Fodor's Expert Review Brda

Protruding westward into Italy above the city of Gorizia lies Slovenia's best and most charming wine-growing region, Goriška Brda, or just Brda for short. Nestled near-by river Soča, half way between the Alps and the Adriatic, the region is quite accurately described as Petite Provence and features a mosaic of green hills liberally spotted with vineyards, cherry orchards and olive trees. Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of Slovenia, but the Brda region can hold its own with the European heavyweights. The wineries are all family-run and rather minute, yet exhibit an unmistakable tradition and deeply-rooted knowledge of the terroir. All of the manufacturers offer their products at winery prices at the castle in Dobrovo, the picturesque administrative center of the region, as well as several more established hotels and haciendas around the region. In September, visitors are welcome to help with the grape harvest at most wineries and if you chance to be there in May, hop on a bike and go cherry picking at one of the many orchards. Further attractions include Krčnik, a 5-meter natural stone bridge, smoothly polished by water and looming over the Kožbanjšček creek on top of a gorge. The refreshing beauty of the sight even compensates for pronunciation woes. While there, walk over to Kotline, three pools carved into the streambed of the creek.