Zlati Grič Winery

Slovenske Konjice is a small town in Štajerska, at the foot of the Konjiška Gora hills, and the slopes that rise behind it are some of the most historic vineyards in the region. Zlati Grič, the Golden Hill, is the estate that carries the name of those slopes, a winery that combines a long local tradition with modern cellar technology. Wine was already made in the surrounding area in the Middle Ages, when the monks of the Žiče Charterhouse, a short distance away, planted vines and cultivated the land, and the story of Zlati Grič draws on that deep history.

The winery is best known for its cellar, a modern building that was designed to sit low in the landscape, with part of it built underground so that it blends into the vineyard rather than dominating it. The underground location also gives stable, cool conditions for wine to rest, which is why such designs have become popular with winemakers who want to avoid pumps and excessive handling and to let gravity do the work. Visitors can take a guided tour that explains the story of winemaking in the area, from the monks to the present, and shows how grapes are handled and fermented. The tour includes a tasting of selected wines, both still and sparkling, with local appetisers. Sparkling wine is a particular strength of the region, and some bottles are said to age in the cool cellars of the old charterhouse, which gives the wines a historical connection that few producers can match.

The setting adds to the experience. From the vineyard, the view takes in rows of vines, the town below, and the wooded hills beyond, and in clear weather the air is pleasantly bright. Stolpnik Summit and Lookout Tower is a short distance away, with a viewing tower that gives a wider panorama of the Konjice hills and the Pohorje range, so winery and tower combine well for a half-day outing. The Žička kartuzija is also nearby, and a visit to the charterhouse and its gardens fits easily into the same day.

Visits need to be planned. Winery tours and tastings generally require advance reservation, group sizes and prices vary, and the winery is a working business, so check the details and book before you go. If you intend to drive, arrange a designated driver or taste in small amounts.

The winery suits wine lovers, couples, small groups and anyone interested in the historical wine roads of Štajerska. Late summer and early autumn, when the grapes ripen and harvest begins, are the most atmospheric times to visit. Spring brings fresh green vines and mild weather. The Carthusian monks and the Žička Kartuzija are the historical backbone of the story, and for many visitors the winery is the best way to taste a piece of Slovenia’s monastic past, which is hard to find elsewhere in Slovenia.