Slovenia celebrates being named 2021 European Region of Gastronomy
Slovenia combines a rich natural larder and historic food traditions with influences spanning Italy in the west, and Hungary, Austria and Croatia to the east. Pair this with world-class chefs, a new Michelin guide and a calendar full of culinary events, and it is easy to understand why Slovenia will celebrate next year having been named European Region of Gastronomy 2021.
The project ‘Slovenia – European Region of Gastronomy 2021’ is focused on improving quality of life. It encompasses opportunities for education in healthy and sustainable living and the sustainable development of gastronomy. It enhances the national promotion of cuisine and gastronomy and creates synergies with local environments and cultures.
The unique advantage of Slovenian chefs is their privileged access to local ingredients. Their culinary philosophy is based on the principle from the ‘garden to table’ and this is a philosophy reflected in the seven principles that all Slovenian chefs are being invited to sign as part of our new ‘Slovenian Green Cuisine’ label.
As the old Slovenian proverb says, ‘love comes through the stomach!’
New Slovenian Green Cuisine Label announced
To further underpin Slovenia’s dedication to green gastronomy at all levels, the Slovenian Tourist Board is announcing a new ‘Slovenian Green Cuisine’ label which will become part of the Green Scheme. The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) is a tool developed at the national level and a certification programme that celebrates the destinations and service providers placing sustainability at the core of their activities.
All Slovenian restaurants are invited to sign their commitment to respecting and applying the following seven principles in their cooking:
1. Culinary offering based on Slovenian gastronomic specialties and seasonal dishes
2. Take advantage of short supply chains of high-quality local food suppliers
3. Offer healthy fresh drinking water straight from the tap
4. Reduce the amount of waste and strive to eliminate single-use plastics
5. Provide safe food in a safe environment
6. Sustainable use of natural energy sources
7. Aim to be socially inclusive and connecting
First ever Michelin guide to Slovenia
2020 was the year in which the first ever Michelin guide to Slovenia was unveiled. The country has been included in the 180-year-old culinary guide for the very first time – with 52 restaurants mentioned in total and six chefs being awarded a total of seven Michelin stars. Amongst these is Ana Ros, named the world’s best female chef in 2017 and now proud owner of two Michelin stars at her restaurant Hiša Franko just across from the Italian border. An additional five restaurants have each been awarded one Michelin star, and there are numerous listings for Slovenian venues awarded in the Bib Gourmand and The Plate categories.
Perhaps most unique is the Michelin Sustainability Award, which was given to six Slovenian restaurants. The symbol debuted in the Michelin Guide France 2020 and was created to celebrate restaurants that focus on preserving resources and embracing biodiversity, reducing food waste and reducing the consumption of non-renewable energy.
Decanter World Wine Awards
This year’s Decanter World Wine Awards saw Slovenia pick up a record number of awards and further establish itself as one of Europe’s top wine destinations. Slovenian winemakers received 186 medals this year with Marjan Simčič receiving the title ‘best in show’ for his 2015 Leonardo rebula.
There’s never been a better time to enjoy a Slovenian wine break, with nine distinct wine growing areas creating a wide variety of options. Slovenia’s steep terroirs are perfect for producing organic wines of top quality. Due to the differences in soil, climate, and cellaring methods, each region has its own selection of varieties.
The Podravska wine region lies in the northeast of Slovenia and is the country’s biggest wine-growing region, known for its high-quality whites. This is where you’ll find Maribor, home to the oldest vine in the world still producing grapes.
In the southeast of Slovenia The Posavje wine region combines 3 wine sub-regions: the Bizeljsko-Sremič, Bela Krajina and Dolenjska wine region. In the west you’ll find the Primorska Wine Region, which is further divided into four sub-regions: Brda, Vipava Valley, Karst and Slovenian Istria.
For more information on Slovenian gastronomy, visit: https://www.tasteslovenia.si/en/
Additional information
Slovenian Tourist Board
Dimičeva 13, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Phone no.: 00386 (0)1 5898 550, fax: 00386 (0)1 5898 560
Aleksandra Lipej, Global Public Relations, press@slovenia.info