WINES OF SLOVENIA

“This is a country worthy of investigation by any serious wine lover.”

– Regional Guide, Purple Pages (Jancis Robinson)

Discover a World of Artisanal Wine-Making

Slovenia is a small country, the hidden gem in the heart of European viticulture. Discover a world of artisanal wine-making seamlessly blended with a commitment to sustainability. Rich tradition, diverse terroir, and a stunning landscape promise an unparalleled wine experience. Embark on a journey to savor the exquisite flavors only Slovenia can offer – where passion for wine meets nature's artistic expression.


Slovenian Wines Facts & Figures

LOCATION

Slovenia Wine Regions

The Republic of Slovenia is in Central Europe, sharing its borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary. Spanning an area of 7,827 square miles, it is approximately equivalent in size to the state of New Jersey and boasts a population of 2.1 million residents. Slovenia's geographical location is defined by its proximity to the eastern extremities of the Alps, the Adriatic Sea, the Pannonian Basin, and the Dinaric mountain range. As the nation's capital, Ljubljana is its political and administrative center.

SLOVENIAN WINE REGIONS

Slovenia Wine Regions

Although a small country, Slovenia’s climate and geology are diverse, resulting in stunning wines that reflect the varied character of their terroir. In 2022, the Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food reported that Slovenia’s total Vineyard area was 14,736 hectares.

Slovenia is composed of three distinct wine regions:

Region: Podravje 5925 ha

Region: Posavje 2400 ha

Region: Primorska 6332 ha

SLOVENIAN WINE DISTRICTS

In Slovenia, each wine region is comprised of a number of “Wine Districts,” determined by location, topography, and climate.

PODRAVJE: 

  • Slovenska Štajerska | 5473 ha

  • Prekmurje | 452 ha

POSAVJE: 

  • Bela Krajina | 315 ha

  • Bizeljsko-Sremič | 706 ha

  • Dolenjska | 1379 ha

PRIMORSKA:

  • Goriška Brda | 1824 ha

  • Kras | 564 ha

  • Istra | 1837 ha

  • Vipavska Dolina | 2107 ha

SLOVENIAN WINERIES

Slovenia Wineries

A region of rich diversity, just under 15,000 hectares of vineyard area are managed by 26,400 grape growers. Notably, most of these grape growers are also involved in wine production, primarily intended for domestic (family) consumption. A significant 91% of all grape growers own less than one hectare of vineyard area. There are 2,700 registered commercial wine producers. Only a handful of wine cellars annually produce more than 500,000 liters. One hundred fifty wine producers are exporting wine to more than 40 countries.

SLOVENIAN GRAPE VARIETIES

Slovenia wine grapes

Sixty grape varieties are grown across Slovenia’s wine regions, a remarkable display of diversity for a country roughly the size of New Jersey.

White Varieties: 38 

Red Varieties: 22

PRIMARY GRAPES IN EACH SLOVENIAN WINE DISTRICT

Slovenjska Štajerska

English (Common) Name

Welschriesling

Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Riesling

Yellow Muscat

Slovenian Name

Laški Rizling

Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Renski Rizling

Rumeni Muškat


Prekmurje

English (Common) Name

Welschriesling

Chardonnay

Riesling

Slovenian Name

Laški Rizling

Chardonnay

Renski Rizling


Bela Krajina

English (Common) Name

Blaufränkisch

Welschriesling

Yellow Muscat

Slovenian Name

Modra Frankinja

Laški Rizling

Rumeni Muškat


Bizeljsko-Sremič

English (Common) Name

Blaufränkisch

Welschriesling

Žametovka

Slovenian Name

Modra Frankinja

Laški Rizling

Žametovka


Dolenjska

English (Common) Name

Blaufränkisch

Kraljevina

Žametovka

Slovenian Name

Modra Frankinja

Kraljevina

Žametovka


Goriška Brda

English (Common) Name

Rebula

Chardonnay

Merlot

Sauvignonasse

Cabernet Sauvignon

Slovenian Name

Rebula

Chardonnay

Merlot

Sauvignonasse

Cabernet Sauvignon


Kras

English (Common) Name

Refosco

Malvasia

Vitovska

Slovenian Name

Refošk

Malvazija

Vitovska Grganja


Istra

English (Common) Name

Refosco

Malvasia

Cabernet Sauvignon

Yellow Muscat

Slovenian Name

Refošk

Malvazija

Vitovska Grganja

Rumeni Muškat


Vipavska Dolina

English (Common) Name

Merlot

Malvasia

Sauvignon

Rebula

Cabernet Sauvignon

Slovenian Name

Merlot

Malvazija

Sauvignon

Rebula

Cabernet Sauvignon