We first heard about Cejkotova Homestead in 2021 when a friend recommended it to us. We are very grateful for that—it’s his favorite place. It turned out to be a truly special spot that gave us a fantastic culinary experience. Far from a typical luxury restaurant or one with Michelin stars, this is on another level.
About the place
Cejkotova Homestead is located in the village of Goče, just above the Vipava Valley. Thanks to its elevated position, the village has a very scenic location with great views over the valley. Goče is a traditional stone village typical of the Goriška and Vipava Valley region. The houses feature thick stone walls, and some have courtyards. The lanes between the houses are narrow, often only about one meter wide. The Cejkotova Homestead is a fine example of the village’s architecture and has been lovingly renovated by its owner, Davorin Mesesnel.
Slovenia is a small country with great geographical and climatic diversity. Descending into the Vipava Valley from the interior of Slovenia feels like entering another world. Along the way, the nature, vegetation, architecture, and climate gradually change, taking on a distinctly Mediterranean character. Summers are hot, and during the colder months, the valley is often swept by the strong Bora wind. The Vipava Valley is also excellent for wine production, and several of Slovenia’s most prominent wine producers are located here.
The food and the wine
For starters, there is no menu. You are served whatever the family happens to be cooking that day, using ingredients that are ripe and available. You also need to call ahead to let them know you plan to visit so they can prepare for your arrival.
The experience is about much more than just the food—it’s everything that makes the visit feel truly special: the location, the hospitality, the openness, and, of course, the food itself. All ingredients come from the farm and are 100% natural, organic, and fresh. The result is an incredible freshness that is hard to put into words. This is a completely different experience from the industrialized and processed food we often eat in everyday life.
The wine served with the food is also produced locally at Cejkotova Homestead. The wines are equally fresh and pair perfectly with the dishes.
What we were served
This is what we were served during our visit to Cejkotova Homestead.
- Zucchini and basil soup
- Pršut, goat cheese with olive oil, ham and cream. Pršut is the Slovenian version of proscuitto.
- Roast beef, potatoes, herbs and zucchini
- Home made apple pie
About the wine production
In Goče, there is a special tradition of aging wine. Wines are matured in oak barrels inside stone-built wine cellars. The village has a long history of wine production, and at one point, there were more wine cellars than houses. Today, about 60 of these historic cellars still exist, and Cejkotova Homestead has one of them.
The wine cellar has no electricity. When we entered the dark space, the owner lit several candles, creating a special atmosphere.
Over the years, we have bought and tried several of their wines. It is possible to purchase wines directly at the farm. During our visit, we had to pay in cash, although this may have changed since then.
- Dula 2019 – A very pleasant and flavorful wine with a fresh taste and rich aromas. The exact grape variety is unclear, but it is clearly aged in oak barrels. Pairs beautifully with pasta, steak, and dried meats.
- Pinelo Sauvignon 2021 – Made from the local Pinela grape blended with Sauvignon Blanc. A crisp and refreshing wine showcasing the regional character.
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 – Produced from the international Cabernet Sauvignon grape, yet the flavors are distinctly shaped by the Vipava terroir. The wine has noticeable acidity and tannins, with subtle fruit notes and hints of cherry, leather, and earth.
Contact information
If you would like to visit Cejkotova Homestead, please contact them by phone or email:
- Phone: +386(0) 31 398 496
- Email: cejkotova.domacija@siol.net
Other places to visit
While you are in Goče, you can visit other wine producers.
- Ferjanič Wine Cellar - A producer of typical Vipava Valley wines made from grapes such as Pinela, Zelen, Rebula, Malvasia, and more. You can read more about their wines on their website where you can also book wine tastings.
- Wines Povh - Another producer of Vipava Valley wines, including the Slovenian specialty, orange wines. You can read more about their wines on their website. They are also featured as the wine supplier in an episode of the Netflix series Restaurants on the Edge.
