Our Stay at Gredic: Castle Retreat in Slovenia's Wine Country, Goriska Brda
Nestled in the heart of the Goriska Brda region in Slovenia lies the charming village of Gredic, a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional wines. If you're wondering which Slovenian wine region is the best, Goriska Brda is certainly a strong contender.
This picturesque area is often compared to Tuscany because of its terrain and flora. The Italian vineyards just a couple of streets over share the same terroir, therefore producing wines of comparable quality. However, in Slovenia, you can often enjoy these exceptional wines at a much lower price, making it a fantastic destination for wine enthusiasts interested in affordable luxury.
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Gredic: A Blend of History and Modern Luxury
Our stay at Gredic was nothing short of magical. This renovated castle exudes charm on the outside, with its historic façade surrounded by lush vineyards, and even a well still in-tact out front. Inside, however, the castle is a masterpiece of modern Scandinavian design. With only seven rooms, the hospitality is incredibly personal and attentive. Each room features a bathtub and mini wine fridge, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploration.
The hotel also boasts an outdoor pool offering stunning views of the vineyards, although it was unfortunately not heated. Even in early September, we found it a bit too chilly for more than a quick dip.
Upon our arrival, our room was not yet ready, so we were encouraged to visit the nearby Vipolze villa for lunch. This turned out to be an excellent recommendation. We enjoyed a delightful lunch on their picturesque outdoor patio, where we tasted the local Brda pizza and sampled some of the region's finest wines for the first time.
Culinary Delights at Restaurant Gredic
The lunch, however, was just a warm-up for the main event: dinner at Restaurant Gredic. The Brda area is a unique blend of Mediterranean influences and a strong Slovenian heritage. The fact that this restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Plate for four consecutive years now, is indicative that they showcasing this region’s uniqueness spectacularly.
Our tasting menu was a gastronomic journey featuring beef tartare, a pasta dish with more black truffles than noodles, and succulent beef tenderloin. Each course was a visual masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. To complement our meal, we opted for two different wine pairings and were blown away by the exceptional quality of Slovenian wines. A visit to the restaurant's wine cellar is a must (you will pass it on your way to the restroom), as it is not only a showcase of exceptional wines but also an art installation in itself.
Dessert was a delightful finale to our meal, and the chef even stopped by our table to ensure we enjoyed everything.
The Ultimate Staycation Experience
The simple pleasure of taking a short elevator ride up to our bed after an evening full of food and drink was unmatched. Second only to that feeling was waking up 8 hours later and taking that same elevator right back down to be served breakfast in the same top-notch restaurant. The breakfast spread was delicious, featuring eggs, pastries, and fresh fruits. However, we were still so full from the night before that we hardly had more than the coffee.
This is the ultimate staycation experience and is a part of our recommended luxury road trip around Slovenia (read the full itinerary HERE). Despite its upscale offerings, we found our stay at Gredic to be a great value for our money. Our stay, including a tasting menu for two with wine pairings, was less expensive than our dinner at Hisa Franko the night before (though oh what an incredible dinner that was).
Don't Miss Out
If you're wondering where the best wine region in Slovenia is or wondering which country is best for wine tourism, Goriska Brda should definitely be on your list. Because of its proximity to the border, whether you are exploring Slovenia's wine regions or embarking on an Italian wine tour, be sure to add Gredic to your itinerary. With its exceptional wines, world-class dining, and luxurious accommodations, you'll be in for an unforgettable experience.
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