Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery 5* Croatia
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery 5*
Stansija Menegeti 1, 522110 Bale
Croatia
www.meneghetti.hr/en
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Relais & Châteaux
Shareholders
Privately Owned
Date of Creation
2000
Hotel General Manager
Roko Palmic
Hotel Positioning
5-star luxury boutique hotel, member of Relais & Chateaux
Development Strategy
N/A
MENEGHETTI WINE HOTEL & WINERY 5*
History & Story
At the dawn of the 20th century, amid the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy’s Adriatic ambitions, a modest estate in Istria quietly took shape. Mr. Meneghetti, likely Venetian, seized a patch of land near Bale, adjacent to a sprawling military fort, and transformed it into a self-sufficient haven of vineyards, olive groves, and stone-built homesteads to supply the garrison. Decades later, in 2000, Croatian lawyer Miroslav Plišo and entrepreneur Romana Kajfež unearthed this forgotten jewel, restoring its rustic elegance and adding modern comforts. By 2004, Meneghetti had blossomed into Istria’s first boutique luxury retreat, with a winery, olive groves, and a four-room hotel. Today, over 12 hectares, award-winning wines, a Relais & Châteaux membership, private villas, and refined venues testify to a masterful dialogue between history, nature, and contemporary sophistication.
Date Renewal
From 2013 Meneghetti progressed through carefully planned development phases, moving beyond the four-room retreat created in 2004 to add 54 rooms, suites, villas and residences by 2023, together with expanded sports facilities, additional dining options and a fully equipped spa. The final phase in 2025 completed the transformation with the enlarged Meneghetti Spa, the renewed Beach Club and the opening of the Garden Pavilion events venue.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
At Meneghetti, the essence of Istria is carried through every detail: the craftsmanship of local stone and wood, the quiet rhythm of vineyards and olive groves, and the authenticity of a place shaped by culture rather than trends. The estate’s wines, olive oils and distillates are made on site, expressing the character of the terroir with precision. A bio garden sustains a genuine garden-to-table approach, anchoring seasonal menus that honour regional recipes and Mediterranean balance. Sustainability guides operations across the resort, from agriculture to architecture. The setting lends itself naturally to significant moments, whether calm and private or celebrated on a grander scale. Carefully curated experiences elevate each stay, including truffle hunts, tailored cycling routes, guided tastings and outdoor pursuits that connect guests with the landscape in a purposeful way.
Location
Meneghetti is set in one of Istria’s most distinctive landscapes, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and villages shaped by centuries of local craftsmanship. The region’s heritage is visible at every turn, from UNESCO sites and historic towns to a culinary tradition rooted in skill and seasonality. Istria is recognised as the world’s leading olive oil region, and Meneghetti is included each year among the top producers. This setting offers a rare blend of natural beauty and cultural depth, creating an authentic base for guests who want to experience the true character of Croatia’s most celebrated region.
Key sites/activities in the area
• Rovinj Old Town
Explore cobbled streets, climb St. Euphemia’s bell tower, and enjoy sunsets over the Adriatic.
• Pula Roman Amphitheatre
One of the best-preserved arenas in the world, hosting concerts and festivals in a striking historic setting.
• Truffle Hunting in Motovun
Join local experts in the Motovun Forest and finish with a tasting of freshly unearthed truffles.
• Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
Visit boutique estates and sample Istrian Malvasia, Teran, and renowned extra virgin olive oils.
• Cycling on Tailor-Made Trails
Explore Istria on Meneghetti’s bicycles or e-bikes, following curated routes through vineyards, hill towns and the countryside.
• Cape Kamenjak
Discover rugged cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters in this protected nature park.
• Grožnjan – The Artist’s Village
Wander stone alleys, open studios and summer music events in a hilltop artists’ haven.
• Brijuni National Park
Sail to an island landscape of Roman ruins, wildlife and pine-shaded paths.
• Austro-Hungarian Coastal Forts
Explore historic fortifications along Istria’s coast, tracing the region’s military heritage.
• Traditional Istrian Cuisine
Enjoy fuži with truffles, boškarin beef, fresh seafood and rustic stews shaped by diverse influences.
• Hilltop Towns Tour
Visit Motovun, Oprtalj, Buzet and Hum for timeless stone architecture, artisan shops and panoramic views.
Fun Facts
In the early 19th century, a man known only as Mr. Meneghetti, likely from the Venice area, saw opportunity beside the Austro-Hungarian military base at Porto Colone Bay. He built stone houses, planted vineyards and olive groves, and raised goats, sheep, cows and pigs to supply the 600 soldiers stationed nearby – a practical and thriving farm that was, in its own way, an early version of the Meneghetti estate we know today. From this original era, the old stone house still survives, and a single vine from Mr. Meneghetti’s first plantings grows at the entrance to the courtyard, a living reminder of the estate’s beginnings.
