Cabernet Sauvignon & oily fish, With love

About the event:

Autumn is the perfect time to discover Istria’s rich past, and one of the finest ways to experience it is through the flavours and aromas of Istria.

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From 6 November to 4 December 2026, every Friday, restaurants in Poreč, Tar-Vabriga and Funtana will host special dinners dedicated to the pairing of Cabernet Sauvignon and oily fish.

Each Friday, the dinner will take place in a different restaurant, offering a new gastronomic experience and an opportunity to enjoy carefully designed dishes, selected wines and fascinating stories that connect Istrian gastronomy, winemaking and fishing traditions.

At the heart of these evenings is Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the world’s best-known and most widely planted grape varieties. It originated almost 500 years ago as a spontaneous cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, with its roots in Bordeaux, France. The variety also has a long tradition in Istria, where it has been cultivated for around 150 years.

Oily fish is equally deeply rooted in Istrian history. The tradition of catching and enjoying oily fish has been part of local life for centuries, with the earliest written records dating back to the 14th century.

These two stories – one of wine and one of the sea – will come together during a series of special dinners throughout November and early December. Some of Croatia’s distinguished chefs will create menus that give oily fish a contemporary gastronomic interpretation, accompanied by carefully selected Cabernet Sauvignons.

Join us from 6 November to 4 December in Poreč, Tar-Vabriga and Funtana and discover how the sea, wine and Istrian tradition come together to create a truly special gastronomic experience.
 
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November 20, 2026 - Restaurant Al Penon, Santa Marina, Tar-Vabriga

Aperitif

„Bombona Rose“, brut, 2025, Mario Banko wines, Tinjan, Croatia, Istria

Menu

Mackerel Savor

Mackerel savor, pickled red onion gel, marinated red chard stalks, compressed pear

„Vrille“ brut, 2019, Peršurić sparkling wines, Pršuriči, Croatia, Istria

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Cappelleti with Sardine

Cappelletti stuffed with sardine, beurre noisette, black garlic emulsion, parsley emulsion, red-veined sorrel

Cabernet Sauvignon, "Grand Selection", 2021, Antunović wines, Dalj, Baranja

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Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic bonito fillet, fish demi-glace, baby beetroot, new potato, yellow carrot cream

Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016, Degrassi wines, Croatia, Istria

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Chocolate & Fall

Chocolate marquise, caramelized chestnuts, pear, red wine and spices, crème anglaise

Cab. Sauvignon, 2024, sweet wine from dried grapes, Apolitico winery, Virovitica, Slavonia

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Price: €55.00 / person 
Chef: Gaia Zec, Sommelier: Emil Perdec
Reservations: info@tar-vabriga.com. Reservations can only be made by e-mail, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For reservations for two people, guests may be seated at a shared table with other guests.