March 2018
Spring’s invitation to a uniquely different destination
Strolls in the Sun. Early races. Unique flavours.
Spring arrives early in the Vipava Valley. The occasional burja wind is a reminder of the abundant snowfall the hills experienced that year; meanwhile the sunny hills and slopes grow warmer and more inviting by the day. Letting the eyes wander across the sky, where paragliders in colourful designs explore the spring horizon, now is the perfect time for hiking. The air is filled with the scent of spring awakening. Enticing aromas emanate from the wines and local specialties, waiting to be savoured. Besides Easter holidays, the year’s first wine festivals are the ticket to the world of unique flavours. Don’t miss out on an opportunity for a different type of experience.
Gallivanting in Good Company
The many diverse hiking paths crisscrossing the valley are one of its most striking features. Just take a look around you and be amazed by all the attractive routes. Experienced hikers are keen to scale the Nanos Plateau and the slopes and summits of the Trnovo Plateau. Across the valley, Mt Trstelj and the summits dominating over Nova Gorica are a good challenge for hikers with mileage. Mellow, family-friendly routes are set up across the valley and over the hills of Vipava and on the outskirts of Karst. Popular also among the locals, the trails come alive when group hikes are organized in early spring. The hikes are almost exclusively set up to cover specific local topics and reward hikers with fascinating discoveries and experiences. As the hikes wrap up, hikers can stay and hang around to enjoy local wines and dishes in good company. More information about organized spring hikes is available under Events in the Vipava Valley.
Relishing Authenticity and Excellence
A must during your stay in the Vipava Valley is a tasting session of the local delicacies. Premium wines and specialty meats will knock you off your feet. It’s no surprise then that wine and food events are the perfect opportunity to get to know the culinary cornucopia of the Vipava Valley. First to take place is the annual Šempas Wine and Olive Oil Festival. This popular event beckons to a glass of wine made from local, indigenous and international grape varieties which are the pride and joy of the Vipava Valley. Pinela, one of most popular old local varieties, even has its own annual event taking place in the village of Planina around Easter called “Socialising with Pinela”. The wines of Vipava can be both wonderfully rich in flavour and delightfully drinkable. In keeping with the old custom, winemakers of Vipava serve it with a thin slice of home-made prosciutto. Prosciutto from the Vipava Valley is a distinct meat product that has been processed und cured in a way that is unique for the valley. Taking in its colour, texture and flavour, one cannot help but think that this is what the food of the Gods must taste like.
The First Thrill of the Season
The early arrival of spring and prime free-flight conditions are the reason why the Vipava Valley has been traditionally hosting the year's first European Paragliding Race – the Aeros Winter Race. The name itself suggests that competitors enjoy the high of the season's first race while the rest of Europe is still in the grip of winter. The international event annually attracts hang-gliders from numerous countries. The take-off sites are a popular destination year round.
Once the sky over the Vipava Valley is dotted with the colourful para- and hang-gliders, Ajdovščina kicks off the season of gripping national championships races in SloEnduro. The stages of the popular Kamplc Enduro mountain bike race are set up through the neighbouring wood- and grasslands, with a branched network of single tracks. Across the valley, on the Karst Edge, early March will see the exhilarating start of the mountain bike race Kras kros MTB Granfondo in Miren. The natural features of the Vipava Valley are a paradise for adrenaline junkies, and the valley never fails to captivate competitors and their entourage with its hospitality. Read more about each of the events in the section Events.
Group hikes in March
- Podnanos: Hiking Vojko’s Trails, 4 March 2018, from 8 am; unspoilt nature and magnificent views from the hike to Mt Nanos are a humbling experience.
- Cerje: Hike along the Karst Trails of Peace, 25 March 2018 at 10 am; the hike runs past natural landmarks and WW1 remnants.
Find out more about March events here.