In Koper the Sea Tastes Sweet

Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal town, tells stories of a vibrant past, rich traditions and cultural heritage not only through its medieval old town, but also across the sun-drenched hills that surround it. Here, vineyards thrive in the embrace of the Adriatic breeze and fertile Istrian soil. For centuries, passionate winemakers have cultivated indigenous grape varieties, crafting wines that capture the essence of this unique Mediterranean landscape.

Today, Koper’s winemaking tradition stands proudly alongside the world’s best, with modern  winecellars and vineyards receiving international recognition. The harvest season brings a special liveliness to the hills, with grape-picking in full swing. Among the most celebrated local varieties are refosco and malvazija, joined by international names such as merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

A true symbol of the region is Vinakoper, one of Slovenia’s oldest and most important wineries. Uniting over 350 winegrowers and cultivating more than 500 hectares of vineyards, Vinakoper has become a cornerstone of the local wine identity. Its Wine Boutique is a popular stop for visitors eager to taste award-winning vintages.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, visitors head tothe Marezige Wine Fountain, the only wine fountain in Slovenia. Known as “a glass with a view,” it offers not only tastings of Istrian wines but also breathtaking vistas over the Bay of Koper. Nearby lies a remarkable refosco vineyard, considered one of the oldest in Europe with a history stretching back more than 150 years.

This September, wine meets sweetness at the Altroke Sladka Istra Gourmet Festival, taking place on Saturday, 13 September 2025, in the heart of Koper. More than 60 stalls will showcase sweet delicacies made from authentic Istrian ingredients, alongside traditional dishes and wines of the region. A lively programme of events adds to the festive atmosphere, making it an unmissable celebration of Istrian flavours.

From historic streets to hillside vineyards, Koper invites visitors to savour its heritage — a place where history, wine and culinary delights come together at every step. 

This article is part of an exciting partnership with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Koper 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 Koper. 

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