Štanjel Wine Festival
From November 5 to 8, 2026, taste the wines of the Kras region in the hilltop village of Štanjel, accompanied by teran, prosciutto, and cheese. On Saturday, five castles will open at once. Program and tips.
In early November, the Kras plateau turns red: the grapevines and smoke trees shed their leaves, and the stone village of Štanjel stands out against the landscape. For four days, the focus is on local wine, led by teran, along with its perfect pairings: Kras prosciutto, cheese, and local bread. Saturday is the main event, when not only the castle of Štanjel opens, but also Rihemberk, Lanthieri, Gorjansko, and Vipavski Križ, in a celebration spread across the Kras and Vipava Valley.
What to expect
- Thursday, November 5: The seventh wine judging by the European Wine Knights, followed by an evening tasting featuring the participating winemakers.
- Friday, November 6: The awards ceremony for the Extempore Kras 2026 photography competition.
- Saturday, November 7, the main day: A local produce market and village tours starting at 11:00 AM, live music from 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and the blessing of the must at 3:00 PM—the moment when young wine officially becomes wine.
- That same Saturday is Martinovanje na gradovih: five castles and estates in the Kras and Vipava Valley are participating.
- Sunday, November 8: The "Stone and Wine" walk, a wine-themed painting workshop, and a closing tasting.
- Kras wine, Kras prosciutto, cheese, and other local products available all four days.
Go on Saturday if you want the full festival experience, or on Sunday if you prefer a more relaxed tasting and walking pace. Book your tours in advance via Visit Štanjel, and book your accommodation early: Štanjel is small and the Kras region fills up quickly that week.
Read more about the Slovenian wine regions in our blog →
