Vipava Valley Wine Tours: Zelen, Pinela & the Karst

The short version: the Vipava Valley, about an hour west of Ljubljana, is Slovenia’s most exciting wine valley right now: stone villages, family cellars and two native whites you will not find anywhere else, Zelen and Pinela, plus skin-macerated orange wines. The bora wind sweeps through the valley and keeps the grapes healthy. Next door is the Karst, home of Teran and air-dried Kraški pršut. Here is how to visit.

At a glance

Zelen, Pinela and orange wine

Zelen (“green”) is a herbal, fresh white with notes of mint and green apple; Pinela is softer and gently floral. Both are grown almost only here. Many Vipava winemakers also make orange wine, white grapes fermented on their skins like a red, for a deeper, tannic style. Walk the hilltop fortified village of Vipavski Križ, and visit Goče, a village with dozens of old stone cellars. For all of Slovenia’s regions, see Slovenia’s wine regions from Ljubljana.

Add the Karst

A short drive south, the Karst (Kras) plateau makes Teran, a tangy red from red soils, and Kraški pršut, ham dried by the bora wind. Many tours combine a Vipava winery with a Karst prosciutto farm and the stone village of Štanjel. Further west is Goriška Brda, Slovenia’s other famous wine hills. Back in the capital, try a Ljubljana food tour.

Our pick: the From Ljubljana: Vipava Valley Wine Express Tour (4.9 stars) visits two family wineries with seven wine samples and appetizers.

Frequently asked questions

What wine is the Vipava Valley known for?

The native whites Zelen and Pinela, plus Rebula, Malvazija and skin-macerated orange wines.

How far is the Vipava Valley from Ljubljana?

About 50 to 60 minutes by car; tours from Ljubljana include transport.

Can you combine Vipava and the Karst?

Yes. The Karst is next door, and many tours add Teran wine and Kraški pršut tastings.

Book a Vipava Valley wine tour

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