun attempted to make an appearance after that, but it was still elusive. DP said the view from Motovun was one of the tops of his life.
Off to dinner at Zigante Restaurant. Black truffles shaved on each dish by Zora, our white gloves server, was endearing. Mark said it reminded him of the fine dining of 15 years ago. Food was good and after a full day of wine country we were ready for bed. We found a place in Buzet to stay and wait for the sun to announce where we would go in the morning.