The first TSWT tour to Slovenia has begun and I salute the adventuring pioneer travellers with me who are seeking out the best that Slovenia has to offer.
This small, almost landlocked country has a long and proud winemaking tradition and the wines fully merit a wider audience.
Over the course of the next five days we will traverse the country from east to west, encountering new terroir, exciting indigenous grapes and, most importantly a set of passionate, talented winemakers who are hell bent on getting this wonderful wine country the recognition it deserves.
But first dinner!
Having arrived in Ljubljana late afternoon, we were in good time to take a very pleasant stroll along the river Ljubljanica to the acclaimed Manna restaurant.
We were treated to an inveritable extravaganza of delicious and innovative cuisine.
A wonderful little pastry amuse bouche led us onto the most exquisite chicken liver mousse accompanied by little foams and butters.
The service was impeccable with each course being introduced followed by the sommelier talking through the wine selection.
Next up was soufflé of beef tail that was delicate yet rich and flavoursome and while many were feeling full at this point the main course was still to arrive.
Perfectly cooked venison with a carrot puree and some lightly griddled vegetables was superb.
Groaningly full, we still managed to eat one of the most sublime desserts I have ever had: a melting chocolate brownie filled with oozing white chocolate and countered by a clean strawberry ice cream. Utter heaven!
We drank exceptional sparkling wine, Malvasia from Istria, Pinot Noir from Modri and Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat from Goriska Brda in what was a glorious start to our trip.