Taking The Back Roads to Bela Krajina Slovenia and Big Berry Resort

There is much more to explore in Slovenia, so I plan to spend a few more days before heading to Serbia. With each mile I ride, glass of wine I taste, and the people I meet, I’m fascinated by the diversity of Slovenia, such a small country only about the size of New Jersey in […]

What’s For Lunch At One of The Best Restaurants In The World? And The Wine?

Hiša Franko one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Featured on the Celebrated Netflix Series “Chef’s Table” confess—I don’t do lunch that much. Whether I’m traveling or home, I prefer to save my appetite and my calories for dinner. I eat a light breakfast, but lunch? When I do eat lunch, it’s a lunch meeting, […]

The History & Magic Behind Hiša Franko And Its Rise to Become One of The Best Restaurants In The World

I stop by Movia one more time before I leave Goriska Brda and head north—Vesna had asked me to bring a few bottles of wine to Valter at Hiša Franko. About this time, I hear from Demo who offered to pick up the new swingarm bearings from BMW in Ljubljana and bring them to Kobarid. […]

Three Generations At Edi Simčič Wines—Gracefully Aging Whites & Power Packed Reds

arrive at Edi Simčič Winery a few minutes early for my appointment. It’s quiet, and twilight colors the sky. I’m looking for winemaker Aleks Simčič, Edi’s son. Rolling down the concrete driveway, I park my bike between two buildings. I see a tractor, several empty grape bins, and a dog.  After a few minutes, an […]

Podcast #32 From Slovenia—Riding the Balkans 2018: A Live Update

When I set off on this 2018 Eastern European Tour, I had no real plan except to search for the best stories in food, wine, and culture. I wanted to discover the truth about the region. Like me, most North Americans do not understand what is happening over here—my aim was to find out. Now […]

Movia — Wine Made Without Compromise & A Crash ‘Course’ In The Vineyard

My timing for visiting Goriska Brda, the Slovenian wine region deserving much more worldwide recognition, is both good and bad. The good part is that the place is busy and bustling because it’s harvest time. And the bad part? The place is busy and bustling. My goal here is to gain a better understanding of […]

Kabaj Morel Winery & Guesthouse—A Natural Approach To Wine & Hospitality

After a simple breakfast of fruit, fresh muffins, and homemade bread and jams, Tomaz fro Scurek picks me up and takes me to one of the steep vineyards where today his brother and crew and full-throttle into the harvest. Afterward, he brings me back to my bike, and I return to the Kabaj Guesthouse where […]

Sure as Ščurek, Slovenian Wine Exceeds Expectations

As I make my way to the Ščurek family estate, I pass acres of vineyards owned by Kabaj, and then round a corner passing the local cooperative. I then ride through the tiny village of Medana until I wind down a hill and park. It’s a modern facility, and though I hear voices and activity, […]

Am I In Italy Or Slovenia? Can Anyone Tell?

I’m good with directions, orientation, and geography. While I’m just about a thirty-five-minute ride from Moto Servis Tomi and Guesthouse Kabaj, I think I’m lost. Just moments ago I passed a sign reading “Welcome to Italy.” Wait. I am in Slovenia. At least I thought so. I tend to question the GPS when it makes […]

Biking The Balkans Means More Motorcycle Maintenance

It’s after dark when I leave Gostilna Pecaric, but it’s a short ride to Guesthouse Bajc where Jure arranged accommodations. I take my things to a modest and comfortable room on the second floor before taking a seat in the restaurant downstairs. Instead of ordering from a menu, the waiter tells me what’s tasty and […]