WINES OF SLOVENIA
“This is a country worthy of investigation by any serious wine lover.”
– Regional Guide, Purple Pages (Jancis Robinson)
Discover a World of Artisanal Wine-Making
Slovenia is a small country, the hidden gem in the heart of European viticulture. Discover a world of artisanal wine-making seamlessly blended with a commitment to sustainability. Rich tradition, diverse terroir, and a stunning landscape promise an unparalleled wine experience. Embark on a journey to savor the exquisite flavors only Slovenia can offer – where passion for wine meets nature's artistic expression.
Slovenian Wines Facts & Figures
LOCATION
The Republic of Slovenia is in Central Europe, sharing its borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary. Spanning an area of 7,827 square miles, it is approximately equivalent in size to the state of New Jersey and boasts a population of 2.1 million residents. Slovenia's geographical location is defined by its proximity to the eastern extremities of the Alps, the Adriatic Sea, the Pannonian Basin, and the Dinaric mountain range. As the nation's capital, Ljubljana is its political and administrative center.
SLOVENIAN WINE REGIONS
Although a small country, Slovenia’s climate and geology are diverse, resulting in stunning wines that reflect the varied character of their terroir. In 2022, the Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food reported that Slovenia’s total Vineyard area was 14,736 hectares.
Slovenia is composed of three distinct wine regions:
Region: Podravje 5925 ha
Region: Posavje 2400 ha
Region: Primorska 6332 ha
SLOVENIAN WINE DISTRICTS
In Slovenia, each wine region is comprised of a number of “Wine Districts,” determined by location, topography, and climate.
PODRAVJE:
Slovenska Štajerska | 5473 ha
Prekmurje | 452 ha
POSAVJE:
Bela Krajina | 315 ha
Bizeljsko-Sremič | 706 ha
Dolenjska | 1379 ha
PRIMORSKA:
Goriška Brda | 1824 ha
Kras | 564 ha
Istra | 1837 ha
Vipavska Dolina | 2107 ha
SLOVENIAN WINERIES
A region of rich diversity, just under 15,000 hectares of vineyard area are managed by 26,400 grape growers. Notably, most of these grape growers are also involved in wine production, primarily intended for domestic (family) consumption. A significant 91% of all grape growers own less than one hectare of vineyard area. There are 2,700 registered commercial wine producers. Only a handful of wine cellars annually produce more than 500,000 liters. One hundred fifty wine producers are exporting wine to more than 40 countries.
SLOVENIAN GRAPE VARIETIES
Sixty grape varieties are grown across Slovenia’s wine regions, a remarkable display of diversity for a country roughly the size of New Jersey.
White Varieties: 38
Red Varieties: 22
PRIMARY GRAPES IN EACH SLOVENIAN WINE DISTRICT
Slovenjska Štajerska
English (Common) Name
Welschriesling
Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Riesling
Yellow Muscat
Slovenian Name
Laški Rizling
Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Renski Rizling
Rumeni Muškat
Prekmurje
English (Common) Name
Welschriesling
Chardonnay
Riesling
Slovenian Name
Laški Rizling
Chardonnay
Renski Rizling
Bela Krajina
English (Common) Name
Blaufränkisch
Welschriesling
Yellow Muscat
Slovenian Name
Modra Frankinja
Laški Rizling
Rumeni Muškat
Bizeljsko-Sremič
English (Common) Name
Blaufränkisch
Welschriesling
Žametovka
Slovenian Name
Modra Frankinja
Laški Rizling
Žametovka
Dolenjska
English (Common) Name
Blaufränkisch
Kraljevina
Žametovka
Slovenian Name
Modra Frankinja
Kraljevina
Žametovka
Goriška Brda
English (Common) Name
Rebula
Chardonnay
Merlot
Sauvignonasse
Cabernet Sauvignon
Slovenian Name
Rebula
Chardonnay
Merlot
Sauvignonasse
Cabernet Sauvignon
Kras
English (Common) Name
Refosco
Malvasia
Vitovska
Slovenian Name
Refošk
Malvazija
Vitovska Grganja
Istra
English (Common) Name
Refosco
Malvasia
Cabernet Sauvignon
Yellow Muscat
Slovenian Name
Refošk
Malvazija
Vitovska Grganja
Rumeni Muškat
Vipavska Dolina
English (Common) Name
Merlot
Malvasia
Sauvignon
Rebula
Cabernet Sauvignon
Slovenian Name
Merlot
Malvazija
Sauvignon
Rebula
Cabernet Sauvignon