Artists class

Košutići is a small, some would say ordinary Istrian village.

We don’t think so. Košutići is a small, unusual Istrian village.

Wonderful things happen here. Here you can meet people with all sorts of interests and professions.

Artists class

We recently had the honor of hosting a class of artists from Austria in our villas.

The participants spent a few days in Košutići to rest and relax, and from there traveled to places that they found to be interesting subjects for their artwork.

They chose our olive grove as one of the subjects for their paintings. They took advantage of the pleasant, sunny afternoon and immortalized our garden.

Artists class – artists
Artists class – artists
Artists class – artists
Artists class – artists

We didn’t want to disturb them with their work, but simply toasted everyone to successful work, beautiful pictures and, in the end, even more beautiful memories.

Artists class – works


As a souvenir, we received a drawing of our house, as seen from the olive grove.

Artists class – the house drawing

We will proudly hang it on our house wall. And of course, we will remember the wonderful encounter with wonderful people.

We would like to thank Ms. Michaela and her group of artists for the pleasant moments we were able to spend in good company with people who create something beautiful.

Our Cangarela olive oil from the 2025 vintage showed high quality

During Christmas 2025, we achieved great success.

At the 30th International Olive and Olive Oil Quality Event ‘Liquid Green Gold of Istria’, the results of the Olive Oil Evaluation were announced.

As every year, we sent our young olive oil from the 2025 harvest to the Event for evaluation.

Our extra virgin olive oil received a Gold Medal with a score of 8.14. The winner received a score of 8.41. 98 samples were evaluated, and we took 26th place.

Cangarela Gold Medal 2026

We confirmed this good result at the end of March. At the 11th Olive Festival in Zagreb, a total of 323 olive oil samples were evaluated. Our extra virgin olive oil from the 2025 harvest received the Gold Medal for quality and took a high 49th place with 92.20 points out of 100 possible). The winner had 94.80 points.

Zoran Štefulj / Cangarela – gold medal 11th Olive Festival in Zagreb, 2026

This confirmed our belief that we are doing a good job and that we can be proud of the results.
Welcome! Come and taste our extra virgin olive oil.

Winter in Košutići

Most of our guests and friends have in mind the image of Istria and Košutići from the summer months. Hot, high sun, blue sky, greenery, or the grass in the meadows browned from drought. Swimming in the pool, sunbathing, or escaping to the shade from the too strong sun.

There is also that other image of Istria…

A few days ago we were returning to Košutići after spending the Christmas and New Year holidays with our children and grandchildren. It was a wonderful time full of laughter, joy at seeing each other and happiness at being together.

The road was… well, let’s say quite snowy. Snow by the road, snow on the road, a snowstorm, a strong bora.

Winter in Košutići – snow on highway

All of that was slowly behind us as we neared the end of the road.

Winter in Košutići – road sign
Winter in Košutići – narrow snowy road

Suddenly we realized that the snow around us was getting thicker, and that it was everywhere around us. The branches were bent under the weight of the wet snow. A rare sight that we ourselves had only seen a few times in the last twenty-five years in Košutići.

Our olive trees looked strange to us under the weight of the snow. The poor things looked
more like sad willows than the cheerful trees that we so enjoy talking to all year round.

Winter in Košutići – Cangarela olives

Our yard didn’t look any more ‘summery’, if that word can be used for January.

Cangarela in winter – yard view
Cangarela in winter – olives in snow

We believe that few of our guests ever imagined that the village where they enjoy their summer could look like this.

Cangarela in winter – Villa 115
Cangarela in winter – Villa 115
Cangarela in winter – Villa 117
Cangarela in winter – Villa 117 yard view
Cangarela in winter – Villa 119 yard view

However, not everything is so terrible. The next morning we were greeted by much brighter pictures. The sun came out, we could see small birds, most of which had come to us to spend the winter, escaping the winter in the north.

Cangarela in winter – morning sun
Cangarela in winter – sunny morning view

And the deer, which normally stay away from people and villages, came closer to the houses to find something to eat. It seems they found something they liked under our olive trees.

Cangarela in winter – deer in olive trees

And everything seems warmer again. Summer isn’t that far away.

