All You Need to Know About Wine Tasting in Bled

Bled, Slovenia is known for its picture-perfect scenery – from its clear blue lakes to its majestic Julian Alps, it’s no wonder that the country has become a popular tourist destination. But did you know that it also offers some of the best wine-tasting experiences in the world? From full-day wine tours exploring Bled’s vineyards to half-day tastings offered at local wineries, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking to explore the best wine this country has to offer, here’s all you need to know about wine tasting in Bled.

History of Wine in Slovenia

The wine-making tradition in Slovenia dates back to Roman times. The country was once an important link between the West and the East for both commerce and culture. Today, the Slovenian wine region is divided into four specific areas – Primorska, Posavje, Littoral-Inner Carniola and Styria. Each of these regions has its own unique style of wines, from dry whites and rosés to rich reds and full-bodied sweet wines.

Top Types of Slovenian Wine

Slovenian wines have been gaining international attention in recent years and are now exported worldwide. The country has around 40 varieties of grapes that are grown in its vineyards, including a few local autochthonous varieties that are unique to the region. Here are some of the top wines you should look out for while you’re in Bled:

White Wines

• Beli Pinot: This popular white is one of the oldest and most widely planted autochthonous varieties in Slovenia. It has a delicate aroma and a crisp finish, making it ideal as an aperitif or paired with light meals such as salads or seafood.
• Laški Rizling: This is a dry and fruity white with a mellow finish. It’s made mostly from the Laški Rizling grape – a variety of Riesling grown mostly in Central Europe. It goes well with salads, poultry, river fish and vegetarian dishes.
• Rebula: One of the most popular white wines in the Primorska wine region, Rebula has bold fruit flavors and a clean finish. It pairs well with seafood, Asian dishes, soft cheese, and aged meats.
• Sivi Pinot: A light and fresh white wine, Sivi Pinot has a slight citrus flavor with notes of herbs and minerals. It pairs best with seafood and light dishes such as salads and risotto.

Red Wines

• Teran: A light-bodied red made from the autochthonous Refosk grape variety, Teran is one of the most renowned Slovenian wines. It has an earthy aroma with notes of cherry, blackberry, and spices. It pairs best with fatty meats and game dishes.
• Rezeva: Rezerva is a medium-bodied red with robust tannins and a fruity finish. It’s made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grapes and pairs well with steak, game meat, and spicy dishes.
• Modri Pinot: Made from the Modri Pinot grape variety – a variant of Pinot Noir – this wine has a ruby color and bright aromatics. On the palate, it has notes of cherry, plum, and spices. It pairs well with richer dishes such as hearty soups, stewed meats, and cheese.

Dessert Wines

• Vrbniška Črnina: This is a sweet and full-bodied dessert wine made from the Crnina grape variety. It’s one of the oldest recognized autochthonous grape varieties in Slovenia and has been cultivated since ancient times. It goes well with dark chocolate desserts.
• Modra Frankinja: This rich and flavorful dessert wine is made from the Modra Frankinja grape variety. It has aromas of dried figs, spices, orange peel, and honey that linger on the palate. It pairs well with dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate desserts.

Wine Tasting Experiences in Bled

There are a variety of wine-tasting experiences available in Bled that cater to all types of taste buds and budgets. Some of them include:

• Day Trip: Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch from Ljubljana: For those looking for a full day experience exploring Bled’s vineyards, this tour is for you. Starting from Ljubljana, you’ll visit the region’s most renowned wineries and indulge in some of the best wines Slovenia has to offer – plus a delicious traditional lunch at Vila Bled restaurant.
• Wine Tasting Telčice Winery: For those looking for half-day experiences exploring Bled’s vineyards this tour is perfect. Located near Lake Bled, the winery offers tastings of some of its best whites and reds – plus a delicious lunch at the estate’s restaurant.
• Wine Tasting & Tour at Žametna Vas Winery: Located on the edge of Lake Bled, this family-run winery offers tastings of their renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Modra Frankinja & Rosé wines – plus beautiful views over the lake.
• Evening Wine Tasting & Dinner at Vina Gora Winery: For those looking for an intimate evening experience in Bled’s vineyards, this tour is perfect. Located high above Lake Bled, this renowned winery offers tastings of some of its finest whites and reds – plus a sumptuous dinner at their 18th century villa.

My Personal Tips for Enjoying Your Wine Tasting Experience in Bled

Having experienced many fantastic wine-tastings across Slovenia, here are some tips that I recommend you keep in mind when planning your trip:

• Book Ahead of Time: Many of Bled’s wineries require reservations ahead of time, so it’s best to book your experience as early as possible.
• Choose Your Tour Carefully: When selecting a tour make sure it includes what you want – whether it be tastings of specific varieties or a thorough overview of the region’s varieties.
• Bring Your Own Goodies: : Some of the wineries offer delicious local food pairings which you can enjoy with your wine tasting experiences. So it’s always good to bring along snacks like cheese and crackers to enhance your experience.
• Bring Labels Home: : Make sure to collect labels from wines you particularly enjoyed so you can purchase them for your home cellar or as gifts for your friends later.
• Enjoy! : Above all else, remember to have fun! Whether you’re tasting full-bodied reds or light whites, take time to savor each sip as this will be an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for a unique experience that combines amazing food experiences with visits to local wineries and breathtaking scenery, then wine tasting in Bled is definitely worth considering. Many of Bled’s wineries offer resplendent experiences featuring some of Slovenia’s best wines – so what are you waiting for? Book your experience now on GetYourGuide, sit back, relax, and enjoy!