Mlada portugalka in Bela Krajina

Festival of indigenous grape varieties.

Lovers of autumn, wine events and entertainment are increasingly keen to return to Bela Krajina every year. When the granaries and wine cellars of Bela Krajina are full, the region glows with the colours of autumn. On the third weekend in October, the Metlika Winegrowers’ Association organises the ‘Mlada Portugalka’ wine festival in the old town centre every year. In the afternoon, members of the association bring a barrel of young wine to the castle courtyard. A wine journalist inserts a tap into it, and the pouring of the ‘Portugalka’ begins. “What makes ‘portugalka’ special is that, in just a few weeks, it matures from must into young wine, offering immediate enjoyment. The young wine is fresh, light and easy to drink, with a varietal aroma. When paired with roasted chestnuts, it’s nothing short of magic.” Numerous winemakers from the Bela Krajina region present their young wines at the festival, whilst the Slovenian Wine Kingdom also adds to the programme. In the evening, an entertaining dance group ensures a lively atmosphere at the castle.