And summer comes to an end

In Košutići, October 5, 2025.

Dear friends,

We enjoyed every moment of this beautiful summer..

We had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. Have interesting conversations with them (We hope we weren’t boring.).

We had plenty of sun, sometimes we had to hide from it.

Now those days are behind us. The days are shorter, cooler, we have strong morning dew, and the first fogs are appearing. Today it’s only +8° outside, there’s a strong southwest wind, and over 40 mm of rain has already fallen.

And that won’t last long, as we expect sunshine and pleasant temperatures again in a few days.

We will use this time for one of our biggest tasks – we are starting the olive harvest. We have prepared everything, tools, nets, oil barrels, agreed on who will come to help us… We will process the olives in a nearby oil mill, and we hope to have the oil ready for bottling and delivery by mid-November.

We invite you to contact us so that we can send you a sample of our new, young oil.

Building Sustainable Tourism

How Our Istrian Villas Lead the Way in Energy Efficiency

Welcome to our blog, where we’re excited to share the journey of our sustainable tourism venture in Istria. At our three villas, we’re not just offering a luxurious getaway; we’re also committed to minimizing our environmental impact. From construction to ongoing operations, every decision is guided by our dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability.

From the outset, we prioritized energy efficiency in the construction of our villas. Each building is equipped with thermal insulation in walls and facades, minimizing heat loss and reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling. Our commitment extends to the pool area, where we’ve insulated walls and bottom of the pools to retain heat efficiently. Additionally, all windows and doors feature double or triple glazing, further enhancing insulation properties.

To harness renewable energy, solar panels adorn the roofs of each villa, providing heating for sanitary and drinking water. This investment not only reduces our reliance on conventional energy sources but also significantly cuts down our carbon footprint. Last year alone, our photovoltaic power plant at Villa 115 produced 4,680 kWh of electricity, saving 3.3 tons of CO2 emissions.

Solar panels provide heating for drinking and sanitary water

We’ve implemented innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting to minimize water wastage. Rainwater from villa roofs is collected and utilized for watering almond trees in our meadow. Future plans include expanding this system to supply water for irrigating olive trees, further conserving precious freshwater resources.

Watering almond trees with rainwater from villa roofs

Building upon our success, we’re expanding our solar capacity by installing a 9.5 kW photovoltaic power plant on the roof of Villa 117. With a larger roof area, this upgrade promises even greater energy savings and environmental benefits. We anticipate a return on investment within seven years, demonstrating the long-term viability of renewable energy solutions.

Solar powerplant on villa 117

In our journey towards sustainable tourism, every decision matters. By prioritizing energy efficiency, harnessing renewable energy, and implementing innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint but also setting a precedent for responsible tourism practices in Istria. Join us in our commitment to preserving the beauty of our planet while providing unforgettable experiences for our guests.

Unlocking the Secrets to Thriving Olive Orchards

Unlocking the Secrets to Thriving Olive Orchards: A Guide
from Istria’s Experts
Learn how to optimize your olive orchard’s growth and health with professional pruning
techniques from Istria, ensuring a bountiful harvest.


Introduction:
Welcome to Istria, home to some of the world’s finest olive orchards! If you’re seeking to
elevate your olive cultivation game, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll delve into
the art of professional pruning, a vital practice for ensuring optimal growth and productivity
in your olive trees.
Istrian Olive Orchard: A Haven of Health and Quality:
Nestled in the heart of Istria, our olive orchard boasts trees of exceptional health and vigor.
The secret lies not only in the fertile soil and favorable climate but also in our meticulous
pruning techniques. By embracing the expertise of professional pruners, we’ve unlocked the
full potential of our olive groves, yielding abundant harvests year after year.
Maslinik prije rezidbe

Maslinik prije rezidbeMaslinik prije rezidbeMaslinik prije rezidbe
Picture 1. Olive orchard before pruning

The Importance of Professional Pruning:
Pruning is more than just trimming branches; it’s a strategic art form that shapes the future
growth and fruit-bearing capacity of olive trees. Here’s why professional pruning is essential
for your orchard’s success:

