Kmetija Slavček

Franko and Kristjan Vodopivec

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Kmetija Slavček is a family-run estate in Slovenia's Vipava Valley. The Vodopivec family has been farming these lands for over 180 years, but it was under the vision of Franko Vodopivec that the focus shifted to natural winemaking. Today, the winery is led by Franko's son, Kristjan Vodopivec, who continues the legacy with a deep commitment to biodynamic farming and a non-interventionist approach. The name, "Slavček," means "nightingale," a symbol of the birds that sing in their vineyards and a nod to the health and vitality of their ecosystem.

A Philosophy of Holistic Farming and Purity

The Vodopivec family's philosophy is rooted in the belief that the health of the land is paramount. They see the winery as a living organism, a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires no chemical inputs.

  • Biodynamic Farming: They have been farming biodynamically since 1993, well before it was a popular movement. They believe that a holistic approach to the vineyard, including the use of natural composts and preparations, results in grapes that are full of life and a true reflection of their terroir.

  • Low Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is radically hands-off. All fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts. They do not use any pumps, fining, or filtration.

  • Minimal Sulfur: Their wines are made with very little or no added sulfur dioxide (SO2​), ensuring a pure and unadulterated expression of the fruit.

The Vineyards and Terroir

The vineyards of Kmetija Slavček are located on the fertile, flysch-based soils of the Vipava Valley.

  • Location: The estate is in the village of Slap, in the Vipava Valley, Slovenia.

  • Vineyard Area: The domaine covers around 7.5 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: They work with a range of local and international grapes, including indigenous varieties like Zelen, Pinela, and Rebula, as well as international grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Soils & Climate: The terroir is a mix of marl, sandstone, and limestone, locally known as flysch. The cool breezes from the Adriatic Sea and the constant wind, or "Burja," keep the vineyards healthy and free of disease.

Winemaking and Process

The winemaking at Kmetija Slavček is a careful and intuitive process, with a focus on extended skin contact for their white wines.

  • Harvest: All grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and sorted.

  • Vinification: Their white wines, particularly their Rebula and Pinot Grigio, undergo a long skin maceration for several days or even weeks. This process gives the wines a rich color, a complex texture, and a beautiful aromatic profile.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for extended periods in large oak barrels and stainless steel tanks to develop complexity and natural stability.

Signature Wines to Discover

The wines of Kmetija Slavček are known for their elegance, complexity, and a strong sense of place.

  • Zelen: A pure expression of this indigenous grape, known for its herbal and floral notes.

  • Rebula: An iconic orange wine that showcases the complexity and aging potential of the grape.

  • Redno: A red blend, often a mix of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Address & Contact

Kmetija Slavček is a working winery. Visits are by appointment only.

  • Address: Slap 6, 5271 Vipava, Slovenia.