Slovenian wine regions highlighted by European rankings and local traditions

The Slovenian wine region of Stajerska has been ranked first among more than 90 European wine regions by the organization European Best Destinations. The recognition highlights the region's strong identity and century-old traditions, including the world's oldest vine and the birthplace of Slovenian sparkling wines.

In the Stajerska region, the Hlade family winery is preparing for a generational transition. Urban Hlade, who studied viticulture and marketing in Vipava and gained experience in New Zealand and Australia, is increasingly managing the family's 8 hectares of vineyards and 30,000 vines to produce approximately 50,000 bottles annually.

In the Dolenjska region, Nika Martinčič, the 29th Wine Queen of Slovenia, continues her family's century-old viticulture and grafting legacy. The Martinčič family manages approximately 40,000 vines and produces around 20 different wine labels, maintaining a specialized operation that includes growing and selling their own vine cuttings.