Meneghetti: from an abandoned stancija to a five-star wine hotel
At the end of the last century, Miro Plišo was looking for a place to rest in peace and quiet. In the south-western part of the Istrian peninsula, between Bale and Barbariga, he found the abandoned Meneghetti stancija — a traditional Istrian country estate. The property was once home to a wealthy family engaged in agriculture, above all the production of olive oil and wine, much of which was sold to the Austro-Hungarian army stationed in the nearby forts. Plišo soon restored the buildings and, although he initially planned to grow only a small quantity of olives, he was quick to plant the first vineyard as well.
From that initial idea at the turn of the century, the stancija has grown into a five-star Wine Hotel & Winery, set in Bale near Rovinj and Pula, and a proud member of the Relais & Châteaux association. The estate is surrounded by vineyards and ancient olive groves.
In 2022, one of the most modern wine cellars in southern Istria opened on the estate — a contemporary investment that matches the winery’s ambition to stand among the region’s leaders.
Iconic blends and Val Gambalera
The first two labels the winery brought to market were Meneghetti White and Meneghetti Red, which remain its signature wines and the foundation of the house to this day. Over time the range has been extended by a dozen or so new labels, including premium sparkling wines that quickly became one of the winery’s hallmarks. Standing out above all is the single-vineyard line named Meneghetti Val Gambalera, the pinnacle of their production.
In the cellar, local heritage meets modern technology, while the rhythm of production is set by patient harvests and respect for the specific character of the soil and the Mediterranean climate.
More than a winery
Beyond winemaking, the estate operates as a luxury resort with a complete high-end offering — gastronomy, a spa centre and its own Beach Club.
Reservations for accommodation, winery visits and guided tastings in the new cellar are taken directly via the contacts on the website: meneghetti.hr
