Discover Cviček and its homeland

Tips on where to find great wine included

Discover Cviček and its homeland

Cviček is made from white and red grape varieties

Its qualities make it stand out among Slovenian as well as international wines. It's one of the three wines in the world made from red and white grape varieties. It's known for its lovely ruby light red color. It has low alcohol content (from 8,5 to 10%) and is pleasantly acidic, making it light. It pairs well with most dishes, with the exception of those prepared with vinegar, and sweet foods. It is produced in Dolenjska's wine-growing region.

Cviček contains around 65% of red grape varieties (Black Velvet and blue Frankish) and around 35% of white grape varieties (mostly Kraljevina and Italian Riesling). Up to 15% of it is made up by other varieties, such as Rumeni plavec, Green Sylvaner, Chasselas, White Chasselas or Ranfol.

Cviček is said to have many health benefits

Peter Kapš, a doctor from Novo mesto, wrote about the nutritional and medicinal properties of the wine in his book Cviček: Food and Medicine. Due to its acidity, the wine may aid diabetics, while its low alcohol content makes it diet-friendly. It helps digestion, promotes appetite, prevents insomnia, and encourages blood flow. Since red grapes contain flavonoids (antioxidants), it also helps prevent cardiovascular disease and has anti-aging qualities. But careful – it is only effective if consumed in moderation.

Cviček's homeland

While on a getaway in the heart of Cviček's homeland, in Terme Šmarješke Toplice or at the Otočec's Hotel Šport, you get to learn about Cviček in interesting ways. You can sip it in restaurants and enjoy it with healthy dishes prepared with mostly locally sourced ingredients. You can also book a private party wine tasting at Otočec Castle's wine tower.

Wine fountain

Beneath the chestnut trees, the Šmarjeta village square boasts a Cviček wine fountain Izvir cvička – there you will find the best wines produced on the nearby hills. Along with Cviček, you'll get to taste the three main wines that comprise it – the blue Frankish, the Black Velvet and Kraljevina or Dolenjska bela. You're also free to browse the nearby shop offering wine tasting glasses, souvenirs and other local products.

Vineyard cottages open their doors

When the weather permits, from spring to fall, you can explore Trška gora above Novo mesto, where select vineyard cottages open their doors at the weekends and invite visitors for a sampling of local goods and wine. A walk around Trška gora provides welcome recreation, while the amazing view makes for a very pleasant experience. To learn more about the vineyard cottages, visit www.novomesto.si.

Matjaž's homestead in Paha

Learn about a local winegrower at Matjaž's homestead in Paha. There, welcoming hosts dressed in traditional clothing act out a seven-part story – about the history of wine, wine patrons, producing and cellaring, wine legends and basic wine knowledge.