Tucked into southeastern Slovenia, along the Sava River and the Croatian border, Posavje is the country’s smallest and most undiscovered wine region - but also one of its most intriguing. Covering around 2,400 hectares, Posavje may be lesser known, but it is rich in tradition, local character, and quietly rising quality, especially in sparkling wine production.

​

This region is divided into three PDO wine districts - Dolenjska, Bizeljsko-Sremič, and Bela Krajina - each with its own microclimate, grape focus, and winemaking identity.

 

While Posavje has long been associated with light, everyday wines, in recent years it has begun carving out a reputation for crisp traditional-method peninas, expressive rosés, and even noble sweet wines of international standard.

​

Bizeljsko–Sremič

​

Located along the Sotla River, near the Croatian border, this district enjoys a continental climate with Pannonian influence, marl and limestone soils, and vineyard altitudes between 200 and 400 meters. It is best known for producing Bizeljčan - light, fresh white and red blends - but it's also gaining recognition for Blaufränkisch (Modra Frankinja) and especially peninas.

​

Bizeljsko has a long-standing tradition of penina, made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the local white grape Rumeni Plavec, which contributes high acidity - ideal for the traditional method. Some of Slovenia’s most expressive sparkling wines come from this district.

​

A unique feature of the area is its “repnice” (turnip caves) - cellars dug into sand over 200 years ago. These atmospheric underground spaces are now used for aging wines or transformed into cozy tasting rooms, offering one of Slovenia’s most distinctive wine tourism experiences.

​

Dolenjska

​

Dolenjska is Slovenia’s coolest wine district, influenced by Alpine and sub-Pannonian climates, with diverse soils ranging from sandstone and marl to dolomite and limestone. It is famous for Cviček, a light, pale ruby-colored, low-alcohol red blend made from Žametovka, Kraljevina, and other local grapes.

 

Produced by thousands of small family winemakers in scattered “zidanice” (vineyard cottages), Cviček is a symbol of community and tradition.

​

But Dolenjska is now entering a new phase. In recent years, it has become a hotspot for premium sparkling wine production, using the traditional method and grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and especially Žametovka - one of the world’s oldest cultivated grape varieties. These peninas are elegant, expressive, and increasingly competitive on the Slovenian market. You’ll also find quality rosés and increasingly refined varietal wines from Blaufränkisch and Sauvignon Blanc.

​

Bela Krajina

​

Smallest district, biggest heart and a home for noble sweet wines.

Bordered by the Gorjanci hills and the Kolpa River, Bela Krajina enjoys a continental-sub-Mediterranean climate, making it the warmest of Posavje’s districts. It is known for producing light, approachable wines like Belokranjec (white) and Metliška Črnina (red), but in recent years, attention has turned to varietal wines and predicate (sweet) wines of impressive quality.

​

Among white grapes, Rumeni Muškat (Yellow Muscat) shines for its aromatic intensity, while Blaufränkisch has taken root as a promising red. Bela Krajina is also a cradle of Slovenian noble rot wines, including late-harvest and ice wines.

 

In fact, Slovenia’s first ice wine was made here in 1986, and the region continues to produce sweet wines with decades-long ageing potential.

​

The Soul of Slovenia’s Wine Culture

​

Despite its size, Posavje offers something uniquely Slovenian:

​

• Historic penina traditions revived with local and classic grapes

• A tapestry of family-run vineyard cottages

• Refreshing light reds and whites with deep local identity

• And extraordinary sweet wines that rival global icons

​

Whether you’re sipping a traditional Bizeljsko penina, enjoying a glass of Cviček among the vineyard hills, or discovering a rare ice wine from Bela Krajina, Posavje invites you to slow down and explore Slovenia's most authentic and welcoming wine culture.