c. 1st Century BC
Roman Empire and Early Viticulture
The Romans introduce advanced winemaking techniques to the territory of modern-day Slovenia, laying the foundation for viticulture along the Drava, Sava, and Mura rivers.
Roman ruins exhibited in the basement of the City Museum of Ljubljana by Matevž Paternoster
Middle Ages (1234 onward)
Monastic Wine Tradition
Cistercian and Benedictine monks in Slovenia cultivate vineyards, preserving viticulture through the Middle Ages. Notably, the Cistercians establish vineyards in Kostanjevica na Krki in 1234.
Kostanjevica by Janez Vajkard Valvasor, a natural historian and polymath from Carniola, present-day Slovenia, and a fellow of the Royal Society in London.
Penina Heritage
THE DEEP ROOTS OF SLOVENIAN SPARKLING WINE
Slovenian sparkling wine - PENINA - has a story that connects the past and the future through the passion. From ancient Roman vineyards and monastic winemakers to 19th-century pioneers and modern heritage keepers, this timeline traces the key milestones in Slovenia’s sparkling wine history.
Explore how PENINA evolved from its first mention in 1853 to becoming a symbol of Slovenian excellence in every glass today.
1850
Alojz Klenošek Travels to France
Winemaker Alojz Klenošek from Gornja Radgona travels to Champagne to learn the traditional method of sparkling wine production.
"The disgorgement of a bottle of Champagne wine." Fondo Antiguo de la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla
1852
First Slovenian Sparkling Wine Produced
Klenošek produces 12,000 bottles of sparkling wine using local varieties in Gornja Radgona - the birthplace of Slovenian sparkling wine.
Lithographed View of Gornja Radgona by Joseph Franz Kaiser (1786–1859)
December 10, 1853
First Written Mention of "Penina"
Dr. Janez Bleiweis ( 1808 – 1881) a Slovene politician, journalist, physician and public
In Novice kmetijskih, obertnijskih in narodnih reči, edited by Dr. Janez Bleiweis, sparkling wine is referred to as penina, marking the first recorded use of the term.
%20a%20Slovene%20politician%2C%20journalist%2C%20physician%20and%20public%20f.jpg)
The word Penina is formally recognized in the Slovenian dictionary as the national term for sparkling wine.
2001
"Penina" Enters Slovenian Orthography
Slovenian sparkling wines - Penina, made using both the traditional and tank methods, continue to gain recognition. Produced from indigenous and international varieties, they reflect Slovenia's rich terroir and history.
Today
Penina as a National Wine Style
