The small village of Montinjan may not be well-known, but there's no better destination in Istria for experiencing a day of hiking or cycling, local cuisine and, of course, wine tasting. Found in the low hills to the east of Koper, the village offers breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Trieste, reaching all the way to the Alps on clear days. Vina Montis is the work of the Bordon family, who have called Montijan home for generations. In fact, their oldest vineyard has been bearing grapes for more than a century, while the stone used to produce their award-winning olive oil was acquired as part of a dowry more than 250 years ago. Their vineyards and olive groves are situated on the sunny side of the hill, where the favourable climate and rich Istrian soil give all of Montis' wines and olive oils a special quality and taste. They are also currently in the process of switching to 100% ecological production under the label Eko Laura (www.eko-laura.si). In addition to regular wine tastings, with advanced notice groups can also enjoy typical Istrian meals prepared by grandmother Bordon, as well as guided hikes through the surrounding countryside.