Is Goriška Brda worth visiting? I am giving that a 1,000% yes. I was totally enamored with how beautiful this “Tuscany of Slovenia” region is. It was an absolute joy to drive along these rolling hills, sampling wonderful local wine and olive oil. (More on those below!)
Being the great person I am, I’ve put together all the travel tips and tricks you’ll need for a perfect short stay or weekend trip to Goriška Brda. Gosh, I am nice. So, keep scrolling to find exactly where I stayed, what I did, and what I loved about this hidden Slovenian gem!
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Is Goriška Brda worth visiting?
Like, I said, 1000% yes! I loved it here and you will too! Goriška Brda is often called the “Tuscany of Slovenia,” and for once, the nickname actually fits. It’s a landscape of rolling hills, medieval hilltop villages, and endless vineyards, but without the crowds or the inflated prices.
Why it’s a “Must-Visit”:
- The Wine: This tiny region is home to some of the world’s best winemakers. You have to try the Rebula (the local star) and the trendy Orange wines that are putting this area on the map.
- The Olive Oil: It is one of the northernmost olive-growing regions in Europe, which gives the oil a unique, slightly spicy kick. The “Grand Tour” at Villa Eva is the best way to experience it.
- The Two-Country Vibe: You are so close to the border that you can literally stand in two countries at once at Europe Square in Nova Gorica/Gorizia.
- The Views: It is a joy to drive around this area for the astounding views.
Pragmatic Pro Tip: This is “slow travel” at its best. Don’t rush it in a day trip. Stay for a weekend, rent a car, and prepare to eat (and drink) very, very well.
This is a great addition to a Slovenian Road trip! Check out our 2-week Road Trip in Slovenia.
How to get to Goriška Brda?
Goriška Brda is close to several airport options. The nearest is Trieste, though not all major airlines fly there. Venice and Ljubljana are both just over an hour away. No matter where you fly into, rent a car—it’s the best way to explore the stunning hills of Goriška Brda with flexibility and ease.
How long to stay in Goriška Brda?
Goriška Brda is absolutely enchanting, so plan to spend a few nights exploring its gorgeous hills. I found two to three nights, or a long weekend, to be ideal. If you’re a wine lover, you may want to stay even longer to fully enjoy the region’s delicious Slovenian wines.
Where to stay in Goriška Brda?
I loved staying at Villa Eva Resort & Boutique while exploring Goriška Brda. This modern property has jaw-dropping views of the rolling hills and vineyards. It is just amazing from the main seating/breakfast area. There’s also a beautiful pool with loungers perfect for soaking in that view.
The main building is new, stylish, and decorated with artwork from around the world, including pieces by the owner. The resort sits on an olive grove where they produce some of the best olive oil I’ve ever tasted—I highly recommend doing the tasting (more on that below).
Breakfast is included and comes with those same stunning views. It was hearty, filling, and a great start to the day. Our room was spotless, modern, and incredibly comfortable, but the bathroom was the real standout—huge, sleek, and with a shower I’m still thinking about.
The owners were lovely, and I can’t recommend this property enough.
Where to eat in Goriška Brda?
- Kabaj: Kabaj was an absolute surprise—literally. I had no idea it was a tasting menu until we arrived, so it wasn’t a cheap surprise, but it was worth every penny. The meal was fantastic, easily one of the best of the entire trip. Each course was fresh, creative, and beautifully presented, with an excellent wine pairing from their own production. I especially loved their sparkling wine. Everything was just outstanding.
- Zero 81: Zero 81 was a wonderful find in Gorizia, Italy. We were craving some great pizza and we found it. This was truly excellent Neapolitan pizza.
- Vinoteka Brda: This is a great wine bar in Smartno. It is located in the old town with gorgeous views of the hills and vineyards. It was a great spot to enjoy the views and sample great Slovenian wine. I recommend trying the orange wine!
What to do in Goriška Brda?
Enjoy the Drive
Goriška Brda is absolutely stunning with its rolling green hills covered in vineyards, olive trees, and charming little towns. The drives here are gorgeous, with sweeping views around every turn. Truly, take the time to drive around—you’ll love it.
Pragmatic Pro Tip: This is a great area to explore by bike. We didn’t get the chance to do it on this trip, but I was in touch with this company and would definitely rent from them next time.
Visit Charming Small Towns
Goriksa Brda has small charming towns dotted along its hills. Two in particular stood out as must-visit: Šmartno and Medana.
