Vipava Valley
Sip, savor, stay, and see in Slovenia's sunniest valley
During summer 2025, I spent a week traveling through Europe’s broader North Adriatic wine region. Led by Paul Balke, the author of North Adriatic: Friuli Venezia Giulia / West Slovenia / Istria, our group of journalists visited key DOCs across three countries: Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. In his book, Balke asserts the North Adriatic as a whole should be recognized as a “premium wine-terroir” — “one terroir, three countries” — similar to other greats like Bordeaux, Rioja, Tuscany, etc. However, I also believe each region deserves to be in the spotlight, like Vipava Valley, where we spent a day.
With a climate moderated by the Trnovo, Hrušica and Nanos Plateaus and the nearby Adriatic Sea, Slovenia’s sunniest valley (with an average of 2,100 hours per year), Vipava Valley, is one of Europe’s most exciting wine regions. Sandwiched between the sea and the mountains in the greater North Adriatic region, alpine, continental, and Mediterranean influences converge to provide prime conditions for grape growing.
Vipava Valley is known for native varieties like Klarnica, Pinela, Polsjakica, and Zelèn — plus international varieties such as Chardonnay, Malvazija, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Rumeni Muškat (Yellow Muskat), Sauvignonasse (Friulano or Sauvignon Vert), Welshriesling, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Refošk (Refosco). Producers made a variety of wines and styles — such as vibrant sparkling wines, bright whites, elegant reds, and skin-fermented orange wines — from a stunning landscape of vineyards dotted with charming castles and medieval towns.
Three visits to Vipava Valley during 2024-2025 have provided the opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines, sample some of the local food, and take in a few of the local attractions. Below are some recommendations.
Sip
Barkola Winery
Barkola is a fourth‑generation farm and winery dating to 1898. In addition to making wine, it is known for its farm-raised poultry and pork. Other products include grains, vegetables, and cherries.
Wines to Try: Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc
Batič Winery
From 45 hectares (111 acres) of vineyards, this pioneer of organic/biodynamic grape growing makes expressive, age-worthy white, rosé, and red wines in four categories: Classic, Selection, Angel, and Marlon.
Wines to Try: Angel Grande Cuvée Belo (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Welshriesling), Marlon Hrastov Hrib (white cuvée)
Cultus Winery
Located within the walled village of Podraga, Cultus is a boutique bio/ecological winery whose beginnings go back as far as 1683. The wines from its four hectares (10 acres) of vineyards are known for their purity and varietal typicity.
Wines to Try: Sunrise Malvasia, Sunrise Zelèn, Red (Merlot)
Fedora Wines
The Kobal family planted vineyards as far back as 1880 high above the village of Dolanci. Today, Valter and Mojca Kobal’s minimalist approach allows ancient and native varieties like Pinela, Zelèn, and Refošk/Refosco from terraced hillside plots to show off their purity.
Wines to Try: Zelèn, Goli breg rdeče (blend of Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, Refošk/Refosco)
Ferjančič Winery (accommodation available)
Ferjančič is a historic family estate (since 1809) in Planina. Its sun-drenched, rocky hillside vineyards yield fresh, mineral-driven wines. There are also two guest accommodations onsite, perfect for a relaxing day of tasting among the vines.
Wines to Try: Pinela Brut Nature, Merlot
Fornazarič Winery
A former livestock and fruit farm, Fornazarič is a family-owned winery in Volčja Draga in the lower Vipava Valley. It produces classic, approachable white and red wines using traditional viticultural and winemaking methods.
Wines to Try: Malvazija, Rebula, Sauvignon Vert, Rubino (blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Guerila Winery (accommodation available)
Guerila is a biodynamic vineyard and wine cellar situated in the village of Planina near Ajdovščina. It is known for its wines made from native varieties. The winery also offers three apartments named Pinela, Rebula, and Zelèn, with beautiful views of Vipava Valley.
Wines to Try: Pinela, Retro (blend of Pinela, Zelèn, Rebula, and Malvazija)
Guštin Winery
Located in lower Vipava Valley, Guštin Winery is famous for its award-winning Merlot and Malvazija. Its winegrowing roots date to 1898, when great-grandfather Guštin planted these varieties.
