The Historic Towns of Brežice and Kranj Set the Stage for St. Martin’s Celebrations

Published: 25.10.2024

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The Historic Towns of Brežice and Kranj Set the Stage for St. Martin’s Celebrations

With their architectural splendour, vibrant history and lively cultural scenes, the historic towns of Brežice and Kranj provide the perfect backdrop for the annual St. Martin’s Day festivities where wine and tradition come together.

The Historic Towns of Brežice and Kranj Set the Stage for St. Martin’s Celebrations

Raise a Glass to St. Martin’s Day Festivities in Brežice

Known for its rich wine-growing tradition and cultural vibrancy, the charming historic town of Brežice, nestled in the heart of Posavje, promises a series of delightful events this November in celebration of St. Martin's Day. Visitors can savour fine wines, indulge in local culinary specialties and explore the region's rich cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

The festivities begin on Sunday, November 3, with Sparkling Wines at Heights, offering an extraordinary start to the season. Guests will ascend the iconic Brežice Water Tower for a guided tour and a breathtaking view of the town, all while sampling selections from the prestigious Brežice Selection of local sparkling wines. On Friday, November 8, culinary enthusiasts can head to Vimpolšek Tourist Farm, where traditional dishes of Posavje will meet lively tunes from the popular Slovenian duo Maja and Robi. The celebrations pick up pace on Saturday, November 9, at the St. Martin’s Festival in Bizeljsko, where festivities unfold under a grand tent outside the Cooperative Hall. From November 8 to 10, Pri Martinovih Tourist Farm will host a traditional St. Martin’s Feast, showcasing the region’s finest dishes. Then, on Sunday, November 10, the celebrations conclude with a mass in Sromlje, followed by a blessing of the new wine and tastings of young wines and local delicacies.

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The Wine Route in the Tunnels Beneath Old Kranj

The iconic barrel at the tunnel’s entrance and the unmistakable rattling sounds echoing from afar mark the beginning of Slovenia’s longest wine route through the historic tunnels under Kranj. Welcoming over 6,000 wine enthusiasts annually, this beloved event showcases the best of Slovenian wines, fine cuisine and a unique underground atmosphere. Held over two weekends in November, 22-23 and 29-30, with an additional date on Sunday, December 1, the Wine Route invites visitors to explore and taste the diverse flavours Slovenia has to offer.

More than 250 winemakers have brought their finest bottles to the event over the years, transforming the tunnel into a 1,300-metre “wine cellar”. From crisp whites to robust reds, guests will have the chance to sample exceptional wines paired with artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads, cured meats and sweet and savoruy treats. A true educational experience, the event also spotlights Slovenia’s rich wine heritage, revealing secrets of winemaking, unique grape varieties and the artistry of local producers.

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The subterranean tunnels, carved by hand toward the end of World War II as city shelters, add an extra layer of intrigue to the experience. The tunnels stretch across 1,300 metres and host rare cave-dwelling creatures like cave crickets and cave orbweavers, while natural cave stalactites contribute to the ambiance. The cool, stable temperatures of the tunnels make them ideal for wine, adding a unique sensory dimension to each tasting.

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This year, as Kranj celebrates its designation as a European Destination of Excellence 2023, the event will emphasize sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by bike, public transit, or carpool and the event itself will use eco-friendly practices, including reversible eco-coaches and dedicated waste-sorting stations.

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This article is part of an exciting partnership with with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Kranj and Brežice are 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 Brežice and Kranj Tourism Boards. 

 

 

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