Community Vineyard Cottage of Drašiči

The Community Vineyard Cottage of Drašiči, known locally as the “Soseska zidanica,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the communal traditions of Bela Krajina’s wine country. Dating back to the 17th century, this unique wine cooperative stands as a living testament to the region’s strong sense of community and its deep-rooted viticultural heritage. The cottage, preserved from the post-World War II era, is the only one of its kind still in operation and is recognized as part of Slovenia’s living cultural heritage.

Visitors to the cottage can explore the history of the “wine bank,” a system where villagers could borrow wine from communal barrels, repaying with interest—one and a half liters for every liter borrowed. This practice helped fund local needs, from church maintenance to community events and even funerals. Membership in the cooperative required an annual contribution of wine, and consumption was carefully tracked using wooden sticks called “rovaš,” each engraved with house numbers and quantities, managed by a designated “šekutor.”

Today, the Community Vineyard Cottage is operated by local wine growers and remains a gathering place for sharing stories and tasting regional wines, especially the celebrated “Metliška črnina.” A visit here provides not only a taste of local wine but also an authentic experience of Bela Krajina’s communal spirit and enduring traditions.