Cuj Wines & Olive Oil

Cuj Wines & Olive Oil, from the Kraljevic family in Western Istria, Croatia, draws on a tradition of grape, wine, and olive oil production dating back to the 15th century. Based around Sveta Marija na Krasu, with vineyards and olives on diverse soils from the hills of Buje and Brtonigla to the Umaška coast, they honour their grandfather CUJ, after whom the estate is named. The name "CUJ" comes from his dialect phrase "Cuj, Cuj da ti recen" meaning "hear, let me tell you" - a nickname that became synonymous with his storytelling nature. In 2006, they built a new cellar and oil mill in Farnažine near Umag to support expanded production. Today, oenologist and owner Danijel Kraljevic manages three vineyard locations across 6 hectares: Vela Boška and Baština beside the sea with red earth, and Santa Lucia with its mineral flysch soils. Their olive oils feature autochthonous Istrian varieties including Crna, Buža, Bijelica and a selection, with BUZA being a standout from the traditional Buža cultivar. Their approach emphasises terroir, minimal intervention, and indigenous varieties to capture Istrian heritage.