"I live under the vine now, in the land of paradise," wrote the poet Simon Gregorčič, who lived in BRANIK for many years. Right here, in the Branik wine-growing region, is the BIZJAK winery, which through several generations in the most nature-friendly way nurtures the vine and strives to produce the best grapes, which are the basis of top wines.
The distinguishing mark of the Bizjak winery are the doors of the barrel, localy known as portela, which connects us with the past. A wooden barrel with a portela as a symbol, represented and still represents the entrance to the sanctuary, where the year-round effort and work of the farm is kept and shows the value of the master.
The vineyards are planted in selected locations according to the needs and characteristics of each variety. The Bizjak winery cultivates more than 7 ha of vineyards whit typical vine varieties for this part of the Vipava Valley. From indigenous varieties, the likes of Rebula, Malvasia, Zelen and international varieties like Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The oldest vineyard is more than half a century old. The ratio between varieties is 60% white and 40% red varieties.
For each grape variety and vineyard location, we choose the right time of harvest according to the performed analyzes and our own assessment based on many years of experience. All grapes are picked by hand into crates as sciled pickers make the first selection of grapes already in the vineyard. Grape picking begins in the early morning hours, which of course depends on the variety and method of wine production. Special attention is paid to the shortest possible time from harvesting to processing in the cellar, as this is crucial to avoid unnecessary oxidation. The harvest on the farm is still traditionally held with time for socializing with friends and relatives, with good wine and home-made specialties.
The course of fermentation is determined by the type of wine. Fresh wines require a controlled lower temperature as we want to preserve the primary varietal aromas. Fresh wines are matured in stainless steel tanks. For macerated white and red wines, where structure and complexity are essential, the temperature is slightly higher. Maceration lasts up to one month depending on the type of wine. Both white and red macerated wines are matured in barrique oak barrels. The exception is Rebula for which we use barrique oak barrels as well as acacia barrels.
On our winery,we have also a tasting room ready to receive our guests and customers. After tasteing you can buy wines directly on the winery. Apart from that you can get our wines in wine shops, inns and restaurants in Slovenia.
Wine tasting is possible without prior notice. Time and duration can be completely adjusted to the wishes of the guests. Approximate price: from 10 € to 20 € per person. By prior arrangement, the tasting can be enriched with homemade products.
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