Our second Slovenia tour is underway and after the huge success of the first trip I am very excited to be back so soon.
Our first night dinner was at the Manna restaurant in Lubljana. Two weeks ago, Manna surpassed themselves with a superb gastronomic wine tasting dinner and once again they out performed. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff who presented each course and wine, a wonderful ambience and a beautifully prepared meal using local ingredients. We devoured clever little amuse bouches, savoured a beef tail soufflé, marvelled at the exquisite precision of the venison and simply passed out with pleasure with the melting white and dark chocolate brownie and strawberry ice cream.
All the dishes were paired with excellent wines: fizz from the famous Istenic estate, Malvasia, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon from Movia and a delicious sweetie to finish. Top start to our tour and a very high bar to maintain.
Our first full day saw a brisk start as we headed east towards the second city of Maribor. The Podravje region is the most important – accounting for 50% of the country’s wine production. This is where the infamous Lutomer Laski Rizling was produced. Times have changed of course and the focus is very much on top quality.
Our first stop was at the small, 7 hectare family estate of Ducal. It has a beautiful situation surrounded by a mix of rolling and steep vineyard clad hills. Tim Ducal hosted our visit which combined an eclectic mix of modern stainless steel technology, traditional old wooden vats, ancient Georgian amphorae dug into the ground and a stunning mix of fabulous modern art and antiques. We tasted through a wonderful selection of Laski Rizling, Rhine Riesling, fizz, Pinot Noir and an ‘Orange wine’ made in the amphora.
The estate is right on the Austria border so many of us c ouldn’t resist the opportunity to scamper up the hill to make this a two country tour! Great first visit.
From Ducal , it was a 15 minute drive to another picturesque hilltop location. The family owned Doppler estate enjoys a 360 degree perspective over the Sentilj hills and we arrived to find a delicious selection of aperitives, a glass of fizz and the warmest of welcomes! We lingered outside under a warm blue sky with a barley and porcini risotto, a glass of Sipon and wondered how life could get better.
Owner Mihaela showed us round and we headed downstairs for more tasting and the rest of the lunch. David from Pri Florjanu restaurant in Maribor had laid on an incredible hot and cold buffet – showcasing local breads, meats and vegetables. We stuffed ourselves senseless while enjoying some fresh Sauvignon Blanc, a rose and a red made from a Blaufrankisch/Zweigelt blend and an amazing oak aged Sipon (or Furmint as we might know it).
A spectacular day.