Here you can find a list of some of the events throughout Slovenia which should not be missed. However, you'd better leave your car at home.
Vineyard cottages of the Vipava valley
Between November 7 and December 21 the doors to vineyard cottages of the Vipava will remain open. Although wines from Brda introduced Slovenian wines to the world, in the last years the Vipava valley became the silent favourite of many connoiseurs. Vintners from the valley can boast of quite a number of excellent products; 'zelen' or 'pinela', autochthonous wine varieties, are especially worth mentioning.
Therefore you won't be disappointed if you decide to participate at a celebration of St. Martin's Day there, or drop by at doors open day. During weekend, from November 7 to 9, you can go to Brje and taste young wines offered by more than 20 local vintners, and food characteristic for this time of the year, while listening to live music. Vrhpolje Wine Tourism Society is inviting to their doors open day for tasting, as well as the number of Vipava inns, restaurants, and tourist farms.
During the next weekend (November 14-16) Vinoteka Vipava, Vina Benčina (Lože), Tilia estate (Potoče) will open their door, and a week later (November 22-23) vintners, and more and more appreciated tourist farm Arkade from Črnič, Wine cellar Miška (Erzelj) and Vina Valič (Vipavski Križ) will introduce themselves.
The last November weekend (November 29-30) vintners from Slap (wine cellar Žorž, Rouna Etate, Srečko Marc, Rondič Farm , Pregeljc Farm, Izidor Petrič, Trošt Farm, Tourist farm Na hribu) will welcome you, while the turno vintners from Planina comes on December 6, with some quite famous names: Štokelj Estate, Štrancar Winery , Božič Homestead, Petrič Vintners, Pipan Vintners, Ferjančič Farm, Franjo Marc Cottage, Martin Marc Farm, Fortunat's Cottage, and Guerila.
Celebration of St. Martin's Day in the Brda Hills
Grape harvest is the biggest holiday for people from this region; they are known for their memorable celebrations of St. Martin's day. The largest is always organized in Šmartno. In the cellars of old houses of this medieval village more than 30 vintners from Brda and Gorizia Gollio organize wine tasting, and the village is the stage for cultural and entertainment programme, there are stands selling produce from Brda, and home-made food.
Celebrations of St. Martin's Day are organized at other locations in the Gorizia hills as well - Dobrovo, Hum, and Podsabatin, while a number of Brda caterers and vintners are preparing special feasts.
... and in the Styria region
The largest open-air celebration of St. Martin's Day is organized at the other part of Slovenia, in Maribor – every year several thousands of visitors are lured to the celebration. This year the 31st celebration of St. Martin's day will held on November 11, from 11 am to 10 pm, at the Leon Štukelj square. A rich cultural and entertainment programme will amuse you, along with a rich offer of wines, and culinary treats.
A celebration will be organized in Ptuj as well, between November 7 and 11. Visitors will be able to quench their thirst, and to appease their hunger at the Martin's market, taste different wines at the Ptuj cellar, and take part at the traditional Primus Wine Stories with several vintners at Grand Hotel Primus.
Ljubljana Wine Paths
Among the best opportunities to taste the diversity of wine-growing regions of Slovenia is most certainly the Ljubljana Wine Path. This November the event will be organized twice, due to the great interest: on Sunday, November 9, and on next Saturday, November 15. On both occasions visitors will be able to taste vintage wines between 10 am and 5 pm.
There will be almost one hundred stands on the Ljubljana streets, all dedicated to the holiday of St. Martin, presenting wines and culinary delicacies from all the parts of Slovenia. Stands will be placed according to separate wine regions, and the offer will mostly include wine in season, i.e. young wines.
Slovenian Wine Festival
At Grand hotel Union in Ljubljana already the 17th Slovenian Wine Festival will be organized – again parallel to the Culinary Festival. Both festivals will take place on Thursday and Friday, November 20 and 21, between 3 pm and 9 pm (Culinary Festival between 4 and 8 pm).
This year as well a great number of local, but also foreign vintners will introduce themselves in two large halls, workshops will be organized, and assessment of wines, while at the Culinary Festival Slovenian top chefs will prepare, live, dishes from the chosen ingredients which will have to present the main theme on the plates.
K. S., translated by G. K.
