The best wineries in Vipava Valley and Goriška Brda to visit.
By Sarah Leckie on 31st May, 2023
If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to explore the local area, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit one of the numerous wineries in the breathtaking regions of Vipava Valley and Goriška Brda.
Local winemakers invite you to taste their creations and discover their passion for combining traditional techniques with modern practices to produce seriously underrated wines with many using Slovenia’s indigenous grapes, including the zelen and pinela white varieties. Perfectly paired with local cheeses, cured meats and the warmest hospitality, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Here are some of our favourite wineries in Vipava Valley and Goriška Brda you can’t miss.
Wineries in Vipava Valley
Stretching across the southwest corner of Slovenia, the lusciously fertile region of the Vipava Valley offers some of the finest winemaking conditions in the world. Within this relatively small wine-growing district, you will find an extraordinary diversity of great wines.
Vinoteka Vipava
In the small town of Vipava, on the central Vipava Square, just by the Tourist Information Centre, you’ll find the Vinoteka Vipava wine shop. This is a great stop to introduce you to the wines of the area. Visitors may choose between 170 different wines made by acclaimed valley winemakers. Most people come here to taste wines first and then decide where they’d like to visit. The tourist office is the best place to arrange visits to wineries in the valley. Here you will find all the most important varietals and outstanding blends produced in the valley, including the old indigenous varieties Zelèn, Pinela and Klarnica.
Vinoteka Vipava, Glavni trg 8, 5271 Vipava
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
Petrič winery
It’s hard to determine what will captivate you more: the exquisite Petrič wines or the infectious enthusiasm of their proprietor, Urban Petrič. With a grape-growing legacy stretching back over two centuries, the Petrič family invites you into the winemaking world, where you can experience first-hand the devotion and hard work it takes to craft a truly exceptional wine. Whether you’re new to the world of wines or a seasoned aficionado, this laid-back, educational, and highly enjoyable experience, featuring delectable wines and a host deeply passionate about his craft, promises to intrigue and delight you.
Open daily from 13 pm to 7 pm from May to September but it’s best to prebook.
Winter months by appointment only
5 wines and homemade snacks 20€/person
Contact +386 41 991 210 or e-mail vino.petric@gmail.com
For more www.vino-petric.com/en/wine-tasting
Lepa Vida Boutique Winery
For those seeking an intimate and personalized winery experience, Lepa Vida Boutique Winery is a hidden gem nestled in the Vipava Valley. Owned and operated by a passionate family, this winery tour offers an insider’s view of the winemaking process. From strolling through the vineyards to exploring the historic cellar, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship involved in producing their distinctive wines. Make sure to indulge in a wine tasting session, complemented by local delicacies, to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of the region.
Wine tasting 25€/person pre-booking essential.
Lepa Vida Boutique Winery, Osek 4b, 5261 Šempas
Irena +386 41 211 778
Matija +386 40 299 66
contact@lepavida.wine
https://lepavida.wine/wine-tasting.html
Tilia Estate, Vipava Valley
Founded in Potoče in the Vipava Valley in 1996 by Melita and Matjaž Lemut to produce world-class Pinot Noir. Hence the estate is known as the ‘House of Pinots’, for both his dedication to the grape and determination to take on the best in Burgundy.
Utilizing traditional viticultural practices, the estate tailors its approach to ensure optimal conditions for each specific wine variety. Key strategies include promoting balanced vine growth, maintaining low yields, and minimizing pesticide application.
Visitors are invited to participate in expertly led tours traversing both the vineyard and the cellar. The staff conducts educational wine tastings, served with a professional flair, accompanied by savory olive oil samples, homemade salami, and cheese.
