Herbersteinova Klet - (Herberstein Cellar)

The History of Viticulture Dating Back to 1920 in the Kaučič family

The Kaučič family has been involved in viticulture since 1920 when Jakob Kaučič, the great-grandfather of the cellar's current owner was already doing so. Later in 1970, his grandson Alojz Kaui purchased a small section of the vineyard, as well as a wine cellar, from the descendants of Counts Herberstein in 1975. All of this was for the wine supply needs of their small inn, which is located in the heart of Jurinci. Today, the younger generation of the family with the same enthusiasm and commitment is continuing the winemaking practices built on the family tradition

Historical cellar on the edge of the Slovenian hills

The basement cellars which are more than 300-year-old were used to collect Tithes in the form of agricultural products. These buildings were used to store wine and other products, which were subsequently transported to Ptuj Castle by horse. The Herbersteins owned huge estates with vast grape, orchard, and woodland properties in the area. The work on the cellar, which is still intact today, began in the 18th century when the Herberstein dynasty (Maria Theresa, Countess Herberstein) purchased the nearby Ptuj castle. Count Otto von Herberstein, a descendant, was the last known owner of the cellar until Alojz Kaui purchased it. Although the methods of cellaring and working in vineyards have evolved through time, the family still continues to perform the same responsibilities as their previous generations. Their secret to the ability to provide only the greatest wines to the world is the connection of tradition, knowledge, and passion.

Wines From The Small 1.7 ha of land

The basement covering more than 150 square meters has a unique microclimate that is suitable for storing current year wines as well as a large collection of vintage wines whereas the vineyard covers roughly 1.7 hectares and is spread out over three separate areas. At an altitude of around 280 meters, the majority of the vineyard spreads southwestward. Every year, the family plants more than 200 new vines to ensure that regions are rejuvenated on a regular basis. With about 8000 planted vines, this is one of the smaller winegrowers in the area where most of the work in the vineyards is still done by hand, with the help of relatives and friends.