January 2018
New Year’s resolutions
Active. Wholesome. Relaxing. Different.
New Year is upon us; the right time to make New Year's resolutions and start afresh. How about you begin right away? The Vipava Valley offers attractive and truly different wintertime activities, healthy and delicious food and a range of opportunities to relax whilst gallivanting through a serene and friendly landscape. Be charmed by the delicacies such as the radicchio from Goriška and let yourself be thrilled by the memorable experiences the region has in store for you. There are adventures for everyone: let yourself be inspired and experience something different. Now and the whole year round.
Get moving in the green outdoors
The Vipava Valley is green year round. Even when the plateaus and peaks are covered with white caps, the lowland and lower hills remain clad in green. If your New Year’s resolution is to become more active, you can start in the Vipava Valley: winter is perfect for invigorating cycling tours or hikes along any of the attractive hiking paths. Hikers set on avoiding snow-covered paths are best advised to choose the lowland paths, i.e. the Vertovec Trail, the Trail from the Lijak Creek to Sekulak Hill or our awesome hike through the vineyards and winegrowing hills. In January, there are also some organised group hikes that you can attend. Check out your nearest tourist information centre. The staff will gladly point out other suitable hiking trails in the Vipava Valley as well.
For wholesome foodies
The Vipava Valley truly is foodie central. The local cuisine offers a cornucopia of authentic flavours. Moreover, here you can find simple, authentic and wholesome dishes made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Rustic inns and agritourism farms will never let the pleasure-seeker in you down. Be surprised by the local specialties and be pampered year round with the finest produce harvested in this paradise valley.
Unique radicchio from Goriška
From December to February when fresh produce is scarce, the Vipava Valley grows a special type of radicchio which is kept in closed, warm root cellars to whiten until full ripeness. The lower Vipava Valley has been producing radicchio from seed according to traditional methods for over 150 years now. Today, this highly sought-after winter delicacy is popular also due its remarkable appearance. The brilliant red colour and distinct shape evoke the image of an elegant rose. The radicchio from Goriška has a specific tangy taste that appeals to the discerning palate. In terms of health benefits it is chock full of antioxidants. Local chefs use this dark horse among vegetables for visually vibrant and flavourful salads as well as other intriguing dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Chilling out in a friendly setting
The Vipava Valley is inviting in any season. People are amazed at the beauty and diversity of the landscape, its serenity, and the friendliness of locals. Amidst unspoilt nature dotted with natural landmarks, rivers, vineyards and picture-book villages with their typical architecture, the peace and laid-backness of the rural setting will let you relax and recharge. The valley was made for relaxing retreats even as the burja wind picks up. According to locals there’s no need to get alarmed, it's just a breeze that clears the mind. You should try it: walking around with the burja whooshing around your ears truly is a remarkable relaxation experience. Just be careful that your hat doesn't fly off across the valley.
Culinary tip of the month
Dare to taste something different. If you visit the Vipava Valley in winter, make sure to try the radicchio from Goriška. This time around you are invited to have a go at the dishes prepared by top chefs. Restaurant Pikol, ran by the Gašperlin family from Nova Gorica, will take you to the world of fine dining and extravagant radicchio bites. Exquisite radicchio delicacies with a view of the Soča River are to be had in the Ošterija Žogica in Solkan.
Event highlights in January
- Črniče: 9th New Year's Hike: Meeting Our Neighbours, 7 January 2018. Loop hike from Črniče to Batuje and Selo, intended to meet up with the neighbours and socialise whilst hiking.
- Podnanos: 15th Hike in the Footsteps of Matija Vertovec to the Birthplace of the Slovenian National Anthem, 27 January 2018. At the meeting place in Podnanos hikers will board a bus to Šmarje from where they will walk to Podnanos to socialise in the wine cellar.
Find out more about January events here.