June 2025
Embracing Summer Tastings in the Paradise Valley
Wine and culinary tours that stay with you
Summer is about being playful – being eager for new experiences and thrills. And the Paradise Valley is the right place to be – even in summer. Are you an outdoorsy type or more of a culture buff? Either way, let every day of your stay become a chance for summer tastings, to discover traditional and seasonal dishes, and enjoy wine samplings in ancient wine cellars. The Paradise Valley for foodie explorers is real!
Open Cellars – a summertime tradition
An amazing natural backdrop, a distinctive landscape, and a relaxed rural vibe are the first things that captivate travellers visiting the Vipava Valley. However, after spending time with the locals and experiencing local culture, visitors also quickly sense their deep love for keeping ancient traditions and customs alive. In fact, this commitment can be felt everywhere. In every drop of wine made from ancient grape varieties. In every melt-in-your-mouth slice of cured meats that are traditionally air-dried, and proudly presented at the farms. Even in the way food is prepared: every dish is made according to the unwritten rule that only the freshest seasonal ingredients make it into the pot – and onto the plate. This culture of passing knowledge down through generations is accompanied by many customs that may have changed slightly over time yet stayed true to their roots. Winemakers have long been very passionate about inviting guests into their cellars to personally present their finest wines. The longest traditional period of wine cellars being open for visits is between St. Martin’s Day and Christmas, though in recent decades, winemakers have also been opening their cellars during the summer months. Furthermore, don’t miss the chance to explore the joint event series hosted by local winemakers under the name Open Cellars. As the old saying goes, “One is none”. So be sure to visit several of the winemakers to truly savour the richness and taste the variety. Of course, each tasting comes with delicious home-style snacks, a guided tour of the cellar, sometimes even a walk through the vineyards, and, oftentimes, a dive into the family story by the winemaker himself. As such, every tasting becomes a small journey into the region’s living traditions.
Foodie wanderings
For centuries, the Vipava Valley has been described as paradise. This nickname is based on its fertile soil and the passion with which locals cultivate and process their produce. It’s not just the wines though that make the valley stand out, there’s a cornucopia of other delicacies that have contributed to its moniker, the Paradise Valley. Did you know that here fruit can be plucked straight from trees for seven months of the year? Local dried meats and vegetables that grow year-round are key ingredients in traditional menus. Alongside this rich tradition, visitors are also delighted by dishes reimagined with a modern twist. On agritourism farms and in rustic inns, you’ll find house specialties, while high-end restaurants will pamper you with sophisticated culinary masterpieces created by top chefs — some even Michelin-starred or awarded by this world-renowned culinary guide. The best way to uncover the secrets of this abundant offering is with expert local guides. Choose from one of the culinary top adventures, and embark – on foot or by bike – into the wonderful world of Paradise Valley’s flavours. Will you take home more than just memories this summer — perhaps a bottle or a taste of paradise flavours? The summer tasting sessions are bound to be unforgettable.
Meeting up at events
Between June and September, the Vipava Valley and the Goriška region invite you to wine and culinary events such as wine festivals, local fetes dedicated to traditional dishes and customs, and tradition-steeped food events. Check the official Vipava Valley web-portal for event dates, and make sure to ask your accommodation provider about other smaller local happenings. You’ll also find opportunities to hang out and taste food and wine at events combining culture and entertainment such as Goriško Poletje (Goriška Summer). And get ready for spontaneous meet-ups! At wine tastings, you’ll mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts, while in the evenings, the town centres come alive — especially around local ice cream spots or where regional beer is being served.