Goriška Brda – the Slovenian capital of wine and cherries

Brda, commonly known as Goriška Brda is a municipality located in the Posočje Region, right by the Slovenian border with Italy. The place is a real paradise for all of the **wine **lovers with numerous vineyards, orchards, wine cellars and tourist farms, which all contribute to the development and recognition of the area. This charming destination is also known for its famous, sweet cherries, called “briške češnje”. The Brda **cherries **are so recognized and beloved, they even have their own holiday, attracting numerous visitors, who come to celebrate the unique traits of this town. 

Where the sweet cherries grow

The history of the renowned Brda cherries goes a long way back. This sweet fruit was appreciated all over Europe in places like Vienna, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as in Saint Petersburg, Prague and other cities. Back in the day, trading with cherries was one of the primary sources of earnings for the residents of Goriška Brda, who often sold and sent them to the members of the upper class of society in many European capitals. Nowadays, there is an annual holiday being celebrated in honour of the Brda cherries, called the Holiday of Cherries (Praznik češenj). The event usually takes place in June and consists of presentations of the traditional** Brda** customs, culinary delights made with cherries, concerts, and other interesting activities. 

Wines from 400 families

When talking about Goriška Brda, we cannot go past the fact that the municipality is one of the most popular wine destinations in Slovenia. Just by looking at the pictures online, you will realize that a large amount of the area is covered with vineyards and that many wineries run a business there. One of the most known is the Goriška Brda Wine Cellar, which is the biggest producer and exporter of **Slovenian **wines. The company offers various types of experiences, including the tasting of many different types of wines, produced from 400 families in Brda, as well as guided tours of the wine cellars. Join their guided tours to learn about the traditions of the grape harvest in Slovenia.

A trip to Brda isn’t only for those who enjoy drinking **wine *and tasting sweet cherries, as the area offers much more than only these two most known traits. One of its most impressive sights is the Renaissance Dobrovo Castle, *or Grad Dobrovo, overlooking the town of Brda. The fortress was declared a cultural monument and is a part of the Goriška Museum, offering various interesting historical collections and art exhibitions. Photographs, original objects, prints, and other works of art are all displayed inside the castle. Some of these are the exhibitions of prints, created by a world-renowned Slovenian artist, Zoran Mušič, whose work is mostly related to the Istria and Dalmatia regions, as well as his personal experience in the Nazi camps. The citadel also has a restaurant and a **wine **shop and is often the place of various cultural events and weddings. Another gem of Goriška Brda is a small and charming medieval village of Šmartno, which is said to have originated from the Roman foundations. It can be seen from almost everywhere in Brda, as it is located on a picturesque hill and walled with five towers. So, don't hesitate to come and visit the Slovenian capital of wine and cherries and enjoy a glass of a tasty beverage with spectacular views everywhere around you.