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Wine holidays in Slovenia

In wine-growing Slovenia, there are plentiful opportunities to offer a toast with good wine in all seasons. Also visit our typical wine-related festivals.

Raise your glasses!

Slovenia has no less than 9 wine-growing districts with wine hills in locations which have the highest quality in the world. Every winemaker is proud of their wine and likes to share it with the visitors who stop at their cellar. The pride and joy that supreme Slovenian wines bring about is also reflected in a number of festivals and events taking place in wine regions practically throughout the year. The most festive season is autumn when the grapes are ripe and are turned into must in presses. On St Martin’s Day, the must then turns into young wine. The harvest and St Martin’s Day are traditional wine holidays, which must be experienced first hand.

prazniki vina v sloveniji

Autumn joy at the new vintage

Slovenian vineyards in autumn colours mark the time when wine cellars open and invite you to taste the new vintage. In addition to an oenological experience, numerous events held during this time will offer you an insight into old customs.

From grape picking ...

When autumn generously arrives to the country, happy songs can be heard and a lively atmosphere felt among the vineyards. With the help of numerous hard-working hands, the winemakers are harvesting the fruits of their past labour. Grape harvests have a special charm. They have expanded into traditional social events or festivals, such as the harvest of the Old Vine in Maribor, the town harvest in Ptuj or the Lendava grape harvest.

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... to St Martin’s Day

St. Martin’s Day is one of the most important folk festivals in wine-growing regions. To truly experience this festival, we recommend that you go where the wine originates. Among vineyards and the people who tend them, to a place where you can smell the sweet aroma of home-made cooking and freshly baked chestnuts. You will learn about the most authentic traditions and customs by visiting one of the numerous wine cellars, wineries or zidanicas around Slovenia, and St. Martin will also visit the capital and other cities in early November.

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The queen of all grapevines

Maribor, the second largest city in the country, is home to the oldest vine in the world, which still produces grapes. It is the only plant with its own museum and even an anthem. Many interesting events take place in its vicinity, especially in autumn during the Old Vine Festival. The diverse social activities start in Maribor with the harvest of the Old Vine and last until St Martin’s Day.

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Festivals where wine is one of the stars

In Slovenia, we are proud of our wines and we love to offer a glass of them to our visitors. The best way to get to know the wines of individual regions is through the various wine festivals and events that take place throughout the year. In wine-producing regions, celebrations and festivals connected with wine and local cuisine begin as early as the spring. Summer festivals often combine wine with other areas of cultural creativity. In the autumn, in addition to the many grape harvests and Saint Martin's Day celebrations, other wine-related events are held.

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Old Vine Festival

Old Vine Festival

The festival dedicated to the oldest grapevine in the world is the central wine and culinary autumn event in Maribor. It begins with the ceremonial picking of the esteemed grapevine and ends with a grand celebration of Saint Martin's Day.

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Slovenian Wine Festival

Slovenian Wine Festival

If you'd like to taste the best Slovenian wines in one place, visit the Slovenian Wine Festival in Ljubljana. There, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the special characteristics of wines from all three of Slovenia’s wine-growing regions; of course,...

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Vinska vigred spring festival in Metlika

Vinska vigred spring festival in Metlika

In the spring, the largest wine festival in Slovenia attracts domestic and foreign lovers of top wines from Bela krajina to Metlika. The town is permeated with the scent of Bela krajina delicacies, and the festival is supplemented with diverse events.

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Brda and Wine

Brda and Wine

We cannot talk about Brda without mentioning world-class wines from the region. So, it’s well worth visiting this spring festival to see for yourself how good they are and also taste other delicacies of Brda cuisine.

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Rebula and Olive Oil Festival

Rebula and Olive Oil Festival

Rebula is one of the trademarks of Brda. It is at its most "at home" in the village of Višnjevik, where this wine is celebrated with a special festival, with olive oil also playing an important role.

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International Orange Wine Festival

International Orange Wine Festival

Orange wines are a true hit among gourmets, and a heavenly experience of these prized wines awaits them at the International Orange Wine Festival in Izola.

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Festival of Olives, Wine and Fish

Festival of Olives, Wine and Fish

In Izola, a city where everything revolves around fish, olives and wine, it is fitting that they have a special festival dedicated to these delicacies. Follow the aromas emanating from the street stalls in Izola at the start of June. Photo: Luka Kaše

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Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek

Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek

Do you prefer a glass of wine or satisfying your sweet tooth with chocolate? If you can’t decide, that’s all right. You can treat yourselves to both at the Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek.

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Refosco and Slovenian Istria Festival

Refosco and Slovenian Istria Festival

At the end of May, the village of Marezige in the hinterland of Koper dons its festive finery. This is when the characteristic local Refosco wine and selected Istrian cuisine is celebrated with a special festival.

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Cviček Festival

Cviček Festival

The people of Dolenjska are proud of the region's special cviček wine. In the late spring, a festival is dedicated to this special wine in Novo Mesto, where a number of other events await you in addition to cviček tastings.

Days of Poetry and Wine

Days of Poetry and Wine

For 25 years, this international poetry festival with venues all over Slovenia has brought together poetry and the finest Slovenian wines.

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Teran and Prosciutto Festival, Dutovlje

Teran and Prosciutto Festival, Dutovlje

The largest event in the Karst, having a tradition spanning more than half a century, celebrates two of the most recognisable local specialties – Karst teran and Karst prosciutto.

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Vinarium Festival

Vinarium Festival

At the end of the summer, it is worth visiting the town of Lendava, which comes alive with the events of the Vinarium Festival. The two main events are the Bogračfest, a festival of traditional soups and stews, and the Lendava grape harvest.

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Bohinj Cheese & Wine Festival

Bohinj Cheese & Wine Festival

If you find yourself in Bohinj in autumn, you must visit the Cheese & Wine Festival, where you can taste a variety of cheeses, local and otherwise, and wash it all down with the finest Slovenian wines.

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Štanjel Wine Festival

Štanjel Wine Festival

Visit the Wine Festival in the picturesque medieval village of Štanjel, where you can meet the best winemakers from the Karst and not only taste typical Karst wines, but also other delicacies of the Karst cuisine.

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osmice

Wherever you encounter a bouquet of ivy

A lot happens in the Karst Region in all seasons, as winemakers open Osmice – pop-up wineries. The tradition of opening Osmice in the Karst Region, which has lasted over two hundred years, is more alive than ever. A permission was granted to wine-growers to sell excess wine, home-made prosciutto and other meat products tax-free for eight days, and this provided the ideal excuse to hold a  social and joyous event. Home-made bread, Potica and cooked Štruklji (rolled dumplings) are sure bring you good cheer. Osmice take place throughout the year, and to mark the way to them, ivy bouquets known as “fraskas” are placed along roads and at intersections.

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