Potoče 41, 5263 Dobravlje,
phone: +386 (0)5 364 66 84 Mobile: +386 (0)31 399 748
info@tiliaestate.si
Open Monday-Friday: 10 – 5pm
Saturday-Sunday & Outside working hours by phone appointment
Wineries in Goriška Brda
Often referred to as the “Tuscany of Slovenia,” Goriška Brda is an enchanting hilly region located along the Italian-Slovenian border. Bathed in soft Mediterranean light, Brda is a patchwork of lush vineyards, charming hilltop villages, and peach and cherry orchards, with the striking peaks of the Julian Alps standing guard in the distance.
This region is particularly well-known for its excellent wineries and is recognized as Slovenia’s premier wine-producing area. Vineyards here produce a diverse range of wines, from robust reds to aromatic whites, such as the local Ribolla Gialla, also known as Rebula in Slovene.
Dobrovo Castle
For first-time visitors to Brda, Dobrovo Castle, or “Grad Dobrovo” in Slovene, serves as a fitting starting point to explore Slovenia’s most celebrated wine region. Housing a well-equipped and highly resourceful tourist information centre in its courtyard, it provides valuable insights for your exploration. Additionally, the courtyard is home to the Briška Butiehca shop, a treasure trove of handmade gifts and keepsakes, lovingly created by the region’s artists, artisans, and farmers.
Inside the late Renaissance castle, there’s the Count de Baguer Museum Collection, the Zoran Dobrovo Castle Mušič Art Gallery and a wine cellar with wines from more than 50 of the region’s best producers. At the castle restaurant, you’ll find reasonable prices and ample servings of local specialities, with the postcard-worthy views from the back terrace.
Grajska 10, Dobrovo v Brdih
+386 5 395 92 10
tic@brda.si
www.brda.si
Bjana Winery
If you enjoy a glass of bubbly you can’t miss the Bjana winery.
Although the tiny village of Biljana may not be widely recognized even within Slovenia, its local dialect name, Bjana, has gained widespread recognition far beyond national borders. It has indeed become a hallmark of premium quality sparkling wine, not just across the country, but across the globe.
Furthermore, the winery itself, where the art of winemaking comes to life, is no less spectacular. At its heart is the impeccably refurbished 13th-century Chateau Dorišče, which carries a history as fascinating as the region of Bjana itself. This splendid estate serves as the cornerstone for the enchanting allure of the place. Enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines on their new spectacular terrace with views over the valley.
For tastings
M: +386 31 339 931 (Petra Sirk)
bjana@siol.net
Biljana 38, Dobrovo v Brdih
www.bjana.si
Movia
The man behind Movia, Aleš Kristančič, has been described as Slovenia’s wine genius. Owned by Kristancic’s family since 1820, its fortunes have risen and fallen with the region’s and is currently the most famous, and arguably the best, producer in the country.
Movia is celebrated for its innovative practices, aligning with nature’s rhythms to cultivate a healthier ecosystem and higher-quality grapes. The winery produces a range of wines, from robust reds to delicate whites, each capturing the region’s unique essence. Visitors to Movia Winery can immerse themselves in the winemaking process, tour the historic cellars, and enjoy unforgettable tasting experiences.
Open Monday-Saturday: 1pm – 6pm
Wine tastings include welcome with Puro sparkling wine, tasting of five Movia wines, and selected bites (local salami or prosciutto, cheses, olives..) – 35 eur/pp
For wine tastings and wine cellar tours, prior reservation is required. Please contact via:
ela@movia.si or +386 51 304 580
https://movia.si/en/wine-tastings
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Embarking on a winery tour in Vipava Valley and Goriška Brda is an invitation to explore the beauty of Slovenia’s wine culture. Each winery on this list offers a distinctive experience, showcasing the region’s diverse terroir, passionate winemakers, and centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to discover something new, these tours promise to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking and the flavours that arise from these enchanting landscapes. Raise your glass, savour the moment, and let the magic of Vipava Valley and Goriška Brda unfold before your eyes.
Feeling inspired? Contact Sarah to create your own bespoke Slovenia experience.
Written by Sarah Leckie
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