  1. Enhanced Air Circulation: Proper pruning opens up the canopy, allowing sunlight and
    air to penetrate deep into the tree. This promotes photosynthesis, minimizes disease
    susceptibility, and encourages uniform fruit ripening.
  2. Stimulated Growth: Strategic pruning removes dead or overgrown branches,
    redirecting the tree’s energy towards healthy shoots and foliage. This results in
    vigorous growth and abundant flower and fruit production.
  3. Disease Prevention: Regular pruning eliminates diseased or pest-infested branches,
    preventing the spread of pathogens throughout the orchard. By maintaining a clean
    and healthy canopy, you can safeguard your trees against common olive ailments.
  4. Shape and Structure: Professional pruners possess the expertise to sculpt your trees
    into ideal shapes, such as open vase shape. Well-formed trees not only enhance
    orchard aesthetics but also facilitate ease of maintenance and harvesting.
  5. Longevity and Sustainability: Properly pruned olive trees tend to have longer
    lifespans and greater resilience to environmental stressors. Investing in professional
    pruning is a commitment to the long-term sustainability and productivity of your
    orchard.

    Maslinik nakon rezidbe
    Picture 2. Olive orchard after pruning

    Unlocking Your Orchard’s Potential:
    Ready to elevate your olive orchard to new heights? Follow these tips inspired by Istria’s
    experts:

    Schedule Regular Pruning Sessions: Aim for annual or biennial pruning sessions,
    ideally during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. Consistency is key to
    maintaining optimal tree health and productivity.
  6. Prioritize Professional Expertise: While independent pruning may seem tempting,
    entrusting your orchard to certified arborists or experienced pruners ensures
    precision and effectiveness. Invest in quality pruning services to reap long-term
    rewards.
  7. Customize Pruning Techniques: Tailor pruning techniques to suit the unique needs of
    your olive varieties and orchard layout. Consult with professionals to develop a
    customized pruning plan that maximizes growth and yield potential.
  8. Embrace Sustainable Practices: Incorporate sustainable practices such as mulching,
    composting, and organic fertilization to complement your pruning efforts. A holistic
    approach to orchard management nurtures soil health and biodiversity, further
    enhancing crop resilience.
  9. Monitor and Adapt: Regularly assess your orchard’s response to pruning
    interventions and adjust strategies as needed. Pay attention to tree vigor, flowering
    patterns, and fruit set to fine-tune your pruning regimen for optimal results.
    Conclusion:
    In the picturesque landscapes of Istria, the art of olive cultivation thrives through the skillful
    hands of professional pruners. By embracing the principles of strategic pruning, you can
    unlock the full potential of your olive orchard, ensuring robust growth and abundant
    harvests. Join us on the journey to olive excellence, where tradition meets innovation in the
    pursuit of agricultural perfection.

We had a visit

A few days ago, we were visited by guests who made us very happy.

A mother doe with her two little fawns came to the meadow behind our villas for dinner. Apparently they liked the grass growing around our almond trees.

They felt safe here, they calmly grazed the grass, and we were careful not to scare them.

Olive harvest

Our dear ones,

We want to show you what this year’s olive harvest was like for us.

Our olive trees overwintered nicely and entered this year good and healthy. Then everything
continued with a beautiful spring that allowed us to prune each olivetree in the way we
knew best.

We provided them with ecological protection from pests and gave them all the food they
needed. During the summer heat and drought, we gave them as much water as they needed. We were lucky that the storms bypassed us.

Our olive trees gave us all that back and gave us an abundance of fruits.

The fruits were healthy, ripe and full of oil.

Friends and relatives helped us and we picked the olives at the best possible moment.

We also had other helpers: They also protected our olive trees the whole time.

We spread the nets.

Shake the fruits from the trees.

Young ones helped us…

— and not so young ones.

In the end, we collected everything and finished the harvest.

Some of us got a little tired at the same time.

Some of us got a little tired at the same time.

We delivered the olives to the oil mill.

And after a short time we received our oil!
Thanks to everyone who helped us.

We are sending this to all friends and relatives, especially those who helped us with the
harvest. We also send to all dear people who were our guests in Košutići. We want to show that Košutići and Cangarela are beautiful in every season of the year.