Vipavska dolina Wine Region

Vipavska dolina, often known as Vipava Valley, is one of Slovenia's most successful wine regions. The area is largely made up of beautiful green rolling hills that benefit from good soils, a mild climate, and rain. The Vipava river flows across the region, eventually reaching the Adriatic Sea. After Slovenia gained independence in 1991, the region experienced a tremendous expansion in the wine industry. Despite its distance from the coast, the region is impacted by the Mediterranean climate. The wine region of Vipavska dolina is the most dynamic, with winemakers constantly experimenting with grape varietals and the winemaking process. The wine area was able to establish an authentic image in the wine industry.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Vipavska dolina!

Where is the Vipavska dolina wine region?

Vipavska dolina wine region is located in the westernmost part of the Primorski region. The region lies north of the Kras wine region and the Italian city of Trieste. The Trnovska plateau lies northwest to southeast of the region. The wine region stretches from Nova Gorica to the west to Vipava to the east. The Vipava valley is linked by a busy freeway running from Italy to Ljubjana. The Ajdovščina and Vipava are the major towns of the region which offer a perfect relaxing getaway in the region. 

History of the Vipavska dolina wine region

For decades, the Vipavska dolina wine region has been known as a wine-growing district, and its wine culture is deeply anchored in history.

Since 8000BC, the Vipava valley has been governed by Illyrians, Iberians, Ligures, Celts, and Etruscans at various times. In 394AD, the region saw the Battle of Frigidus. During medieval times, the territory was also part of the Duchy of Carniola. Following World War I, the territory was captured by the Italian army and ceded to the Kingdom of Italy. After 1941, the region became one of Italy's initial hotbeds of partisan struggle. Nazi Germany besieged the region in 1943. The entire valley was ceded to Yugoslavia in September 1947.

The terroir and geography of the Vipavska dolina wine region

Despite being distant from the coast, the southern portion of the wine region has a higher impact from the Mediterranean climate, and the hillier northern part has a continental climate. The region's viticulture advantages from diurnal temperature variance, which allows grapes to have concentrated tastes, high acidity, and good structure. The topography consists primarily of undulating green hills with excellent soil and moderate rainfall throughout the year. For the cold half of the year, the Vipava valley is impacted by strong winds from the northeast, Burja, while the warm and humid southwestern wind is persistent.

Popular grape varieties from the Vipavska dolina wine region

Vipavska valley houses numerous grape varieties including eight old indigenous varieties with some just found in the region. The most popular grape varieties in the region are Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia, Welschriesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. Zelen has a special place in the Vipavska Dolina region. Other grape varieties cultivated in the region are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Barbera, Pinella, Ribolla, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Laski Riesling, Pikolit, Rebula, Malvazija, Klarnica, Poljsakica, Glera, Pergulin, Vitovska Grganja, Sivi, Beli pinot, Rumeni Muskat, Zeleni Sauvignon, Refosk and Syrah.

Food to pair with Vipavska dolina wine 

Sashimi

Sashimi, or thinly sliced raw fish, shrimp, or pork, is a popular Japanese dish. Soy sauce, wasabi, and other seasonings are commonly included in the dish. Depending on the chef and the occasion, the supper can be prepared in a variety of ways. The slices are sliced in a range of styles, from extremely thin to thick. Popular sashimi accompaniments include shiso leaves, seaweed, and salads. This dish pairs well with Vipavska dolina wines, which enhance the flavor of both.

Ratatouille

This vibrant regional vegetable meal is a simple, meatless dish created with an abundance of fresh vegetables such as courgettes, eggplants, green and red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and parsley. Ratatouille is an old Occitan word that means tossing or stirring. Vegetables are initially cooked with simple seasonings like as salt and pepper, and occasionally olive oil. The mixture is then tossed and mixed, yielding a vibrant vegetable meal.

Ratatouille grew popular after the 1930s, and by the 1980s, it had become a dinner party staple. This meal is simple and adaptable enough to be enjoyed on its alone or with toasted garlic bread, grilled pork, lamb, or chicken.

Kolokithakia tiganita

Kolokithakia tiganita is a traditional Greek dish made with fried zucchini. The dish is usually served as part of a meze or as a side dish. Before seasoning, the zucchinis are cut and dusted with flour. An egg batter is also used, which is then fried in hot oil until golden and crispy. Tzatziki and Skordalia are two dips that go well with Kolokithakia tiganita. This great snack matches the Vipavska dolina wines with their flavorful yet simple flavor.

Places to visit in the Vipavska dolina wine region

Rihemberk Castle

Rihemberk Castle, also known as Grad Rihemberk or Grad Branik, is one of Slovenia's oldest castles, perched on a rocky hill on the slope of Mt. Golec. The Rihemberk castle is sometimes known as the Branik castle since it is located above the commune of Branik, near Nova Gorica in southwestern Slovenia. The stronghold has always been on this hill since prehistoric times, and it was also held by a Roman Castrum because the location is on an important route across the Karst in the direction of Triesta and the Friuli plains. The castle was referenced for the first time in 1230. The castle provides spectacular views of the Branica valley.The castle was built with Gothic architecture. The Lanthieri family acquired the castle in the mid 17th century and gave its current appearance. The castle is magnificent and definitely deserves a visit. 

Goriški muzej

In 1952, the Goriki muzej Museum was established in the Kromberk castle near Nova Gorica. In each area, this remarkable museum displays archaelogical, ethnological, cultural, and historical objects. The Coronini family, a valley aristocratic family, erected the castle in the early 17th century on the site of an ancient fortress from the 13th century. The museum was created on this castle with the goal of promoting historical, cultural, and social growth in the region of operation from the beginning to the present. The Kromberk castle was designed in the Northern Italian Renaissance style. The museum also exhibits works by coastal artists, as well as furniture and paintings from the twentieth century. 

Frequently asked questions about Vipavska dolina