April 2024
Among the Spring Festivals of Flavour
Activities and indulgences in the Paradise Valley
Welcome to something different! At the peak of spring in the Vipava Valley and Goriška, you can go on an exciting journey across many culinary events, visit major sporting competitions and enjoy an active break on the courses where top athletes vie for their championships. During this season, our Paradise Valley blossoms in its most beautiful colours, hospitably sharing its gifts. Adventure among uniquely different stories and flavours – the Paradise Valley is real.
Hosting international sporting events
The Vipava Valley and Nova Gorica boast a unique geographical location at the crossroads of the worlds between the Julian Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Friulian Plains. The extraordinary diversity of the landscape and a distinctly benevolent climate offer simply perfect conditions for outdoor activities. These features, next to our fabled hospitality, have attracted major sporting events to the area, including many international ones. On the last weekend in April, the Vipava Valley hosts one of Slovenia's biggest international running events, the Ultra Trail Vipava Valley – I Feel Slovenia. With a total length of more than 200 km, its trails link the entire Vipava Valley, climbing to the edge of the Kras and crossing the border with Italy. Marked all year long, they invite runners and hikers to discover the fascinating natural beauty of the land. The start and finish point of all the races is in Ajdovščina.
Shortly afterwards, on 10 and 11 May, this green and sport-friendly town hosts the Vipava Valley Rally with more than 90 km of spectacular stages and a night-time superspecial in the centre of Ajdovščina. The Vipava Valley and Nova Gorica are also renowned cycling destinations, the setting of several competitions. This year's biggest one will take place in June, when we look forward to the finish of the famous Tour of Slovenia in Nova Gorica, welcoming crowds of cycling fans. This race has traditionally been a proving ground for talented young cyclists like Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, now great champions of the sport. Would you like to try your hand on sections of roads that challenge even professionals? Welcome to the Paradise Valley for the active!
Enjoying culinary festivals
Before you visit the Vipava Valley and Goriška, you can already dream of heavenly flavours. The Vipava Valley is a land of outstanding wines and many wine specialities, and together with Goriška represents a proper paradise of gastronomy. Michelin-star inns and restaurants, those featured in the Gault & Millau culinary guide, as well as simple agritourism farms and even mountain lodges will take you into a world of authentic traditional flavours. Wine lovers shouldn't miss the chance to visit tastings with the local winemakers, a truly special occasion in our region. In the spring season, many wine and culinary events also invite you to gourmet pamperings celebrating local and seasonal delicacies. The valley's biggest wine and foodie event is the Flavours of the Vipava Valley festival, hosted by the Lanthieri Manor in Vipava on 19 and 20 May. It invites you to tastings, workshops and the occasional Vipava Market, and in parallel, the Culinary Month taking place until 20 May, where you can savour the tasting menus of nineteen local culinary masters.
Some must-see upcoming culinary events in the Vipava Valley and Goriška:
21. 5. Flavours Without Borders, Nova Gorica
25. 5. Pasta Festa, Ajdovščina
25. – 26. 5. Festival of Asparagus, Orehovlje
2. 6. Cherry Festival, Vipavski Križ
7. – 8. 6. Festival of Zelen Wines, Vipavski Križ
Accompanied by local guides
Active experiences in nature and the discovery of local flavours are best enjoyed in the company of our friendly guides. Check out our Top Adventures, where guides showcase the gems of the Vipava Valley and Goriška region. Cultural sightseeing, green experiences, culinary and wine tours, cycling and hiking excursions will get you in touch with the pulse of the Paradise Valley.
