Autumn vineyards on the hills of Goriška Brda

CC BY-SA 4.0 • Photo by Jasmina Pogacnik via Wikimedia Commons

Movia

Q: What makes Movia’s winemaking approach unique?

Movia is renowned for its commitment to organic and biodynamic winemaking, blending traditional techniques with innovation. This philosophy is central to the estate's identity and is highlighted during guided tours of the vineyards and cellars.

Q: What can visitors expect during a tour and tasting at Movia?

Visitors enjoy an intimate experience that includes guided tours through vineyards and atmospheric cellars, followed by tastings paired with local snacks. Knowledgeable hosts share stories about the family’s history and sustainable viticulture practices throughout the visit.

Q: Which wine varietals are produced at the Movia estate?

The estate produces exceptional varietals such as Rebula, Merlot, and Chardonnay. These wines benefit from Goriška Brda’s unique microclimate and fertile soils.

Q: Is it necessary to book a visit to Movia in advance?

Yes, advance booking is recommended to ensure a personalized experience. While specific opening hours and fees may vary, securing a reservation helps guarantee your spot for this immersive journey.

Q: What is the setting and atmosphere like at Movia?

The winery is nestled in the rolling hills of Goriška Brda, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The atmosphere is described as intimate, welcoming, and charming, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

Family-owned biodynamic winery in Goriška Brda

#6 of 8 in Goriška Brda

Where: Goriška Brda, Bled & Bohinj
Directions: Directions

Movia is one of the best-known wine producers in Goriška Brda, the hilly wine region on the Slovenian side of the border with Italy, and its fame extends well beyond Slovenia. The estate is based at Ceglo, a hamlet close to the frontier, and it has been in the same family, the Kristančič family, since the early nineteenth century. The vineyards lie on the hillsides on both sides of the border, in a landscape of terraces, orchards and cypress trees, and the old cellars are among the oldest in the region. For the family, the border has always been a feature of daily life rather than a barrier.

What has set Movia apart in recent decades is its approach to winemaking. The estate works organically and has followed biodynamic principles for many years, which means that the vineyards are tended in step with natural rhythms and without chemical treatments, and that the wines are made with a minimum of intervention. Rebula, the local white grape, is the signature variety, produced both as clear, mineral whites and as amber-coloured wines made with extended skin contact, and the estate also makes red wines from Merlot and other grapes. Its sparkling wines, made by the traditional method and sometimes without dosage, have been influential among Slovenian producers.

A visit to Movia is a chance to see these ideas in practice. Guided tours lead through the vineyards and the cellars, where the family explains the choices they make and the reasons for them, and tastings are accompanied by local bread, cheese and cured meats. The hosts are knowledgeable and open, and the atmosphere is informal. The panoramic views of the surrounding hills and villages are part of the charm, and a visit in spring or autumn, when the vines are in leaf or the harvest is under way, is especially memorable.

Visits are usually by appointment, so it is best to book ahead, particularly in high season and at weekends. Movia fits well into a day of exploring Brda. Klet Brda, the large cooperative cellar, and Ščurek, a family winery with a cellar that doubles as a gallery, offer contrasting tastings, while Villa Vipolže, Dobrovo Castle and the Viewing Tower in Gonjače provide sights between tastings. The Vineyards of Goriška Brda are covered in a separate entry, and Krčnik and Kotline are further stops. Arrange a driver or a taxi if you plan to taste at several places.