Why We're Featuring Slovenian Wines
This month’s wine club has a distinctly Slovenian theme — and yes, it’s as unique and exciting as it sounds. The reason is personal: last fall, one of our staff members, Lauren, had the opportunity to travel around Slovenia, a small but incredibly rich wine-producing country nestled between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. During her trip, she was able to visit several wineries, and one that left a lasting impression was Klet Brda, located in the picturesque Goriška Brda region.
We’re excited to share a few bottles from Klet Brda with you this month, along with some stories behind the wines and why Slovenia is more than worthy of a spot in your glass.
A Hidden Gem: Slovenia's Wine Country
Slovenia may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it should be. It has a wine-growing tradition that dates back over 2,400 years, and today, nearly every Slovenian village has its own winemaker. The country's geography is ideal for viticulture: a crossroads of Alpine, Mediterranean, and Pannonian climates, which gives rise to a broad range of microclimates and soil types. This diversity allows for both indigenous and international grape varietals to thrive.
The Goriška Brda region, sometimes called the “Tuscany of Slovenia,” borders Italy’s Friuli region and shares its hilly terrain and limestone-rich soil. It’s in these hills that Klet Brda, the country’s largest producer and one of its most respected cooperatives, cultivates its vines.
A Brief Look at the History
For centuries, this region was shaped by larger empires. First the Romans, then the Habsburg Monarchy, and later as part of the Yugoslav federation throughout the 20th century. Despite these shifting political borders, Slovenia maintained a distinct cultural identity, language, and deep agricultural traditions, including wine-growing, which dates back to pre-Roman times.
Slovenia’s modern independence came relatively recently. In 1991, as Yugoslavia began to unravel, Slovenia became the first former republic to declare independence. It was a bold move and one that led to a short but intense conflict known as the Ten-Day War. Fortunately, the fighting ended quickly, and Slovenia transitioned into a peaceful, democratic republic.
Since then, Slovenia has quietly emerged as a progressive, nature-loving country with a strong emphasis on sustainability, arts, and food culture. It joined the European Union in 2004 and has steadily gained recognition for its wines, especially in circles that prize artisanal production, native grape varietals, and low-intervention methods.
Meet the Winery: Klet Brda
Klet Brda is more than just a winery, it’s a collective of over 400 wine-growing families, all working together to create wines that reflect the landscape, tradition, and heart of the region. Founded in 1957, the cooperative has grown into a leader in sustainable and innovative winemaking in Central Europe.
Their philosophy is centered on expressing place over power: wines that tell the story of their soils and slopes, rather than making a statement in volume or oak. They use minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar and have been steadily incorporating organic practices.
The winemaking here strikes a beautiful balance between tradition and modernity. Indigenous varieties like Ribolla Gialla (Rebula) are given the care and spotlight they deserve, while international grapes like Pinot Noir and Merlot are interpreted through the lens of Brda’s unique terroir.
This Month’s Wines
Here are the three wines we’re featuring from Klet Brda — each one selected to show a different face of the region.
Bagueri Ribolla Gialla (Rebula)
Fresh, Textural, Elegant
Ribolla Gialla (known locally as Rebula) is Slovenia’s signature white grape, and the Bagueri line represents Klet Brda’s most premium expressions. This Ribolla is aged partially in oak and on lees, giving it a rich, creamy texture while preserving its zippy acidity and minerality.
Tasting notes: Lemon zest, green apple, white flowers, almond skin, and a saline minerality. It's crisp yet complex; a wine that feels both ancient and modern.
Pair with: Fresh seafood, risotto, grilled vegetables, or just a sunny afternoon.
Krasno Pinot Noir
Earthy, Light, Vibrant
From the winery’s more approachable line, the Krasno Pinot Noir is a delightful introduction to the red wines of Brda. Grown in cooler vineyard sites, this Pinot retains wonderful freshness and floral lift.
Tasting notes: Tart cherry, wild strawberry, dried herbs, and a hint of forest floor. Lighter-bodied, with soft tannins and lively acidity.
Pair with: Roast chicken, mushroom dishes, or salmon. It’s an incredibly versatile red.
Bagueri Merlot
Structured, Bold, Polished
This wine is the powerhouse of the trio. The Bagueri Merlot is made from grapes grown on sun-drenched slopes, then aged in small oak barrels for extra depth and structure. It’s a serious wine that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top-tier Bordeaux or Super Tuscans.
Tasting notes: Ripe blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice. Polished tannins and a long, warming finish.
Pair with: Grilled steaks, aged cheeses, or rich mushroom pasta.
Why Slovenia?
At its core, wine is about connection — to place, to people, and to stories. Lauren’s visit to Slovenia reminded us that some of the most interesting wines come from places that aren’t always in the spotlight. By choosing a Slovenian theme this month, we hope to introduce you to a region that deserves far more attention and to share some of the wonderful wines that are made with love in SLOVEnia.
Whether it’s the freshness of Rebula, the charm of Pinot Noir, or the power of Merlot, we hope these wines spark curiosity and conversation. And maybe even your own trip to Slovenia one day.
Cheers, or as they say in Slovenia, Na zdravje!