Slovenian Wine Regions: Discover Europe’s Best Kept Secret
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Slovenia may be small, but it has a great reputation among wine experts. With an ancient wine tradition, unique native grape varieties, and landscapes that rival those of Tuscany, it's one of Europe's most underrated wine destinations. Whether you like fresh white wines, strong red wines or natural wines, there is a region and a vineyard that will surprise you.
Slovenian Wine Regions: Discover Europe's Best Kept Secret
Slovenia may be small, but it has a big name among wine lovers. With ancient wine traditions, unique indigenous grape varieties, and landscapes that are reminiscent of Tuscany, Slovenia is one of the most underrated wine destinations in Europe. Whether you like fresh white wines, strong red wines or pure natural wines, there is always a region and a vineyard that will surprise you.
Best wine regions in Slovenia
Slovenia has three major wine regions, each with their own unique grape variety and award-winning wines.
Slovenian vineyards are considered to be among the best three to five percent in the world. There are many unique Slovenian grape varieties. The oldest vine in the world (over 400 years old) grows in Maribor, in northern Slovenia.
Slovenian wine has been produced by 28,000 different winemakers, both large and small, in the west, south and east of the country. Be sure to stop by a vineyard or wine producer for a glass of wine or a professional wine tasting.
Primorska - Mediterranean influences
Primorska, located near the Adriatic Sea, produces powerful, full-bodied wines with a Mediterranean character.
- Vipava Valley - known for native species such as Zelen and Pinela.
- Goriška brda - 'Slovenian Tuscany', famous for Rebula (Ribolla Gialla) and Merlot.
- Kras (Karst region) - home of Teran, a deep red wine full of minerals
- Slovenska Istra (Slovenian Istria) - produces Malvazija and the rare red Refošk.
Acknowledgements: The Rebula wines from Brda have received international recognition and compete with Italy's best white wines.
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Podravje (Drava Valley) - White Wine Paradise
The largest wine region, known for its fresh, aromatic white wines.
- Štajerska (Styria) - most famous for Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Furmint.
- Jerusalem-Ormož - A hidden gem, producing world-class Laški Rizling and Traminec.
- Maribor: home to the world's oldest vine (over 400 years old).
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The oldest vine in the world is located in Maribor. The Žametovka vine has been growing for over four centuries, making it the oldest fruit-bearing vine in the world (Guinness World Record). Every year, a limited number of exclusive wine bottles are produced from the grapes. The House of the Old Vine in Maribor is an absolute must for wine lovers!
Acknowledgments: Jerusalem-Ormož wines have won Decanter awards for their elegant white wines.
Posavje - Undiscovered Red Wines
The smallest and least known region, but full of unique wine traditions.
- Dolenjska: known for Cviček, a light red wine, low in alcohol.
- Bela Krajina: produces Metliška Črnina, a full and dark red wine.
Cviček is a protected Slovenian wine, famous for its refreshing acidity and refreshment.
