Primorje or Primorska is a wine region of Slovenia that is known in English as The Slovenian Littoral. Primorje is Slovenia’s warmest wine-growing region. Stretching along the western border near Italy, this sun-drenched region is shaped by the Mediterranean climate and diverse terrain - coastal hills, rocky plateaus, and fertile valleys.

 

Since Slovenia’s independence in 1991, Primorska has rapidly become the country’s most recognized and celebrated wine region, known for its quality, innovation, and regional character.

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The region is divided into four wine districts (PDOs), all of which are touched - more or less - by the Mediterranean influence:

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• Goriška Brda, bordering Italy’s Collio DOC, is Slovenia’s well known wine district. It began its modern wine revolution in the late 1980s and today is best known for Rebula (Ribolla Gialla),  but also produces still wines using  Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

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• Vipavska Dolina (Vipava Valley) is a lively and forward-thinking district, proud of its native varieties Zelen and Pinela. Merlot and Pinot Noir also perform well in this dynamic landscape.

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• Kras (the Karst), a high limestone plateau with iron-rich soils near Trieste, is home to Teran, a deep, high-acid red wine made from Refošk (Refosco).

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• Slovenska Istra (Slovenian Istria), along the Adriatic coast, is the country’s warmest wine district. It is known for its sun-kissed Refošk and the expressive white Malvazija (Malvasia Istriana), both deeply connected to the Mediterranean way of life.

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Rebula, often paired with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, forms the base of elegant traditional method (classical method) sparkling wines.

 

Also more approachable, aromatic Charmat-method (tank method) sparkling wines are produced in Primorje with grape variety like Rumeni Muškat.

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With Prosecco country just 160 km away, Primorje’s two major cooperatives- Klet Brda (one of the Slovenia’s largest producers, outputting 8–10 million liters annually) and Vipava 1894 - have embraced this style. They offer a wide selection of  refreshing easy drinking sparkling wines.

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The region’s grape diversity is impressive. In addition to its stars, you’ll also find:

Rumeni Muškat, Beli Pinot, Laški Rizling, Vitovska Grganja, Klarnica, Glera, Viognier, Barbera, Syrah, Cipro, Pokalca (Schioppettino), and Maločrn.