As would be expected from a country that borrows the lyrics for its national anthem from a poem entitled The Toast, winemaking and viticulture hold a special place in the hearts and minds of most Slovenes. So it should come as no surprise that tons of wine-related events take place throughout the year, ranging from professional international competitions to local affairs in smaller villages where all manner of bacchanalian revelry is guaranteed to transpire. You can find the best of the best, as well as our personal favourites, below.
Istria is home to the Malvasia grape, and this event brings together wine producers and drinkers from all over the region, to share their love of local wine, food, and culture, and is the ideal place to sample the more Mediterranean side of Slovenian life. Portorož, www.malvazija.info
APRIL
Brda & Wine
Held in late April, the Brda & Wine festival gives offers the chance to sample wines and produce from around the district, attracting producers and wine lovers from both sides of the Italian border. There are also cultural and educational events, such as lectures, concerts, films and art shows. Šmartno, Goriška Brda, www.brda.si
Šempas Wine Festival
For two days each April the Cultural Centre in Šempas, near Nova Gorica, hosts a festival of wine and olive oil, where visitors can enjoy a lively atmosphere and sample local produce, including the work of winemakers from Slovenia and neighbouring countries. Šempas, Vipava, www.festival-vin.si
Orange Wine Festival
Slovenia has managed to muscle its way to the forefront of the increasingly popular Orange wine movement. What is Orange wine? In technical terms it’s wine made from white grapes with an extended maceration period, but you don’t need to be a viticulturist to appreciate the taste, or the striking colour. Izola, www.orangewinefestival.si
For producers, the focus of this event is the professional tasting, scoring and awarding of the best Refosco (or Refošk in Slovene), but more casual visitors can simply relax and enjoy the range of wines on offer, along with tasty cuisine and entertainment. Marezige, www.praznik-refoska.si
On the first or second weekend of June many local winemakers open their cellars and share their stories and secrets of production. As well as chance to learn more about wine-making, in beautiful and historic surroundings, there are also plenty of tastings. Goriška Brda, www.brda.si
Ljubljana Summer Wine Route
The summer event follows the form of its November incarnation, only with warmer weather and later hours, as dozens of Slovene producers set up stalls throughout the old town, offering generously poured glasses for around €1 each (special vintages, reserve selections, etc. can be higher). Local farmers also get in on the action, offering homemade cheeses, meats, honey and other treats to hungrier than usual passers-by. Ljubljana Old Town, www.ljubljanskavinskapot.si
Modra Frankinja Festival
Taking place at the beautiful Sevnica Castle, this festival is dedicated to the Modra Frankinja, better know internationally as Blaufränkisch
Dedicated to the dark-skinned Modra Frankinja grape (or Blaufränkisch as it’s most commonly known internationally), the festival is part of a larger project aiming to promote the production and quality of the wine variety locally, while also making the Posavje region one of the most recognisable centres of Blaufränkisch in Europe. Sevnica, Bizeljsko-Sremič, www.modra-frankinja.com
JULY
Grossmann Fantastic Film & Wine Festival
Launched in 2005 to celebrate 100 years of filmmaking in Slovenia, the organisers went one-step further and added wine, because why not? Held each summer in mid-July, this truly unique festival also in- cludes concerts, workshops and art exhibitions. Ljutomer, Štajerska, www.grossmann.si
Vino Ljubljana
Although its tradition dates back to 1811, Vino Ljubljana’s modern incar- nation began in 1955, which is still good enough to make it the oldest international wine competition in the world. Both Slovene and international champions are crowned in a variety of categories each spring. Ljubljana, www.en.vinoljubljana.si
AUGUST
Festival of Teran & Prosciutto
The name says it all - the two culinary products that the Karst region is most known for make a beautiful couple
In mid-August the culture of the Karst region is celebrated in a festival of culture, entertainment, prosciutto and wine. Another chance to enjoy some of the best local produce while seeing a beautiful party of the country. Dutovlje, Kras, www.visitkras.info
SEPTEMBER
Ceremonial Harvest of the Old Vine
The annual harvest of the world’s oldest vine in Maribor is one of the country’s most exciting wine events. Guests, including government of- ficials and other VIPs, gather in front of the Old Vine House along the river to witness the ceremony, which is accompanied by cultural enter- tainment and of course wine tasting. Maribor, Štajerska, www.visitmaribor.si
OCTOBER
VinDel Wine & Culinary Fair
This international wine and delicacy event is one that attracts a broad range of exhibitors, and gives visitors the chance to try a huge variety of glasses and dishes. Highly recommended if in the area. Maribor, Štajerska, www.vindel.si
NOVEMBER
Wine Route in the Tunnels under Kranj
Kranj’s annual wine festival may be the most interesting wine event in Slovenia, as it takes place in the WWII-era tunnels underneath the old town. Held on two consecutive weekends, there’s also a full programme of other events around town running concurrently. Kranj, www.visitkranj.com
Slovenia’s largest food and wine-related event is held at one of Ljubljana’s most prestigious hotels, bringing together a broad range of participants and attendees from the industry, media and interested consumers. It aims to raise awareness of Slovenian wine and food. Cankarjev Dom, Ljubljana, www.slovenskifestivalvin.si
