Wine production has been present in Slovenia since the Celts and Illyrians tribes existed there, long before the Romans had introduced wine into other European countries such as France, Spain, etc. Slovenia, a small country bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, has been through ups and downs, with strict rules regarding their wine production before they became part of the European Union, and while they were still considered a Communist Soviet Country. While under Soviet rule, wine growers were required to sell their grapes to the local cooperative winery.

Well… times have changed! Wine making in Slovenia is now becoming more well-known, evoking Americans to travel there to learn about this little known wine crop.

There are three main wine regions in Slovenia- Posavje, Podravje, and Primorje. Each region has its own unique qualities based on its terrain.

Posavje is the region most influenced by the French, containing some excellent sparkling and blended wines, like one blend called Metliska Crnina. In past centuries, viticulture was an important aspect of this region’s local economy; therefore the economy was devastated after the Phylloxera plague, WWI, The Great Depression, and WWII. After that, Slovenia’s wine industry struggled in the shadows of countries like France and Italy.  However, today it is becoming a well respected wine region.

The second wine region, Podravje, is the largest region, divided into six areas. The wines from this region are some of the most prestigious in the country because of the very specific soil, which is rich in minerals. The Alps Mountain range also tends to shield this region from the cold winters. Because of moderate weather and rich soil, the Podravje region is perfect for cultivating white wines.

Last but not least, the Primorje region is partly bordering the Adriatic coast. Summers are usually hot there, while the end of September and the beginning of October are rainy. The other regions seem to specialize in white wine, while Primorje also specializes in reds, setting it apart from the rest.

            I was also surprised to find out these fun facts about Slovenia:

v  Not only does Slovenia have three wine regions, but it boasts the oldest vine in the world! The town of Maribor, in North-East Slovenia, is home to the old vine, which is said to be 400 years old and still growing grapes. (www.thezaurus.com).  

v  There are three saint’s days dedicated to wine: St. Urban, St. Martin, and St. John the Evangelist (www.slovenedream.com).

v  Legend says there was a flood that killed everyone but four men. One of the men saved himself by climbing a vine that was growing until it touched the sky. Kurent, a Slavic deity, saw this and granted him salvation by draining the water, as long as the man agreed to cultivate and venerate two plants-grape and buckwheat (www.matkurja.com).

v  The majority of the wine produced in Slovenia is white wine.

Slovenia is a country that, for me, exemplifies a history begging to be explored and wines begging to be tasted. Wine tours throughout the country are becoming more appealing to tourists and it intrigues me to think that one day I may be touring the vineyards that, for a time, were destroyed, rebuilt, then only to become prisoners of their own country, until finally, they were able to come out of the shadows and into the rest of the world.