FESTIVALS

The Slovenian Wine Festival is the largest annual wine event held in Ljubljana every November. Established in 1997, this festival consistently draws over 120 Slovenian exhibitors and more than 500 samples of wine. It features a wide array of special workshops and masterclasses. It serves as a prominent showcase for the Slovenian wine industry, bringing together enthusiasts, experts, and the general public to celebrate and explore the country's diverse and thriving wine culture.

"Brda, Home of Rebula" is an annual event hosted in Goriška Brda in September. This event serves as a bridge, connecting twelve exceptional producers of the renowned grape variety known as Rebula in Slovenia and Ribolla Gialla in Italy. The districts of Goriška Brda and Collio, where these producers are situated, are divided only by the national border, making this event a symbol of cross-border collaboration. To promote the famous grape variety lectures, masterclasses, and delightful tastings, are organized.

The Castle of Sevnica, located in the Posavje wine region, has been the gathering place for wine professionals and enthusiasts since 2011, coming together to celebrate one of Slovenia's prominent black grape varieties, Modra Frankinja (also known as Blaufränkisch). At this annual event, an international wine jury is convened to select the finest wines within specific categories. These selections are followed by informative lectures, roundtables, and a culinary program, providing a platform for the appreciation and exploration of Modra Frankinja.

The Orange Wine Festival is an esteemed wine event that showcases a diverse selection of orange wines, a style of white wine produced through extended maceration. This festival has gained increasing popularity and typically attracts over 100 wine producers from 13 different countries. It is held in two alternating locations, one on the picturesque Slovenian coast in the charming village of Izola in April and the other in the vibrant capital city of Vienna, Austria.

The Association of Wine Producers from Slovenian Istria hosts an annual festival that spotlights the increasingly popular grape variety, Malvazija Istarska. This festival is typically held in March along the picturesque coast of Slovenia. It brings together more than 60 wine producers from Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy, who converge to present their wines.

The Salon of Sparkling Wine, positioned as the preeminent wine festival in Slovenia exclusively dedicated to sparkling wine, serves as a pivotal annual showcase for the industry. This distinguished event features a rigorous competition, attracting over 80 submissions predominantly from Slovenia and Croatia. Each June, a public event in Ljubljana convenes 30 leading producers, affording them the opportunity to present their finest sparkling wine selections to an engaged and discerning audience.

The Festival Cvička is a distinguished three-day event committed to promoting the renowned Cviček wine from the Dolenjska region held in Novo mesto. This multifaceted festival seamlessly integrates wine tastings and round table discussions with enriching cultural elements, including concerts, a showcase of local culinary delights, and traditional ethnological events.

The Salon Sauvignon, held in the historic town of Ptuj, represents a premier gathering for sauvignon enthusiasts, attracting over 70 prominent producers annually from Slovenia and various other countries. This exclusive event unfolds against the captivating backdrop of a 13th-century former Dominican monastery. The Salon Sauvignon not only serves as a platform for extensive tastings but also facilitates an enriching exchange of knowledge through in-depth lectures and round table discussions featuring esteemed international guests.

Vinska Vigred is a highly acclaimed festival hosted in the town of Metlika, situated in the smallest Slovenian wine district, Bela Krajina, in the southeastern part of Slovenia. Spanning three days, this festival serves as a showcase for the premier wine producers of the region, as well as a rich tapestry of cultural and culinary delights. The event unfolds as a celebration of both viticulture excellence and the unique heritage of Bela Krajina.

For wine enthusiasts contemplating a visit to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, a strategically planned trip in November to coincide with the Ljubljana Wine Route is highly recommended. Nestled in the historic heart of the city, this event boasts an impressive assembly of 70 stands, showcasing a curated selection of over 450 wine samples.