Vipava Valley's Guerila Winery was our first introduction to Slovenian wines made with indigenous grapes Pinela and Zelen. In addition, we were excited to taste their orange and amphora wines. Guerila is a modern winery located at the top of Planina Village, just above Koboli. From the winery you get stunning views of the Vipava Valley (Vipavska Dolina), including views of Nanos slopes, and Caven and Trnovo Plateaus. Come with me on a wine lover's journey to the enchanting Vipava Valley, Slovenia.
Vipava Valley's Guerila Winery, Slovenia © Spaswinefood
Given that in recent years I have followed wine events in Slovenia I so wanted to explore Slovenian wines. I have been wanting to visit Slovenia wine country for awhile now; so when the opportunity came last April, I knew it was perfect timing. Indeed it was a perfect fit for us after our visit to Croatian wine country. 
Vipava Valley, Slovenia © Spaswinefood
First, here is an introduction to Vipava Valley (Vipavska Dolina).
Welcome to Slovenia Wine Country
Slovenia has three wine regions. Vipava Valley is within one of these three, the Primorska wine region. There are no appellations within the Primorska region however, there are various districts where winemaking techniques and the wine produced differ. The winemaking districts of the Primorska wine region include Vipava, Slovenian Istra , Goriska Brda, and Karts. The Vipava area (3005 ha) is commonly known for producing light and crisp white wines made from Pinela and Zelen grapes. In addition, we were excited to discover its orange and amphora wines.
Vipava Valley (Vipavska Dolina) has been known as a wine-growing region for centuries. Not only has wine growing has been deep-rooted tradition here but also, new innovations have also emerged. It is one of Slovenia's most successful wine regions. We visited a region with beautiful green rolling hills that benefit from good soils, a mild climate, and rain. Despite its distance from the coast, this region has a Mediterranean climate. Moreover, the Vipava River flows across the region, and onto the Adriatic Sea. Visitors to the Vipava Valley will experience quality Vipava wines, which are enriched by the sun and the bora wind. Yes, we heard about the strong bora winds that sweep through the valley.
Along the way to Guerila Wines we passed by vineyards, eventually reaching higher elevation with great views of the valley.
Guerila Wines, A Family Estate
From the parking lot it was up the stairs to the main entrance.
Later, as I learned more about the wines produced in this region, the signs on the tanks became more meaning for me.
We enjoyed our wine tasting of wines made with indigenous grapes, and their orange and amphora wines. In case you are wondering what are orange and amphora wines. Both of these wines are derived from ancient traditions. In the case of orange wine, sometimes called amber wine, it is a style of wine that is produced from white grapes. Specifically during the fermentation process the pressed grape juice has contact with skin and seeds. On the other hand amphora wine, is a wine fermented or aged in a clay vessel, such as a qvevri. This process can be used for any type of wine.
The Vipava Valley, since Slovenia's independence in 1991, has experienced growth in its wine industry. It is a very dynamic wine region, with winemakers constantly experimenting with grape varietals and the winemaking process. In addition to successfully growing numerous well-known international wine varieties, it is also home to special grape varieties. These include: (1) the indigenous Zelen, which is very popular among the locals, (2) Pinela, an old wine variety, found only in the Vipava Valley, (3) Klarnica, a “boutique” wine variety, which has been revived again, and (4) other wine varieties.
Vipava Valley, Slovenia © Spaswinefood
Off to the Vipava Valley
Shortly after we arrived in Ljubljana, I booked a wine tour to the Vipava Valley. Wine Express Tours visits winemakers at their home estate and offers the opportunity to savor the finest wines and food delicacies. Also, I was impressed by their statement: Sustainability and purity are the two words that best describe this tour. In fact the Vipava Valley is know for its biodynamic wine growing.
#Winelovers from Finland, Vipava Valley © Spaswinefood
When we met at mid-day at our pickup point we joined four women from Finland for the wine tour. It was about a one and half hour drive to Vipava Valley from Ljubljana. Our van driver who was also the tour leader gave us an overview of what to expect. As we drove from Ljubljana to the wine valley our guide explained the major influences on the various regions of Slovenia. Along the way he would also pointed out significant sites, etc. It was a very relaxing spring time drive through the Slovenian countryside to the Vipava Valley.
