The Karst is a geographical region stretching along the Adriatic coast between Italy and Slovenia, surrounded by a unique landscape of limestone hills, plains and underground caves.
A popular tourist destination that has always been considered attractive, both for the natural beauty of the place and for its culture and food and wine traditions. The area has porous and permeable limestone soil, which is ideal for underground water. This condition has created a unique system of underground caves and caverns, most of which can be visited.
The area is also known for its great oenological heritage. Indeed, some of the best local white wines are produced here, such as Vitovska, Malvasia and Terran, from grapes grown on limestone soils, which give them a unique, peculiar flavor.
Vodopivec winery
To discover and appreciate the enological richness of the Trieste Karst, a visit to the wineries in the area is a must. Among them, we point out the Vodopivec winery, in Colludrozza, a small hamlet in the area of Sgonico, a few kilometers from Trieste.
The winery was established in 1994, when Paolo and Valter Vodopivec took over from their parents and, two years later, decided to focus on a single native variety of the Karst, Vitovska, creating new high-density, bush-trained vineyards. The decision to plant only one variety was a courageous, because although it was the native grape variety par excellence, it was nationally unknown.
Over time, many efforts were made to improve all the activities in the vineyard and in the cellar, while respecting nature, with the aim of understanding its essence and balance.
The introduction of Georgian amphorae dates back to 2005, due to the desire to go to the heart of Vitovska with essential winemaking, where elements of nature meet with balance. Today, the winery’s wines are known for their elegance and complexity, as they are the result of slow and careful processes that let grapes fully express their inherent character and qualities. In addition, the winery offers guided tours and tastings, so visitors can get close to the world of viticulture and winemaking, as well as taste its fine labels. Vodopivec is one of the kind in the production of high quality natural wines and a unique experience for all fans of this world.
Kante winery
Heading towards Prepotto, we find another one that can rightfully be considered the standard-bearer of the wines in this extraordinary wine area: we are talking about the Kante winery. Founded by Edi Kante in 1982, it produces some of the region’s most renowned whites, from Vitovska to Malvasia, from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc. If the winemaking movement in the Karst region has expanded in recent years, thanks to brave pioneers like him, it has become a benchmark among local vignerons, succeeding in creating cuvées that are the perfect expression of this amazing terroir. With their lively acidity, distinctive minerality and aromatic complexity, wines reflect the landscape and the meticulous work of the producer.
The respect for the environment and the local community
The winery is committed to respect the environment and the local community. The unique winery is excavated inside a rock and goes over three floors, each with its own peculiarity. The natural rocks are the ideal place for aging wine, as humidity and temperature are always constant. It also uses renewable energy, minimizes the use of harmful chemicals and promotes sustainable practices throughout the production cycle.
Kante is a special place, where iconic, strongly recognizable wines of exceptional quality are born.
Skerk winery
In Prepotto, a visit to Skerk, among the most important names on the wine scene in northeastern Italy, is not to be missed. Founded by Benjamin Skerk in 1986, the winery covers an area of about 10 hectares, entirely cultivated with native Karst vines. Their philosophy involves an entirely natural and organic approach. Wine is made from grapes grown without the use of chemicals or artificial products in the winemaking. Skerk wines are the result of a careful care of the vineyard and a winemaking process that respects nature.
A visit to the estate is an exceptional experience for wine enthusiasts, as the winery looks like a real cave carved into the karst rock. Guests can also visit the vineyards, watch the grape harvest and winemaking, and enjoy a glass accompanied by typical Karst specialties. The beauty of the landscape, the exquisite wines and the hospitality of the family make this a truly unique experience.
Maxi’s Restaurant
The Karst region is also famous for its culinary tradition. Local recipes are mainly based on pork and lamb with vegetables and legumes. Among the best-known dishes, we can name jota, a soup of sauerkraut and beans, and Karst ham, cured for a period of at least 12 months. To experience the gastronomic richness of this area, we recommend a stop at Maxi’s Restaurant in Sistiana, one of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s best dining destinations. Located on the Adriatic coast, it offers a panoramic view of the sea and the cliffs of Sistiana Bay.
A long history of culinary excellence
Born in 1965, the restaurant has a long history of culinary excellence. Its cuisine is renowned for its authenticity and attention to detail, with dishes prepared with ingredients of highest quality from the region and surrounding areas.
The menu includes a wide selection of fish and meat dishes, as well as regional specialties such as polenta, frico and San Daniele ham. The wine cellar is also well stocked, thanks to a wide selection of Italian and international wines. This authentic dishes, with the restaurant’s meticulous attention to detail, elegance and unique location, make it the ideal place for anyone looking for a special evening or an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Wineries
Vodopivec
Locality Colludrozza, 4
34010 Sgonico | TS – Italy
[email protected]
Ph.: +39 040 229181
Edi Kante Farm
Location Prepotto 1/A
34011 Duino Aurisina – Trieste – Italy
Tel +39 040 200 255
Skerk Farm
Location Prepotto, 21/A
34011 Duino Aurisina (TS)
Phone: 040 989 9213
Restaurants
Maxi’s Restaurant
Coastal Road km 137 + 125, 34011 Sistiana, Duino-Aurisina (Trieste)
[email protected]
Ph. +39 040 997777
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