Children’s Corner
Meneghetti welcomes young explorers of all ages to a natural playground where they can discover the richness of the land. Children can learn about growing vines and olives, tend the bio garden and pick fresh vegetables, cycle along safe paths, or enjoy the dedicated playground. The estate also offers a children’s menu, high chairs in the restaurant, and welcome treats in the room on arrival, ensuring a truly family-friendly stay.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Meneghetti offers 59 accommodation units, all thoughtfully set within the magnificent natural resort and crafted in traditional stone, blending seamlessly with the surrounding vineyards, olive groves, and unspoiled Istrian landscape.
• Rooms & Suites
Blending rustic charm with contemporary comfort, our 10 rooms and suites are set within the estate’s historic buildings. They range from 28 to 65 m², offering a retreat for guests who appreciate heritage, elegance, and intimacy.
• Residences
The pinnacle of Meneghetti living, our 46 residences combine effortless sophistication with generous space. Each includes a private pool and garden, spanning 100 to 225 m², for a secluded and refined experience.
• Estate Villas
Expansive and meticulously crafted, our two villas provide an oasis of privacy with private pools or lush gardens. Ranging from 75 to 150 m², they are designed for those seeking space, tranquillity, and understated luxury.
• Estate Houses
Immersed in unspoiled nature, Casa del Bosco is a one-of-a-kind retreat offering total privacy. It merges state-of-the-art facilities with a relaxed atmosphere, creating the ultimate escape.
Restaurants & Bars
• Meneghetti Restaurant & Bar
Set among Istria’s vineyards and olive groves, Meneghetti Restaurant is the culinary heart of the estate and a proud Relais & Châteaux member. Michelin-recommended and awarded three toques by Gault&Millau and three forks by Falstaff, it offers a refined interpretation of Istrian cuisine. Ingredients are sourced locally and from the estate’s organic garden, reflecting a true garden-to-table philosophy. Estate wines complement the menu, creating a sensory journey shaped by terroir, season, and understated sophistication. Executive Chef Ante Miletić, trained under Michelin-starred mentors, champions seasonality, precision, and restrained excellence.
• Oliveto Restaurant & Lounge Bar
Oliveto celebrates the sun-soaked Istrian countryside with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the rhythms of the land. Framed by vineyards and olive groves, the restaurant offers Mediterranean flavours in a relaxed yet refined setting, accompanied by extraordinary views of the estate.
• Beach Club Restaurant
Set on the Adriatic coast, the Beach Club blends natural beauty with laid-back luxury. Guests can relax on loungers or in elegant cabanas along the pebble shoreline, enjoy curated cocktails at the Lounge Bar, or sample fresh Mediterranean and international dishes at the Beach Club Restaurant, all crafted from seasonal ingredients.
Wellness
Meneghetti Spa
Secluded in the pastoral heart of Istria, Meneghetti Spa is a sanctuary where nature and well-being intertwine. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and gardens, every treatment draws on the land, using hand-harvested herbs, estate-grown olive oil, and antioxidant-rich grapes. Lavender, rosemary, and sage scent the air, guiding guests through a sensory journey that is as much a return to nature as it is a renewal of body and soul.
Facilities & Experiences
• 3 treatment rooms offering personalised rituals with natural and organic ingredients
• indoor family pool
• Fitness studio
• Tranquillity Zone (18+) featuring heated indoor adults-only pool, Finnish bio sauna and steam room, Therapeutic rainfall shower, Spa Lounge with waterbeds and outdoor Garden Spa area with Finnish sauna, cold plunge pool, and garden relaxation zone
• On-site sport facilities: tennis court with lessons available, golf driving range with lessons available, cycling, yoga
• Outdoor Activity Zone with gym and boxing ring
Corporate & Celebration Events
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery 5* offers an exceptional backdrop for meetings and events of rare distinction. Whether bhosting a discreet board meeting, an incentive of quiet indulgence, or an event where setting matters as much as substance, Meneghetti invites you to work, gather, and celebrate to the unhurried rhythm of the Mediterranean.
Spaces:
• Garden Pavilion
• Meneghetti Restaurant
• Oliveto Restaurant
• Wine Lounge
• Beach Club (outdoor location)
• the oaks (outdoor location)
• Boulevard (outdoor location)
Extra Notable Features
• Estate Production: Award-winning wines, premium olive oils, and artisanal distillates produced on site, reflecting Meneghetti’s commitment to terroir and craftsmanship.
• Garden-to-Table Philosophy: Guests can explore the bio garden, pick seasonal vegetables, and savour dishes prepared from estate-grown ingredients.
• Bespoke Experiences: Tailor-made cycling routes, guided truffle hunts, private tastings, and curated cultural excursions.
• Exclusive Event Venues: The Garden Pavilion and other estate spaces provide stunning settings for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations.
• Sustainability in Action: Eco-conscious practices across the resort, from organic agriculture to responsible operations.
• Secluded Natural Setting: Over 12 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and gardens, offering privacy, tranquillity, and immersive nature.
• Historic Heritage: Original 19th-century stone buildings and a vine dating back to the estate’s founding, linking guests to Meneghetti’s origins.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
Hotel
• Michelin Key – awarded in 2025
• Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award 2025
Restaurant
• Michelin Guide Recommended – 2019 to 2025
• Gault&Millau – 3 toques (16/20) in 2025
• Falstaff – 3 forks, 92 points in 2025
Number of employees
100-150