Not only Bela krajina, but the entire Slovenia, looks forward every year to Vinska vigred (Wine Spring) in the first weekend after 15 May. During more than four decades, this festival of award-winning wines, delicacies of Bela krajina, and the promotion of ethnological curiosities and cultural achievements, has become firmly established among Slovenian tourist events, as it is visited every year by over 10 thousand guests.
On Friday, there is coronation of the Queen of Metliška črnina and the award of champion wines organised. Vinska vigred is each year attended also by representatives of the twinned municipalities of Ronchi, Wagna and Ozalj. On Friday, they open also a culinary exhibition prepared by Društvo kmečkih žena Metlika (Association of Rural Women Metlika).
Saturday is the day when music of brass bands is heard in Metlika, while guests are cheered up by local folk dance group Ivan Navratil and visiting folklore groups. On this day as well, guests taste the best wines of Bela krajina and Bela krajina pogača (flatbread), and learn in a workshop how to bake this protected specialty. Of course, the piglet and lamb on spit are considered the best specialities of Bela krajina.
Sunday is a family day at Vinska vigred. Numerous activities and workshops are tailored to children, families and everyone else, of course, who is attracted by a diverse programme and numerous stands. On Sunday, also a sport event is organised in the old town centre, namely, a nine-kilometre Urbanov tek (Urban’s Race) named after a little church that bears the name of the Patron of Vines.
Vinska vigred is a great opportunity to promote Metlika and the development of wine growing and tourism in Bela krajina. It offers relaxation and enjoyment in numerous interesting events that we carefully prepare each year on the sunny side of Gorjanci Mountains.
