Goriška Brda - wine region
Goriška Brda is an attractive Slovenian region with a Mediterranean character. It is dotted with small villages featuring typical architecture, orchards, and vineyards, creating beautiful romantic vistas. Due to its pleasant hot climate, cherries, olives, peaches, and of course, the most important vines, thrive and yield abundantly here. This hilly wine-producing area, located right by the Italian border, boasts top-quality wines recognized worldwide and exceptional cuisine. This area is often referred to as the 'Slovenian Tuscany'.
Over centuries, a unique cultural heritage has been forged here, as the diligent and hardworking hands of the locals have cultivated the landscape and left their mark on the architecture of villages, wine cellars, and castles. Architecture enthusiasts can admire remnants of simple peasant houses, castle buildings, and courtyards, fortified medieval settlements, and a rich sacral heritage.
The inhabitants of Brda, known as 'Brici', are ethnologically very interesting, evident from their unique customs, traditions, and a distinctive entertaining dialect with an Italian flair.
The most defining periods in Brda, whose remnants are still visible today, are the Middle Ages, which left medieval settlements like Šmartno, castles, and small churches, and the periods of both wars, which struck Brda with emigration and the loss of some territory that remained in Italy. A severe earthquake in 1976 brought difficult times, but it also gave the Brici courage, strength, and perseverance, helping them grow into a boutique wine-producing region with high standards.
The invaluable knowledge of their ancestors and all the gifts of nature have been utilized and leveraged in the best possible way, in a manner that preserves nature, while humans enrich themselves with its power. And to ensure that not all glory is taken by Brda's grapes and wine, it is important to emphasize that cherries were the first and main fruit of Brda's farms, that families once depended on cherries, and that they were famous far beyond the border. Following cherries come apricots, pears, apples, figs, olives, plums, and finally persimmons.
Thus, the largest industry in Brda is viticulture, which experienced a significant rise after 1957 when the Dobrovo wine cellar began operations. Initially, all local farmers drove their harvested grapes to the cooperative cellar, but soon private winemakers also emerged, who in recent years have successfully taken their high-quality wines across the world. Famous Brda white wines include Ribolla Gialla, Tokaj, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc; the reds include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
During a visit to Brda, it is essential to visit at least two wineries and indulge in wine tastings to experience firsthand the different philosophies and approaches to winemaking. To complete our culinary experience, we must pair the noble wines with old Brda recipes, which are combinations for true gourmets.
Highlights
GONJAČE VIEW TOWER
- A monument dedicated to the victims of World War II
- A 23-meter high lookout tower from which you can view the magnificent hills of Brda and the surrounding landscape
https://www.brda.si/sl/spoznaj/top/2022101308490552/razgledni-stolp-gonjace/
ŠMARTNO MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
- A walled medieval village
- The most iconic place in Goriška Brda
- A cultural monument
- A popular tourist spot
https://www.brda.si/sl/spoznaj/top/2022101308494467/srednjeveska-vasica-smartno/
VILA VIPOLŽE
- The most beautiful Renaissance villa in Slovenia
- Former villa of the Counts of Gorizia
- Home to the oldest cypress plantation in Slovenia
DOBROVO CASTLE
- Renaissance castle Dobrovo
- Vila Gredič (small castle)
https://www.brda.si/sl/spoznaj/top/2023030314444380/grad-dobrovo/
NATURAL STONE BRIDGE KRČNIK
- The 5-meter high natural bridge Krčnik, carved and created by the rushing waters of the Kožbanjšček stream
SABOTIN
- Peace Park on Sabotin
- Trenches and caverns from World War I
https://www.brda.si/sl/spoznaj/top/2022101308501219/park-miru-sabotin/
Experiences
VISIT TO WINEMAKERS, CELLAR TOURS AND WINE TASTINGS
- During your visit to Slovenia, you will soon discover that Slovenians are closely connected to wine culture, as this small country boasts three major wine-producing regions. Different varieties of grapes come from these very distinct wine regions, producing world-renowned wines of excellent quality. The wine region of Goriška Brda is part of the Primorska wine-producing region.
- The increasing appreciation and recognition of Brda wine can be attributed to diligent modern winemakers who dedicate themselves to winemaking according to centuries-old traditions with the right touch of modernization. They cultivate the vines and grow them according to the highest ecological standards, and the lovingly treated earth gratefully returns its fruits. Increasingly, great wines are being produced here, winning top awards worldwide, and since the people of Brda are also extremely hospitable and their estates and cellars so diverse and interesting, you must not miss visiting one of them during your trip. You will visit estates, be led through cellars, and each will introduce you to their philosophy of land treatment and wine production, offering you a taste of their quality wines.
