The Vipava valley is a valley of sun, wind and wine. This delightful corner of South-West Slovenia is a highly varied geographical area. Not surprisingly its climate mirrors its varied terrain with a unique blend of mild Mediterranean and continental Alpine temperatures that produce some very special grapes.

Viticulture is the main agricultural sector in this fertile valley (60%) and vines cover over 3000 acres of its total area (350 km²). The small, family-based vineyards are mainly concentrated on terraces in the higher areas where the excellent soil allows both white and red varieties to be cultivated.

Wine making was originally introduced to the Vipava valley over two thousand years ago by the Romans. Wine-making is regarded as a way of life here. Just as it was in 1689, when the famous Slovenian author and historian, Janez Vajkard Valvasor, published his classic description of the area, "The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola". In his book Valvasor claimed that the Vipava valley produced more wine than bread! Vipava even included a vine on its coat of arms!

In the Middle Ages the Vipava wines were particularly popular with the court in Vienna. Quality and dedication have always been the key to the superb wines produced here and local wine makers have always understood the need for research and new techniques. Not surprisingly the first book on wine cultivation was published here by Matija Vertovec and this is where the first agricultural school was established as well as the first wine association over a hundred years ago.

The unique climate in the Vipava Valley produces a host of classic whites, including Rebula, Sauvignon, Malvazija, Laški Rizling and Chardonnay and a wide variety of splendid reds, such as Merlot, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Modri Pinot. However, what makes this area particularly special are its rare, autochthonous wines. Thanks to the perseverance of local producers and the adoption of modern production methods, many rare and ancient grape varieties have been re-established. This is the home of the exquisite Zelen and Pinela grapes. Two other very old and rare specialties are Klarnica and the unforgettable dessert wine Pikolit, which with its intense peach aroma and aromatic bouquet is a rare treasure for any palate.

The Vipava wine road is marked with brown directing boards and the individual households also have special boards with their names on the walls.

It is advisable to make your appointment before your visit.

Tic Vipava also organizes guided wine degustacions by local producers and offers the visitors all information about the offer of the Vipava countryside.

Visitors of the Vipava wine road are invited also in Enotheque Vipava, located in the vicinity of Tourist info center Vipava. There you can choose between 120 different wines from Vipava valley.