Slovenia From Vineyards to Villages
Our women only tour will take you through Slovenia from vineyards to villages to savour Slovenia’s wine country. Slovenia might be a small country, but it’s packed with a rich winemaking heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and charming villages where tradition meets modernity. Nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, Slovenia’s wine culture rivals that of its European neighbours, with a history that stretches back to the Celts and Romans.
Today, Slovenian wines are gaining recognition worldwide for their quality, unique flavour profiles, and commitment to sustainable practices. So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur, or a casual traveller, join The Adventurous Ewe’s women only small group tour for a journey through Slovenia’s picturesque wine country, from its sprawling vineyards to its storybook villages.
The Regions: Three Distinct Wine Areas
Did you know that there is one vineyard for every 70 people? You can’t go wrong if you enjoy wine. Slovenia’s wine country is divided into three primary regions, each with its own climate, landscape, and grape varieties:
- Primorska (Littoral) – This western region near the Adriatic Sea shares a border with Italy and is known for its Mediterranean climate, producing full-bodied reds and crisp whites. The Karst Plateau in this region is home to the famous red Teran wine, while the Goriška Brda area, often called “Slovenia’s Tuscany,” is celebrated for its Rebula and Merlot.
- Podravje (Drava) – Located in northeastern Slovenia, Podravje is the largest wine region and specializes in white wines. Here, you’ll find the aromatic Šipon and Laški Rizling varieties, as well as the oldest grapevine in the world, located in Maribor, the region’s cultural hub.
- Posavje (Lower Sava) – This southeastern region near Croatia is best known for producing lighter, table-friendly wines, including the unique blend Cviček, a low-alcohol, slightly sour red that is beloved locally. Posavje’s rolling hills and small family-run wineries make it a wonderful area to explore off the beaten path.
Each region offers something unique, from the bold flavours of Primorska to the delicate whites of Podravje, ensuring there’s a wine experience for everyone.
Wine Villages: Exploring Goriška Brda
One of the most charming wine areas in Slovenia is Goriška Brda, known as the country’s “Tuscany.” This region is famous for its gentle hillsides draped in vineyards, dotted with small villages that exude old-world charm. In villages like Šmartno, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Šmartno is a fortified medieval village with narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses, offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Many local wineries here are family-owned, passed down through generations, and you’ll often find winemakers themselves welcoming you in for tastings.
A visit to Goriška Brda wouldn’t be complete without sampling their famous Rebula, a refreshing white wine that’s light and complex with hints of green apple and citrus. Many wineries also produce orange wines, which are white wines fermented with grape skins, giving them an amber hue and richer flavours.
The Experience: Wine Tasting and Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Slovenian winemakers take immense pride in producing wines that reflect the region’s natural beauty and purity. Many wineries embrace organic or biodynamic practices, so you’ll find wines crafted with minimal intervention, emphasizing the terroir and natural flavours of each variety.
A typical wine-tasting experience in Slovenia often includes a tour of the vineyard and cellar, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process directly from the winemakers. Many Slovenian wineries also double as family-run farms, offering homemade local dishes to accompany their wines. Imagine sipping a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc while nibbling on fresh sheep’s cheese, prosciutto, and olives harvested from the farm’s own grove.
Some wineries, such as Kabaj in Goriška Brda, are renowned for their full wine and food pairing experiences, where each course is designed to complement their wines. In these settings, you’ll get a true taste of Slovenian hospitality and the farm-to-table philosophy that has shaped the country’s cuisine.
Villages with History: Ptuj and Maribor in Podravje
Travelling east to Podravje, Slovenia’s largest wine region, you’ll come across two of the country’s most historic wine towns: Ptuj and Maribor. Ptuj is Slovenia’s oldest town, where winemaking dates back to Roman times. Here, you can tour Ptuj Wine Cellar, one of the country’s oldest, which houses centuries-old barrels and bottles. Ptuj is also famous for its carnival, Kurentovanje, where locals celebrate with parades, music, and, of course, wine.
In nearby Maribor, you’ll find the world’s oldest grapevine, documented to be over 400 years old. The town honors this ancient vine with an annual harvest festival and a wine museum. Maribor’s lively atmosphere, historic wine cellars, and riverfront cafes make it a must-visit stop in Podravje.
Off-the-Beaten-Path in Posavje: Discovering Cviček
If you’re craving a truly unique experience, head to Posavje, Slovenia’s southern wine region, home to the country’s rare red blend, Cviček. Cviček is a blend of red and white grapes, resulting in a light, slightly tart wine that’s refreshing and easy to drink. This low-alcohol wine is perfect for sunny afternoons and pairs well with Slovenia’s hearty traditional dishes.
The village of Dolenjska, in Posavje, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where small family-owned vineyards produce Cviček and local fruit brandies. This region is quieter and less touristic, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic experience of Slovenian village life and rural winemaking traditions.
Why Slovenia’s Wine Country Deserves a Visit
Slovenia’s wine country is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that immerses you in the traditions, tastes, and stories of Slovenian culture. Here, you’ll find that wine isn’t just a product—it’s a way of life deeply connected to the land, the seasons, and the people. Whether you’re sampling Teran in a medieval village in Primorska, tasting Rebula on a hillside in Goriška Brda, or enjoying a glass of Cviček with a local family in Posavje, you’re sure to discover a new appreciation for Slovenia’s winemaking legacy.
So, if you’re looking for an enchanting escape into vineyards, villages, and vintages, Slovenia’s wine country is waiting to be explored—and savoured. Come and join The Adventurous Ewe on our small group tour for women only through Slovenia from vineyards to villages.