Wines to Try: The full range of Malvazijas and Merlots
Jamšek 1887 Estate
Jamšek 1887 is a multi‑generation winery whose focus are the region’s native varieties: Pinela (still and sparkling), Rebula, and Zelèn — plus international reds such as Barbera, Merlot, and Pinot Noir
Wines to Try: Barbera, Zelèn, Pinela, 8,5 Pétillant Naturel (8.5% alcohol)
Pasji Rep
Pasji Rep is an organic/biodynamic winery in the village of Orehovica. It is recognized for its Zelèn and Pinela. Moser is the estate label for select bottlings that highlight Vipava Valley’s distinct terroir.
Wines to Try: Moser Zelèn, Pinot Noir
Štrancar Estate (accommodation available)
Family‑owned Štrancar Estate located in upper Vipava Valley specializes in local white varieties, Pinela and Zelèn, as well as Chardonnay, Malvazija, Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera, Merlot, and orange Rebula. The winery also offers apartments and rooms.
Wines to Try: Malvazija, Pinela, still and sparkling Zelèn
Sutor Winery
Sutor Winery is a family-owned, boutique producer in the eastern edge of Vipava Valley, where it has 5.5 (13.5 acres) of vineyards. The focus is crafting wines that are meant for longer-term bottle aging.
Wines to Try: Chardonnay, Malvazija
Svetlik Wines
From high-elevation vineyards located on Čaven’s south slopes above the village of Kamnje, Svetlik employs low‑intervention winemaking to create wines with texture, verve, and a true sense of place. Key varieties include skin-fermented Rebula, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Wines to Try: Rebula Ivi, Rebula Svetlik, Rebula Maximilian, Svetlikovo Rdeče (blend of Merlot, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon)
TILIA Estate
With Matjaž Lemut’s attentive vineyard practices and a gentle hand in the cellar, TILIA Estate, known as the ‘House of Pinots’, excels at making small‑lot Pinot Noir. Other wines include EL Rosé Brut Nature, Casanova Rosé, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Yellow Muscat, Zelèn, Nostra (white blend), Merlot, and Rubido (blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon).
Wines to Try: The whole range of Pinot Noirs, EL Rosé Brut Nature, Nostra
Savor
Gostilna Podfarovž
A TripAdvisor top-rated restaurant, Gostilna Podfarovž is located in a charming and romantic setting alongside one of the seven spring sources of the Vipava River in the town of Vipava, beside “the most famous and oldest bridge in Slovenian Venice.” Chef Denis Ibrišimović serves traditional Vipava Valley cuisine with a modern twist, accompanied by one of the region’s finest wine lists.
Gostilna pri izviru Hublja
Located in Ajdovščina beside the Hubelj River, this local gem is owned and operated by the Pižent family. The head chef is Tomaž, his assistant is Denis, and Stane, Zdravka and Sonja are the servers. The restaurant serves comfort-style meat, poultry, seafood, pasta, and vegetarian dishes. Try the Idrijski žlikrofi (homemade dumplings) with mushroom sauce).
Stay
B & W Križ (Bed & Wine / Slamic Križ)
B & W Križ (Bed & Wine) village house in medieval Vipavski Križ has eight guest rooms with private bathrooms and continental breakfast. Guests enjoy wine tasting experiences and spectacular views from its terrace. Complimentary local transportation to local wineries within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) is available.
See
Rihemberk Castle
One of Slovenia’s largest and oldest castles, Rihemberk is perched atop Primorska’s Golec Hill overlooking the village of Branik. In 1999, it was listed as a cultural monument of national importance. It is also a designated Natura 2000 area, because of its protective habitat for endangered animals.
Vipava
Home to Gostilna Podfarovž and dubbed the “Capital of Local Wine” and the “Venice of Slovenia”, Vipava is a small medieval town known for its delta-shaped river source of bubbling springs and 25 historic bridges. It is also home to the historic Lanthieri Mansion, Zemono Manor House, and the fortified settlement of Tabor and its castle.
Vipavski Križ
Located on a hillside just outside of the town of Ajdovščina and the home to B & W Križ, Vipavski Križ is a walled, medieval medieval town that was once the center of the region. It’s known for breathtaking mountain views, the Parish Church of St. Cross, a Capuchin monastery, the annual Zelèn Wine Festival, and holiday nativity scenes.