VISIT TO OLIVE FARMS AND OLIVE OIL TASTINGS
- Visit the farm from which Villa Eva olive oil comes, and meet its extremely friendly and dedicated owner. Learn about the history of their farm and olive oil production in Goriška Brda and try their top-awarded and world-renowned organic olive oil.
VISIT TO LAVENDER FIELDS AND HERB FARMS
- Visit a farm focused on the cultivation of organically grown herbs, olives, and fruits. Learn about the impact of human activity on nature and the preservation of their authenticity and purity. Visit the fields where you can enjoy the wonderful scent of herbs, the view, and the "music of nature."
EXPLORING THE FORMER LIFE OF BRDA FARMERS AND THE WINE OF THE OLD BELIEVERS
- The Intiniti Wine Bliss experience with Motnik wine is a five-star experience based on personal experiences in the present moments. As an explorer, you venture into the vineyards and cellars to discover the wisdom of ancient customs.
BIKE TOURS OF GORIŠKA BRDA'S LANDMARKS
- rent bikes at Slovenia Nature agency
- Embrace the green treasures of the Brda landscape with electric bikes.
WINE SAFARI – EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC BRDA
- The most authentic experience of Brda and the Italian Collio is definitely the wine safari. In the company of the Kontrabantarji, you will travel secret paths to visit and meet the best world-renowned winemakers and hear their stories.
EXPLORING BEEKEEPING TRADITIONS AND APITHERAPY
- Slovenia has a very rich tradition of beekeeping. In Goriška Brda, you will find numerous beekeepers who live in close connection with nature and bees, caring for the preservation of this all-Slovenian love.
https://www.apiturizem.si/2288-2/
CASINO
- Casino Venko is a small gaming salon in Goriška Brda, renowned for its very pleasant atmosphere. Its small size ensures intimacy, hospitality, and relaxation for its guests.
Events
BRDA AND WINE – April
- Brda and Wine is a traditional spring event in Brda. Initially just a wine event, it has recently become very important in the culinary field, making it one of the most significant eno-gastronomic events in Brda.
- The event takes place in the medieval village of Šmartno, where typically around 30 restaurants, 30 Brda winemakers, and other providers of various boutique local products are presented.
- The event also includes an entertainment program, which beautifully rounds out the event into a wonderful, fun experience.
OPEN CELLAR DAY – June
- The first weekend in June in Brda is reserved for winemakers who hospitably open their cellars and invite all visitors who want to learn about winemaking and the incredible philosophy behind wine production.
- Approximately 30 to 40 winemakers invite visitors among the vines and into the cellars among the barrels for this unforgettable experience, which attracts more and more wine enthusiasts each year.
- On this day, you will learn how winemaking started in their estates, what knowledge their ancestors left them, and what the modern era brings. You will taste the most noble drops and enjoy unforgettable moments.
ST. MARTIN'S DAY – November
- St. Martin's Day is a festival in early November that dates back to prehistoric times. According to folk tradition, on exactly November 11, young wine or must turns into real wine. Throughout Slovenia, and of course in Goriška Brda, this day and the entire week preceding it are dedicated to the celebration and blessing of the new wine.
- St. Martin's Day is marked by the tasting of wine and an abundance of food. According to legend, young wine is traditionally served with roasted goose, mlinci (shredded flatbread), and red cabbage. During this festival, various locations in Goriška Brda prepare a rich culinary offering and cultural events.
CHERRY FESTIVAL – June
- Brda are known for their vines and wine, but cherries have long been an important early spring income for the people of Brda. A lot of attention is given to this fruit during the traditional Cherry Festival, which is certainly the biggest festival in Brda and has been celebrated for more than half a century.
- The Cherry Festival takes place in June. Various accompanying events occur throughout the week until the weekend when the festivities peak with a cherry fair, various concerts, games, and other entertainment programs.
Culinary
The cuisine or the area is characterized by its distinct seasonality and traditional nature. Mostly, all vegetables are homegrown in local fields and gardens, meats and meat products are local, and herbs are gathered from nearby commons. In preparing traditional Briška dishes, there is always an adherence to tradition while also following new trends and modern culinary practices.
Authentic culinary experiences can be enjoyed in taverns and restaurants, agritourism in the heart of wine cellars, or even in olive groves and orchards. You can indulge in multi-course menus or enjoy typical snacks.
Briška cuisine is very Mediterranean, as evidenced by the world-renowned top-rated Briška olive oil and a whole array of local spices and herbs that are commonly added to dishes. A notable dish is the typical Briška fried omelet "frtalja," made from whipped eggs mixed with a blend of fresh, finely chopped herbs. Among the meat dishes, two particularly interesting types of sausages, krodegine and markandele, are typical for this area and the Italian region of Friuli. In the autumn months, chestnut dishes prevail. All dishes are always served with top-quality wines, and meals are concluded with a shot of brandy—either grape pomace brandy or methano (a medicinal brandy).