Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery

To be clear: 'Meneghetti' is one of those places that deserves something more than a perfect "5" - everything was excellent (and beyond) for our stay there. Our two nights were made to feel like half of a week, with world-class, exceptional service, fine dining and filling, comforting, and healthy breakfast options, and the wine! Lounge around the spa pool (or one of two outdoor shared pools); hike the vineyards or down to their rocky beach; sidle over to their tasting room for some different wines; take a drive into Bale (short 15-minute drive from the winery) or a bit further north to Rovinj or south to Pula; simply lounge and read/daydream/write in your luxurious room. [They even have bikes to lend out, tennis court, children's playground, and a driving range!] This place is special! While their "beach club" was closed, it was mid-October and the hike down to the water was still nice. Highly, HIGHLY recommended!

Really a beautiful set of buildings. It was hard to determine if this is a vineyard operating a hotel on the side or a hotel with an operational vineyard, and we decided that it is the latter. The hotel is quite large and is marketing new homes to be built on the property, which seemed to make it clear that the business here is hospitality more than agriculture. So a stay at a working farm it isn't really - more a stay at a spa hotel set in the middle of a working farm. The "rooms" were really rowhouses with two floors, holding a very spacious sitting and dining room on the ground floor and the bedroom on the second level. It was all quite attractive, including the expansive and interesting main bathroom (there is also a small powder room on the ground floor). The room also had a nice sitting area in a mostly private small garden, which we did not use but looked quite lovely if you wanted to just relax with some privacy. The spa area and pool are nice, if not what one might expect at a larger spa resort. The breakfast (which was not a buffet) was quite nice, with good breads and an expansive list of eggs and other main dishes to choose from. The dinner was fine too, and both are served in an attractive glass-heavy room that provides good natural light. The service itself was more functional than professional, but that is perhaps due to the staffing difficulties still being faced in the hospitality industry. Do note that the locations is quite isolated and one would need a car (or good bike ride) to really get anywhere. This is thus a place to stay and relax, not be used as a base for walking to see local sights. You can also walk through the property to the hotel's beach, though note that this is of the large pebble variety as is common in the region.

One of the best hotels I’ve had the pleasure of staying at. The service, environment, food (breakfast is excellent (especially French toast), rooms and location is superb! I have nothing else to say apart from well worth the money and visit. I think people don’t tend to stay for more than a few days as there isn’t much to do but stayed for 5 days. We should have explored Bale and off site restaurants more but it’s difficult without a car as you’re a little isolated.

Beautiful hotel in southern Istria. We were in a very comfortable “Residence” on two floors with a large bedroom, sitting room and bathroom. The estate is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Food in the restaurant was very good and the staff were all delightful and very helpful. Excellent selection of own estate local wines and olive oils - delicious. A short drive to Pula and Rovinj and so nice to be away from the hustle and bustle.

Meneghetti Wine Hotel was the last stop on a 10 day trip through Croatia. We spent 4 nights in here in mid-September in a one bedroom pool residence. My views and the experience shared below are meant to be objective and help inform those looking to stay at Meneghetti. The one bedroom residence with a pool was lovely. It is decorated in neutral tones and is well appointed. The bed was so comfortable and the shower and local products were delightful. The mini fridge was stocked with a variety of beverages. Everything is very comfortable. Housekeeping was great - so sweet. There is a comfortable furnished patio leading to a large pool (large for a hotel private pool) at the good temperature - refreshing, not freezing cold. The grounds of the hotel are well cared for and lovely. The vineyards and olive groves are just outside your door and so nice to walk through. The restaurant deserves special mention - absolutely delicious and a wonderful ambience. Everything we ordered was fresh and perfectly prepared. The cocktail and wine list will not disappoint. (Don’t overlook the breakfast salad!) Here’s where Meneghetti falls short: The hospitality is not entirely there. When we arrived (by taxi), no one greeted us and no one assisted with our bags. We carried our bags over the pebble stones, through the restaurant and to the front desk. While we checked in, our bags were then taken and placed on a golf cart (which was helpful). A representative showed us to our residence and briefly explained the temperature, lighting and locks. No other information was shared. (Our experience is generally that the restaurant, hours, spa, and pool at minimum are explained.) I returned to the front desk and asked for a map of the property, how to get to the beach, and to ask about the location of the spa. (Download the app if you go and prepare to be a bit self sufficient.). We also noticed a lot of the public signs are all famed in the “do not” language. This can set a certain tone. One night after dinner it was pouring rain. No one was offering assistance to help guests get back to their residence. (We ended up asking if someone could give us a lift on a golf cart and they did accommodate the request.) On our last day, we planned to do a wine tasting and then make our way to dinner. We showered, dressed and walked to the tasting room at 4pm (knowing it closed at 6pm). Upon arrival, we were turned away stating that the tasting room closed early to host an external party. No alternatives were offered, even when I explained that we were guests of the hotel. We were really bummed! I asked about shipping wine to the US and the response was “google wine and more Croatia, it’ll come right up”. No card, no further insight. I inquired about the situation with the app messaging and got a response about 2 hours later stating that they could do a tasting at the bar for us. It was very odd that there was no notice that the tasting room was closed given this is a big part of staying on a vineyard. Earlier in our stay, we received a paper notice stating that one of the entry gates would be closed the following day, so notices do go out. In addition, the poolside cafe was closed during our entire stay. While the weather was not ideal (cloudy and cooler than normal), it didn’t seem enough of a reason to close down. If you plan to stay here, check and recheck hours and openings. Lastly, upgrade and maintain the bicycles! And perhaps even offer an electric or peddle assist bike. ‘Indifferent" is the best word to describe the overall attitude of the staff and tone of the environment. Something felt very off. Perhaps their attention was on the group tour, perhaps it was a long, busy summer. Overall, it felt like they were looking to hastily reach November and shut down for renovation. Regardless, at this price point, R&C designation, and “5 stars”, improvement is required. Also a note on transportation: If you do not have your own car, taxis are very expensive. They originally quoted me 100 Euros each way to Rovinj. The taxi ended up costing 77 Euros each way, but the driver took 70 in cash. I was quoted 30-40 Euros each way to Bale. I’d suggest you simply bike there. Anyone in relatively good shape can manage the trip on the hotel bikes. There is a gradual uphill on the way there and the return trip is easy. The road is very safe and cars are very respectful of cyclists. Both places were so enjoyable and very much worth the trip!