This morning we headed to Petrussa Winery located in Prepotto, Italy. You cross the border between Italy and Slovenia multiple times on the way to the winery. Who designed this border anyways? It seems less organized than a house on Hoarders! I think whoever has the contract for making these signs has something to do with it!
After driving down many narrow streets and witnessing about a dozen near misses with little cars, we arrived at the winery.
They took us on a quick tour of the wine making facility and their cellar. They even have their own bottling line, and this is a pretty small winery!
The winery is run by husband and wife Gianni and Lorena. They were excellent hosts, and obviously love what they do for a living! Here is Lorena discussing their aging process and the coopers they use in the cellar.
Gianni is on the far left. He is apparently a former world champion 400 meter runner for Italy. I bet I could take him!
They set up the wine tasting in their backyard. Sweet digs.
This wine was so acidic it was too much for even me! Jeez!
This wine was much more to my liking, a Pinot Blanc (the Italians always have to call things differently!). I’m in for a 6 pack of this wine, at least!
Nina is discussing the finer nuances of Slovenian versus Italian wines with Rasti, Uros’ father (the one that wanted the hotel and restaurant named after him…at least that’s my story).
Gianni is saying “Rasti is a full of a shita, he knows nothing of Italian winesa!”. Or something like that. I don’t speak Italian!
We had a couple of reds as well, but I have to say, I’ve been far more impressed with Italian whites than Italian reds. These did not blow me away, but then I’m a Pinot Noir guy, and few red wines can match the splendor of a good Pinot.
We then drove to the tiny Slovenian town of Smartno, which sits on the top of a hill overlooking vineyards in every direction. A truly gorgeous spot!
I explained to several in the group that my wife used to use the name of the city during numerous Teacher-Parent conferences, trying to explain to the parents why their kids weren’t doing so well in school. Another view from Smartno.
We had lunch at an excellent little spot called Marica.
You might remember a song about this place from the movie Team America:World Police
The only thing missing is the “A”. Right?
Their specialty was gnocchi, and it was truly excellent. I didn’t get a photo…sorry! We took over the entire interior of the restaurant.
After lunch we visited Gonjace Tower, just outside of Dumbyes….err…Smartno, which overlooks the entire area.
Pretty incredible views in every direction!
The Slovenian flag flying proudly at the top of the tower.
We then visited the historic train station in Slovenia, where the border wall use to exist. There is now a marker delinating the border, so that you can stand in two countries at once.
Everybody had their own take on this.
I always knew Eric was a little French…
Italy won the match, but Siriti is always the winner in my book. Sorry Shaggy!
The historic train station.
There are apparently thousands of these old NATO bunkers along the former border.
Before dinner I noted there was a brewpub just 5 minutes from the Dam Hotel, so a group of us walked over. Pretty decent spot! There were no Tarantino sightings, and Mr White and company were not present.
Up next, dinner at the Dam Hotel. Hot damn!