Hiša dobrot Bele krajine

Metlika is a small town in Bela Krajina, the south-eastern corner of Slovenia, close to the Croatian border and the Kolpa river, and it is known for its wine and its food. The Bela Krajina House of Local Delicacies, in Slovene Hiša dobrot Bele krajine, is a centre in the old town dedicated to the products and traditions of the region, and it gives visitors a chance to taste them in one place and to learn how they are made. The idea is to show that the region's cuisine, shaped by the meeting of Slovene, Croatian and other influences along the old border, is rich and varied.

The most famous local speciality is belokranjska pogača, a flat, round bread that is pricked with a fork before baking and topped with coarse salt and sometimes caraway or garlic. It is not cut but broken by hand, and tradition has it that it should be shared among people around the table, as a sign of hospitality. The bread is dry on the outside and soft within, and it goes well with cheese, ham and wine. At the House of Delicacies, visitors can join a workshop in which they prepare and bake pogača, learning how to knead the dough and how to shape and prick the loaves, and then eat the results. Other products on show include cheeses, honey, cured meats, cakes, fruit brandies and wines, many of them made by small producers in the area.

Wine is an important part of the offer. Metlika is the centre of a small wine district, and its best-known product is Metliška črnina, a dark red blend made from local grapes, with a deep colour and a sturdy character, that is a symbol of the region. Tastings and guided samplings of local produce are available, and the staff, who are enthusiastic about the region's food culture, are glad to share stories about the farms, the recipes and the festivals that go with them. The atmosphere is warm and informal, and visits are best arranged in advance for workshops and for groups.

The House is in the old centre of Metlika, so it is easy to combine with a walk through the town. Metlika Castle, on a rise above the main square, houses the Bela Krajina Museum, which presents the history, archaeology and folk culture of the region, including its famous painted Easter eggs and embroidered costumes, and the medieval streets are pleasant to wander. The Kolpa river, with its warm water and canoe trips, is a short drive away, and the surrounding countryside offers cycling and hiking. Check opening hours and workshop schedules before you go.