June 2018
A must-see valley
Made Lonely Planet’s “Best in Europe 2018” list
“The Vipava Valley is an excellent example of a hidden gem in the very heart of Europe.” This is how Lonely Planet summed up the valley experience as it announced that the Vipava Valley made the top 10 list of the best destinations in Europe in 2018. What a stellar recommendation! The Vipava Valley treats visitors to an amazing landscape, premium wines, exquisite cuisine and unforgettable experiences. Come and see for yourself, what makes this part of the world so unique.
Tasting indigenous wine in a medieval town
Vipavski Križ and the Zelèn wine are two distinct highlights of the Vipava Valley. The tiny medieval town of Vipavski Križ, once the smallest town in the Habsburg Monarchy, will leave in you in awe with its architecture, defensive wall and castle remains. A taste of the rich cultural heritage of this area can be had in two churches. The famous Franciscan Monastery with a library of precious volumes and art collection can be toured if you book in advance. The town, a commercial hub of the valley for centuries, today hosts the annual Zelèn Wine Festival that takes place in June. The picturesque alleys of Vipavski Križ are a great backdrop for winemakers to present their wines made from the indigenous variety Zelèn – one of the most cherished heritage varieties from the Vipava Valley. The best part of this event is that all wines can be tasted on the spot. The event is capped by an offering of local gastronomy. The varied cultural programme will give you a sense of the soul of this ancient town, and provide one of the best experiences in the Vipava Valley.
Crystal clear springs and fishing
Vipava has a number of remarkable tourist sites that never fail to impress. One of the main reasons why it’s worthwhile to stop in this town in the Upper Valley is the delta-shaped Vipava riverhead – a karstic miracle, and a one-of-a-kind phenomenon in Europe. The beautiful bridges of Vipava offer a lovely view of the multiple river springs, tirelessly spewing clear water. The Vipava River, fed by many tributaries, is the main water way in the Vipava Valley. It boasts carefully manicured banks with lush greenery and clear natural pools that offer respite from the summer heat. Late May marks the start of the SUP season; stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a popular water sport with a growing following. The Vipava River is a paradise for anglers along its entire length. And there are even more fishing opportunities along the Hubelj River and Vogršček Reservoir Lake. The upstream area of the Vipava River is home to salmonids, and the downstream area to cyprinids. One thing is sure though, no matter which spot you choose, the fishing experience will have you hooked from the get-go.
A trip among apricot trees
The Vipava Valley is renowned for its high-quality fruit. The Mediterranean climate with a longer than average growing period and mild winters creates a microclimate that is especially suitable for agriculture. Fresh picked fruit is available seventh months out of the year. However, the orchards in the Vipava Valley are unusually small. Instead, fruit trees line estates, delineate vineyards and provide a visual highlight to the already stunning scenery. The authentic beauty of the country of succulent fruit is best explored on foot or by bike.
Head to the nearest tourist information centre and inquire about the routes and bike rentals. This time around we suggest that you set out from the Upper Vipava Valley for a sweet start with a dose of healthy and crispy apricots that grow in the area from early June to mid-July. Visit any of the farms producing juicy fruit and ask to try the indigenous variety called “the Budanje apricot” for the most aromatic apricot experience ever. If you happen to fall in love with our local apricots while you're on a bike trip or hike, don't fret! We will come up with a solution how to get a crate of these delicious stone fruits to your doorstep. Enjoy!