Spring Time, Vipava Valley © Spaswinefood
Welcome to Vipava Valley Wine Country © Spaswinefood
Guerila Wines, Vipava Valley © Spaswinefood
We stopped for our first wine tasting at the Guerila Winery. This modern winery is located at the top of Planina Village, just above Koboli. From the winery you get stunning views of the Vipava Valley, views of Nanos slopes, and Caven and Trnovo Plateaus. Guerila is a family estate that practices biodynamic wine growing.
Side View of Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
Guerila Family Estate, Slovenia © Spaswinefood
We saw sheep grazing in the vineyards.
Sheep Grazing, Guerila Family Estate © Spaswinefood
From the parking lot it was up the stairs to the main entrance.
Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
Upon our arrival we were indeed excited to visit our first Slovenian wine cellar. We were warmly greeted, and then taken on a short winery tour.
Touring Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
Wines on Display, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
I noticed the signs on the tanks.
2024 Pinela Cuvee, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
2024 Zelen, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
2024 Zelen Cuvee and 2021 Extreme Barbera, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
We stopped briefly in the barrel room.
Barrel Room, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
Exploring Guerila's Barrel Room © Spaswinefood
We were introduced to the bedrock, which is typical of area.
Taking Closer Look at the Bedrock, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
Tasting Guerila Wines
I discovered that Guerila produces three lines of wine:
1. Guerila classic wines matures in stainless steel tanks after a short maceration. This line includes Pinela, Zelen, Malvazija, and their rosé and sparkling wines.
2. Guerila selection are wines with prolonged maceration, and aged in traditional wooden barrels. This line includes Rebula, Malvazija, Retro whites, and Retro reds, Cabernet franc and Barbera.
3. Guerila exterme are wines of selected vintages, which undergo a long maceration, are fermented in traditional barrels or amphorae, and aged for a few years before they are bottled. The wines are Amphora, and Amphora red.
When we returned back upstairs we began the wine tasting with a sparkling wine, their Castra Brut Nature. This wine was the perfect wine to begin the tasting.
Tasting Castra Brut Nature, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
The indigenous Zelen and Pinela grapes are used to make Castra Brut Nature.
Soon food platters appeared on the table.
Cheeses and More, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
It was so delightful to discover the Guerila wines. This was our first time to taste Vipavska Dolina (Vipava Valley) wines.
Discovering Guerila Wines © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look: Guerila Wines © Spaswinefood
Guerila, Pinela Vipavska Dolina 2023
Guerila, Pinela Vipavska Dolina 2023 © Spaswinefood
Guerila, Pinela Vipavska Dolina 2023 © Spaswinefood
Pinela is one of the wines we tasted produced from the indigenous grape Pinela (an old wine variety) found only in the Vipava Valley.Guerila Selection Reto, Vipavska Dolina
Guerila Selection Reto, Vipavska Dolina © Spaswinefood
This white wine is made from Malvasia, and Zelen (an indigenous grape). Wine made with Zelen is very popular among the locals.
Guerila Extreme Amphora, Vipavska Dolina
Guerila Extreme Amphora, Vipavska Dolina © Spaswinefood
Guerila Extreme Amphora, Vipavska Dolina © Spaswinefood
Guerila Amphora Extreme is a natural Orange Wine made from Rebula grapes. They also have a Guerila Amphora Extreme Red made from Barbera grapes.
In the Glass, Guerila Amphora Extreme © Spaswinefood
Making Wine Purchase, Guerila Winery © Spaswinefood
Those looking for a comfortable accommodations in the heart of the Vipava Valley Guerila Winery has three modern apartments. Given its stunning location and great wines it would be so exciting to stay here.
We were impressed by Vipava Valley and i
n particular Guerila Wines where you can explore orange and amphora wines, and wines produced from indigenous grapes. Our Vipava Valley Wine Express Tour From Ljubljana was a fabulous introductory tour for us. Wine Express Tours visits winemakers at their home estate and offers the opportunity to savor the finest wines and food delicacies. For those interested in trying Slovenia wines you can research their availability in the US at Total Wines and Vivino. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Slovenia and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations.Cheers
Sharon
April 2025
Vipava Valley, Slovenia
© Spaswinefood
Guerila Winery, Slovenia © Spaswinefood
Wine Travels in the Vipava Valley, Slovenia © Spaswinefood
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