Koželj Wines in Ljubljana is a well-stocked wine shop offering wines from all corners of Slovenia, ranging from the largest and most prominent producers to smaller, more unique wineries. Here you can both buy and taste wines, accompanied by snacks. In many ways, this shop is the opposite of Štorija. Instead of a small, specialized selection, you’ll find a wide range and large variety in a well-organized store. The shop is beautifully located at Pogačarjev Square. Koželj is also a chain with locations in several cities across Slovenia.
Koželj Wines markets itself as the “House of Good Wines.” They have more than 1,000 Slovenian wines in stock. There is also a large wine bar where you can try many of the wines they sell. In the summer, you can sit on the pleasant outdoor terrace.
The Wines
Here are some of the most well-known Slovenian wine producers whose wines can be found at Koželj Wines.
- Movia - Probably the most famous wine producer in Slovenia. The winery is located in the country’s most renowned wine region, Goriška Brda, just a few kilometers from the Italian border. The winery is also featured in an episode of the Swedish travel series Semester med Garplind, which you can watch here.
- Erzetič - Another well-known wine producer from Goriška Brda. The blog especially recommends their Pinot Gris, which makes a fantastic everyday wine.
- Kristančič - Another well-known wine producer from Goriška Brda. The blog particularly enjoys their red wines, especially their Merlot.
- SanTomas - Located in Slovenian Istria, just above the town of Izola, SanTomas is known for its wines made from the Refošk (Refosco) grape.
- Edi Simčič - A producer of high-quality red and white wines. The blog especially enjoys their Triton Lex.
- Medot - A producer specializing in sparkling wines, and perhaps Slovenia’s best. Located in Goriška Brda, like many other prominent Slovenian wine producers, Medot is particularly known for its Millésime, which the blog highly recommends.
- Batič - Located in the Vipava Valley, this winery specializes in organic wines. The blog especially enjoys their Angel Grand Cuvée.
- Bjana - Another well-known producer of sparkling wines, located in Goriška Brda, not far from the Italian border. Often seen as a strong competitor to Medot for the title of Slovenia’s leading sparkling wine producer, Bjana is especially known for its Cuvée Prestige, which the blog highly recommends.
- Domaine Slapšak - One of Slovenia’s top producers of sparkling wines, located in the Dolenjska region. You can read more about the winery in our blog post about the winery.
- Steyer - Marketed as the Gewürztraminer wine house, Steyer is located in Prekmurje, near the Austrian border. The wine culture here is quite different from that along the Italian border.
- Verus - A large producer of mainly white wines, as well as Pinot Noir, located near the Croatian and Hungarian borders. Some of their wines can even be found in Sweden, where we live.
- Puklavec - Located in the Jeruzalem region, not far from the Croatian and Hungarian borders, Puklavec mainly produces young, fresh white wines.
Where to Stay
Some selected places to stay near Koželj Wines.
- Hotel Cubo - A high-end hotel located on Slovenska cesta in the center of Ljubljana.
- AS Boutique Hotel - Located a short walk from Štorija, this highly rated boutique hotel sits near the city center in a charming courtyard. The rooftop terrace offers magnificent views over Ljubljana.
- Villas and apartments - Villas and apartments for rent in central Ljubljana.
Where to Eat
Here are some restaurants located near Koželj Wines.
- Aftr - A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant focusing on Mediterranean and Central European cuisine, often paired with natural wines. You can reserve your table here.
- Supernatural - Enjoy fresh market food and natural Slovenian wines at reasonable prices. A restaurant that matches Štorija well. The restaurant is located next to the Central Market. To reserve a table, call +386(0) 5 901 95 05.
- TaBar - A modern and creative restaurant located in the historic Rog bicycle factory not far from Štorija. It is featured in the Michelin Guide. You can reserve a table here.
