Wine & Goriška Brda
Slovenia is a wine-growing superpower in miniature — only not many have realized it yet. On a vineyard area smaller than the Mosel, the country produces world-class wines, with a diversity and individuality that excites wine connoisseurs.
Goriška Brda — The Little Tuscany
The Goriška Brda (Gorizia Hills) on the Italian border is Slovenia's most famous wine region — and it truly looks like Tuscany in miniature: gentle hills, vineyards, olive groves, stone villages, and cypresses. But the comparison falls short — the Brda has something Tuscany does not: Orange Wine.
In the Brda, Rebula (Ribolla Gialla) has been cultivated for centuries and fermented into orange wine in the amphora wine style using the ancient Georgian method — white wine with skin contact, amber-colored, complex, and unique. The wine revolution of the natural wine movement has its European origins here. Winemakers like Aci Urbajs, Kabaj, and Klinec are internationally celebrated.
The best wineries offer tastings starting at €15 — often with breathtaking views over the hills. Šmartno, the fortified stone village on the hill, is the most photogenic place in the region. From the church in Gonjače (viewing tower, free), you have a 360° view over the Brda, the Soča Valley, and the Alps.
Karst Region — Teran & Pršut
The Karst region (Kras) behind the coast is home to Teran — a robust, earthy red wine from the Refošk grape, grown on iron-rich Terra Rossa. Alongside it is Kraški pršut (Karst ham), an air-dried ham that rivals Prosciutto di Parma. The combination of Teran and Pršut in a Karst village is one of Slovenia's most authentic culinary experiences.
Recommended: The village of Štanjel on the Karst hill with its park designed by Max Fabiani and the wine cellar tour in Sežana.
Lipica — Home of the Lipizzaners
The Lipica Stud Farm (founded in 1580) is the birthplace of the famous Lipizzaner horses — those white magnificent horses that perform at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. In Lipica, you can watch the horses in the pastures and riding hall, take a tour of the historic stables, and (upon request) ride yourself. Entrance: €15 (with performance: €22).
