Food tours, wine tasting and foodie experiences in Slovenia

Visit the Goriška Brda region, known as the "Slovenian Tuscany" for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages. Sample the local wines, such as Refosco, Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia.

Visit an apiary to learn about honey production and taste Slovenia’s honey.

Taste some of the best olive oils in the world at a Slovenian olive grove.

Go on a food tour of Ljubljana and sample some of the city's best dishes, such as kremšnita (a custard cream cake), potica (a traditional nut roll) and Kranjska klobasa (a type of sausage).

Visit the world's oldest vine in Maribor. The Old Vine in Maribor is over 400 years old and is still producing grapes! You can visit the vine and learn about its history, or you can enjoy a glass of wine made from its grapes.

Take a cooking class in Slovenia. There are many cooking classes offered in Slovenia, where you can learn how to make traditional Slovenian dishes. This is a great way to experience the local cuisine and learn about Slovenian culture.

Have a picnic at The Lipica Stud Farm, home to the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. You can visit the stud farm and learn about the history of the Lipizzaner horses, or you can take a ride on one of the horses.

Use the Michelin guide to visit some of the recently awarded Michelin restaurants in Slovenia.

While relaxing and pampering yourself at one of the many thermal spa resorts, partake in the onsite fresh, healthy and delicious restaurants. These spas offer a variety of treatments, including massages, mud baths and other wellness activities.

Attend the Ljubljana Wine Festival in September, the summer food market, and/or the Ljubljana Christmas Market.

Slovenia is a small country with a big culinary scene. The food is influenced by the cuisines of neighboring Austria, Italy and Hungary, as well as the countries of the Balkans, as one of the members of the former Yugoslavia.

Slovenian wine is also world-renowned. The country is home to over 300 different grape varieties and the wine regions of Slovenia are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Michelin-starred

Hiša Franko (2 Michelin stars) in Kobarid: This restaurant is run by chef Ana Roš, who is considered one of the best female chefs in the world. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on local, seasonal ingredients.

Pri Lojzetu (1 Michelin star) in Vipava: This restaurant is a traditional Slovenian restaurant that has been in operation for over 100 years. The menu features hearty dishes that are made with local ingredients.

COB (1 Michelin star) in Portorož: The restaurant is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, which is made with fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, and the restaurant offers a tasting menu as well as à la carte options.

Restavracija Strelec (1 Michelin star) in Ljubljana: This restaurant is located inside the hilltop castle that overlooks the capital city. The chef’s tasting menu is to die for and the ambiance is magical.

Restaurant Milka (1 Michelin star) in Kranjska Gora: The restaurant is known for its modern Slovenian cuisine, which is made with fresh, local ingredients. It is located on a lake surrounded by majestic mountains.

Best wineries to visit in Slovenia

Edi Simčič is a family-owned winery in the Brda region. They produce award-winning wines made from local grape varieties such as Rebula, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.

Kabaj is run by the Kabaj family, who are passionate about winemaking and preserving the traditional methods of winemaking in the Goriška Brda region, such as their world-class orange wine, Amfora.

My personal favorites

Gostilna Na Burji in Sečovlje: This home-like and welcoming restaurant serves traditional Istrian cuisine beside a huge open fireplace. Its situated on the side of a windy hill and surrounded by a beautiful garden. It was my first meal in Slovenia and I’ll never forget it - my absolute favorite!

Vina Lisjak in Vipava: ​​AF amily-owned winery in Slovenia that has been producing wine since 1956, offers intimate wine-tasting experiences and locally grown food. I went with a group and swear to return every time I go to Slovenia.

Kavarna Belvedere at Villa Bled: A terrace cafe overlooking fairytale Lake Bled serves delicious food, including my personal favorite desert in the world, Kremšnita, aka Bled Creme Cake, a traditional Slovenian dessert that is made with puff pastry, custard and whipped cream.