- Šmartno is hands-down the most beautiful village in Brda. It’s a perfectly preserved medieval walled village right in the heart of the region, built on old Roman foundations. The narrow cobblestone alleys and charming houses all center around St. Martin’s Church, which was built on the ruins of a 14th-century church.
- Things to Do: Get lost in the village. Enjoy the sweeping views. Visit Vinoteka Brda and enjoy local wine with a view. Learn about the restoration of Šmartno with the picture guides scattered around town. Visit a restored house to learn about how people once lived in Šmartno. (It is across from the church and free!)
- Visit Nona Lisa – a local products shop.
- Medana is a charming little village in Brda and the birthplace of the famous Slovenian poet Alojz Gradnik. It’s a lovely place to wander and take in the picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Attend an Olive Oil Tasting
The Villa Eva Olive Oil Tasting: Since we were staying at the farm, we booked the €40 “Grand Tour.” It was a highlight of our stay and a great value for the price.
- The Experience: We received a full tour of the olive oil operation, learning exactly how they produce their local oil.
- The Food & Wine: This isn’t just a snack. We were served nearly a full bottle of wine and a series of dishes designed to highlight each oil. There was meat, bread, cheeses, vegetables and ice cream. Incredible!
- Pragmatic Pro Tip: Go hungry. The “Grand Tour” is essentially a full meal, so you can easily skip dinner afterward.
Enjoy Wine at a Wine Bar
I’ll be honest: I found the formal wine tastings in Goriška Brda to be a bit pricey, with several coming in at over €40 per person. If you don’t have the time or the budget for a full sit-down tasting, there is a great compromise: visit a local wine bar.
I found that buying single glasses of wine was much more affordable and—frankly—bloody delicious. I highly recommend trying the local orange wine and the sparkling wines. (Do you think I could remember the specific brands? Ugh, of course not! But that’s where the experts come in.)
My Top Recommendation: Vinoteka Brda Located right in the heart of Šmartno, this spot is a must-visit. They have amazing views from the outdoor seating looking over the rolling hills of Goriška Brda. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and will guide you through the local wine list so you don’t have to be an expert to find something you love.
Pragmatic Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to tell the staff what you usually like (e.g., ‘I like dry whites’)—they are great at finding a local Slovenian version that will blow you away.
Take a Day Trip to Gorizia, Italy
A very cool (and easy) day trip from the vineyards is to head across the border to Gorizia, Italy. This city is unique because it is literally split in half—one side is in Italy and the other is in Slovenia (Nova Gorica).
After two weeks in Slovenia, I was ready for a “Italian break,” so we drove over to explore the Italian side.
- Gorizia Castle: We started by driving up to the castle for a wander. I’ll be honest—I’m not entirely sure we were supposed to drive all the way up there (yikes!), but the views were worth the minor stress.
- The Vibe: The downtown area is perfect for getting lost and just exploring the local Italian streets.
- Where to Eat: We had incredible Neapolitan pizza at Zero 81. If you are looking for an excellent, authentic meal just minutes from the Slovenian border, this is the spot.
- Next Time: I’d love to visit the Great War Museum. The history of this split city is fascinating, and it’s a great reason to come back.
Pragmatic Pro Tip: Car Rentals: Make sure your rental insurance allows border crossings into Italy (most in this region do, but check your contract!).
Final Thoughts
So, is it worth the drive? The short answer is yes—but only if you have a car.
If you are looking for a flashy, “see-and-be-seen” luxury wine destination, this might not be your speed. But if you want a pragmatic alternative to Tuscany where the views are mesmerizing, the orange wine is world-class, and you can cross into Italy just for a pizza run, then Goriška Brda is a must-add to your Slovenia itinerary.
The Pragmatic Verdict:
- Best for: Wine lovers, road trippers, and travelers who hate crowds.
- Don’t miss: A glass of sparkling wine at Vinoteka Brda and the olive oil “Grand Tour” at Villa Eva.
- My Advice: Stay for at least two nights at Villa Eva. It takes a day just to slow down to the local pace, and you’ll want that second day to explore the Italian side in Gorizia.
Goriška Brda feels like a hidden gem that won’t stay hidden for long. Just remember to bring your GPS—and maybe a little extra room in your suitcase for a few bottles of wine and olive oil.
Your Thoughts on Goriška Brda
What are you thoughts on if Goriška Brda is worth a visit? Did I convince you? Leave your comments below.
