Posestvo Gjerkes

Posestvo Gjerkeš is a wine estate and farm stay in Goričko, the hilly north-eastern corner of Slovenia, close to the village of Grad and the borders with Austria and Hungary. Goričko is a quiet region of rounded hills covered in meadows, orchards and woods, with vineyards on the south-facing slopes, and it is among the least developed parts of the country, where the countryside has kept its traditional patchwork look. The estate is aimed at adults, with a focus on a calm, romantic stay, and it combines modern comfort in renovated rooms with a rural setting of vines and forest.

The core of the experience is wine and food. Prekmurje and Goričko produce fresh, aromatic white wines, among them Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc and the local Šipon, and also some reds and sparkling wines, and a stay at a wine estate gives a chance to taste them in the place where they are grown. Tastings are held outdoors in good weather, with views over vineyards and wooded hills, and the host introduces the wines and the way they are made. The estate's restaurant offers dishes that draw on the region's cuisine, with pumpkin-seed oil, dumplings, river fish, game and farm produce, and breakfast typically includes local specialities. A garden, a terrace and a bar provide places to relax in the evening.

The location is convenient for exploring. Goričko Nature Park, with its network of marked trails for walking and cycling, begins at the doorstep, and quiet roads lead through villages and past small churches. Grad, a short distance away, has one of the largest castles in Slovenia, a huge complex above the village that is open to visitors. Across the border in Austria, the Riegersburg Castle, a dramatic fortress on a volcanic rock, and the Styrassic Park, a park of life-size dinosaur models, are within easy reach, and the thermal spas of Moravske Toplice and the golf course at Livada are a short drive away. Bicycles can be stored on site for those who ride.

Guests should check what is currently offered before booking, since services such as meals, tastings and extras can vary. The estate suits couples looking for a quiet break and anyone who wants to explore the wines of the region at a relaxed pace. Spring and autumn are particularly attractive, with blossom or harvest colours, and summer evenings on the terrace are pleasant. A car is useful for visiting the sights of the area, and the nearest town for shopping and services is Murska Sobota, about half an hour away. Other places to taste wine nearby include Winery Marof, the Gesamtsteirische Vinothek and Weinhof Platzer.