Discover Novo Mesto: Taste Tradition, Hike Vineyards
At the heart of the Dolenjska region, Novo Mesto invites you to explore its old-style charm, world-famous Cviček wine, and the vineyard-dotted hills of Trška Gora. A perfect blend of history, nature, and authentic local experiences awaits.
Nestled in the embrace of the Krka River, Novo Mesto – the capital of the Dolenjska region – enchants visitors with its picturesque medieval old town and rich archaeological heritage that earned it the title the city of situlas. A stroll along the Glavni trg, the largest medieval square in Slovenia, reveals centuries of history, complemented by excellent gastronomy deeply connected to the region’s winemaking traditions.
Novo Mesto is also a perfect starting point for active holidays – from cycling through scenic landscapes to leisurely paddling on the Krka River. In autumn, the nearby vineyard hills invite you to discover the tradition of Cviček, Dolenjska’s most distinctive wine. This rare blend of red and white grape varieties holds the PTP designation (priznano tradicionalno poimenovanje – recognized traditional denomination), meaning it can only be produced here.
Photo: Jošt Gantar
Trška Gora – the Cradle of Dolenjska Winegrowing
Just 5 km from the town centre, Trška Gora (428 m) rises above the valley, covered with vineyards and dotted with the largest number of traditional vineyard cottages (zidanice) in the world. Here, winegrowing traditions date back to the Middle Ages, and Cviček, along with the local specialty trškogorec, can be tasted in many cottages open to visitors on weekends. The area also offers excellent hiking and cycling, and has been featured several times in the Tour of Slovenia.
Photo Jošt Gantar
Highlights include the 17th-century pilgrimage church of the Nativity of Mary, surrounded by linden trees – among them the oldest in Dolenjska, over 400 years old with a circumference of 830 cm. A new visitor centre at the foot of the hill now provides an information hub, digital displays, e-bike rental and easy access to freshly marked trails, such as:
Slak Trail – dedicated to the legendary local accordionist Lojze Slak.
Three Castles Trail – an 8.7 km path connecting Otočec, Stari Grad, and Hmeljnik castles, combining nature, cultural heritage and wine country. From the top, breathtaking views stretch across Novo Mesto, the Krka River and the Gorjanci Hills.
Authentic Wine Experiences
Open Vineyard Cottages
Every weekend between 9 am and 7 pm, meet local winemakers, taste Cviček and other wines and collect stamps on a loyalty card to earn gifts. Overnight stays in traditional cottages are also possible.
Open vineyard cottagesPhoto: Davorin Pavlenič
5-Star Cviček Experience
Become a winemaker for a day – from harvest and grape pressing to blending your own Cviček. Ride the legendary “Cviček-mobile” between stops, enjoy a homemade lunch at “Botra Jožefina,” and take home a personalized bottle as your souvenir.
This article is part of an exciting partnership with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Novo mesto is also a member. The partnership aims to bring you captivating stories from the historical towns nestled across Slovenia. As a regular feature of News from Slovenia, delivered to our valued subscribers, readers can expect to discover exciting stories from these timeless cities in the coming months. The contents and photos for this article were provided by the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia and Visit Dolenjska – Novo Mesto.
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