Posavje Wine Region

Posavje is Slovenia's smallest wine region, making it a joyful discovery for wine lovers. Posavska region is a relative unknown in the wine industry, but it has some unique characteristics that make its wines alluring. Wine offers a way of experiencing the culture in every glass. This is seen across wine regions, such as here, where excellent sparkling wines and outstanding sweet wines are gaining an audience. It produces about 10 million liters of wine annually. If you are up to some exploring, there are tons of vineyards in the Posavje wine region, so get out and learn a little more about what makes this place such a great destination.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Posavje Wine Region

Where is the Posavje Wine Region

The Posavje wine region is in southeast Slovenia, along the border with Croatia, corresponding to the historical region of Lower Carniola.

History of Posavje Wine

Slovenia was brought into the EU in the late 90s and early 00s. Slovenia became an official part of the EU during the first round of negotiations in December 1997. The talks ended in 2002 with a framework treaty agreement on how Slovenia could join the Union. In May 2004 Slovenia became a EU member after finishing accession to the Union. The practicality of the method was quickly realized, opening the viticulture business to new opportunities. In 2004, a new market was recognized, entering the European Union market. And of course, the revival period begins in Posavje, too.

Terrior of Posavje

The Posavje terroir is also influenced by the continental climate. It has cold winters and mild summers, and around 1 100 mm of rainfall that nourishes the vines annually. In Posavje wine region medium hills are surrounded by small valleys and steep slopes, with vineyards being a vital element in protecting soil. The soil is mostly made of sandstones and supplementary limestone. The wine growing area is full of dolomite, which composes the vineyards for Cviček wine.

Posavje Wine Characteristics

The wine-growing region of Primorska is renowned for its strong, dry wines. Goriška Brda is on the border with Italy and is home to many of Slovenia's most renowned wine producers. Rebula, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are among their specialities. The region also boasts a number of red wines: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For wine lovers, the Vipava Valley is a heaven. Besides the traditional white and red wines, you can also taste indigenous wines such as Zelen, Pinela and Pikolit. The Karst region is the place where Slovenian wine is made, the Teran variety in particular. The soil is so dry and red, it produces a very full flavor.

Food to pair with Posavje Wine

1. Gobova juha

Gobova juha is a traditional Slovenian mushroom soup which has many variants. The most popular version of this dish includes vegetables, mushrooms and wine. The onions are sautéed in butter, then mixed with flour and garlic. The mushrooms are cut into chunks and added to a pot with water, marjoram, bay leaves, potatoes salt and black pepper. The soup is simmered over low heat until the potatoes beat. White wine or vinegar is added to the pot near the end of cooking, and the soup is then ladled into bowls and garnished with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. This soup especially goes well with Posavje wines.

2. Bograč

Bograč is a traditional Slovenian meat stew that allegedly originated in Prekmurje when it was under Hungarian rule. Stews are becoming more popular because they're a hearty meal that is typically simple to make. This particular one includes four popular types of meat, namely pork, beef, venison, and boar. Potatoes, onions, spices like white pepper and thyme are also added for flavor before it's simmered in red wine and mushrooms. This Slovenian meat stew pairs well with Posavje wines.

3. Idrijski žlikrofi

This popular pasta dish is traditionally made in Slovenia, namely the town of Idrija. It can be described as a variety of ravioli. Žlikrofi are shaped like a hat and filled with a potatoes. They're delicious outside of the shape, but once you get to taste the pasta dough, you'll know that these have been done right. Typically, these dumplings would be filled with potatoes, meat or turnip mash. Though there are many theories about their origin, no one know for sure where Idrijski žlikrofi come from. It pairs well with Posavje wines.

Places to visit near Posavska

1. Lake Bled and Triglav National Park

Get out of the city and experience two of Slovenia’s alpine lakes with this tour. Depart from your Ljubljana hotel in an air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide, travel to Lake Bled, then continue to Lake Bohinj. Ride a traditional wooden pletna boat to the Church of the Assumption of Mary in the middle of Lake Bled. Head up to Bled Castle and explore the fortress.

2. Ljubljana Castle

For a calmer experience at Ljubljana Castle, pre-book your entrance ticket here.Explore Castle Hill from the ground up - in a leisurely, funicular-assisted fashion. Start by exploring the Visitor Centre and browsing exhibitions about Clarence House life. Then take a leisurely ride up to the hilltop fortifications in a funicular carriage, where you can explore at your own pace - visiting the Pentagonal Tower, Castle Chapel of St George.

3. Postojna cave and Predjama castle day trip from Bled

You could combine visiting Postojna Caves with a trip to Predjama Castle on this day-tour from Bled. With this, you’ll get to enjoy two of Slovenia’s top attractions in one day and be back in time for sunset in Bled. You'll tromp through the cool caves at Postojna with its funky geological features, and walk by a real-life fairytale castle on your way back to Bled.

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Posavje Wine Region