September 2024
Heavenly Flavours in the Wine Cellars
Traditional events between St. Martin's Day and Christmas
The Vipava Valley is different in many ways. It is famous as a land of special grape varieties and unique wine events. Among the rich treasures of local tradition, the celebration of the new wine vintage is most popular with the people. Unlike in most other wine regions, this celebration does not conclude with St. Martin's Day. In the Vipava Valley, traditional gatherings in the wine cellars continue well into December, in accordance with local folklore.
Experience the magic of socializing with a glass of wine
For over two decades now, the title Vipava Valley Wine Cellars between St. Martin's Day and Christmas has marked a unique series of events honouring local folklore and also following the more recent tradition of celebrating the wine vintage. Wine cellars are at the centre of the action, and in many places entire villages are involved in the festivities, while traditional Osmica open door events and many inns and restaurants also invite visitors to taste local delicacies during this period. From the first week in November and the first St Martin's feasts to the last week before Christmas, there is an abundance of wine and culinary events to choose from in our Paradise Valley. Enjoy an unforgettable exploration of local flavours and feel the magic of socialising in the wine cellars. The tradition of these gatherings dates back to a time when we didn't know wine competitions or modern winemaking procedures. In the Vipava Valley, farmers would visit one another after St. Martin's Day to exchange experience and help each other while tasting wines. Today, winemakers are happy to invite visitors and lovers of Vipava Valley wines over to celebrate the arrival of the new vintage together. The events also feature amateur culture and demonstrations of old customs.
Which wines would you most like to try at the local winemakers' cellars? The selection is extraordinary since over thirty local grape varieties thrive in the Vipava Valley, including some indigenous ones. The most remarkable are our cherished Zelen and Pinela.
Visit the Osmica open door events
One of the most popular local specialities of our Paradise Valley are the Osmica open doors. This is a traditional form of selling wine on farms, whose roots go all the way back to the 16th century. Then and for many centuries afterwards, a farm sale could last for a week or eight days. Hence the name of this custom, preserved to present day and developed into an authentic offer of local delights. In addition to their wine, farmers also offer home dishes and in the evenings there is often music. The popular modern Osmica events are open for 10 days, usually twice a year. Some invite guests precisely between St Martin's Day and Christmas.
Explore heavenly flavours
On a visit to the Vipava Valley and Goriška, it is worthwhile to explore the immense wealth of flavours that attracts even the most pampered lovers of fine cuisine to these parts. In the restaurants boasting the highest ratings from renowned international culinary guides, in local inns and agritourism farms, as well as in bakeries and pastry shops, you'll be able to indulge yourself and sample the typical flavours of the Paradise Valley.
