Festival weekend planner
Goriška Brda Cherry & Wine Festival (Praznik Češenj in Vina) — a 3-day weekend in Goriška Brda
13–14 June 2026. Šmartno (Goriška Brda), Slovenia.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Šmartno (Goriška Brda)
Land at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Goriška Brda Cherry & Wine Festival (Praznik Češenj in Vina)
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Insider tip: Bypass the main Šmartno square crowds and book a private tasting at Kabaj or Edi Simčič before the festival begins—they'll pour library vintages and give you the cellar knowledge you'll need to navigate the festival intelligently. The cherry liqueurs from Destilarna Vinograd are far superior to commercial versions sold during the event.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Goriška Brda
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.
Where to stay
Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.
- Hotels in Šmartno (Goriška Brda)
Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.
- 4–5 star options near Šmartno (Goriška Brda)
Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.
- Apartments in Šmartno (Goriška Brda)
Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.
Booking.com links — we may earn a commission. We never recommend hotels we wouldn't use ourselves.
One winery worth a detour
Movia
Eight generations on the Slovenian-Italian border, with a sparkling wine you disgorge yourself underwater — nowhere else offers this kind of experience.
- Address
- Ceglo 18, 5212 Dobrovo, Slovenia
- Appointment
- by-arrangement
- Tasting price
- EUR 25 · Extended tasting of 6 wines with cheese
- Website
- Visit
Practical
- Nearest airport
- Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
Insider tip
Bypass the main Šmartno square crowds and book a private tasting at Kabaj or Edi Simčič before the festival begins—they'll pour library vintages and give you the cellar knowledge you'll need to navigate the festival intelligently. The cherry liqueurs from Destilarna Vinograd are far superior to commercial versions sold during the event.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Goriška Brda itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Goriška Brda trip →