On the sunny hills of Dolenjska, above the green Krško Plain, stands a wine story written with great dedication by the Kerin family. Vina Kerin, also known as the House of Frankinja, is not just a winery, but a blend of family tradition, knowledge, respect for nature, and a deep love for Blaufränkisch. This grape variety lies at the heart of their identity and is one of the main reasons why the name Kerin is increasingly being mentioned among the most interesting wine stories of Posavje and Dolenjska.
A Family Story Captured in Wine
The beginnings of their story go back to the time when the grandfather and father planted the first vineyard of Blaufränkisch on the hill where the modern winery stands today. A major milestone came in 2012, when they won the title of Slovenia’s champions of Blaufränkisch. This achievement coincided with the launch of the new winery and confirmed that the family was on the right path.
Lojze Kerin is responsible for marketing, cellar work, and a large part of the vineyard operations, while his wife Mojca manages documentation and administration. Lojze’s parents, Lojze and Karmen, also play an important role, and together with their children they create a true family estate where work, hospitality, and strong family bonds can be felt at every step.
Blaufränkisch as the Guiding Star
If the winery has a signature, it is undoubtedly Blaufränkisch. The Kerin family produces several different wines from this variety, ranging from classic Blaufränkisch to white Frankinja, rosés, sparkling wine, and special styles such as Keros and Fantazija. Their wines show just how versatile and expressive this grape can be when a winemaker truly listens to it.
Alongside Frankinja, their offer also includes Cviček and white varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Kerner. In every bottle, one can sense precision in winemaking and a desire to preserve the wine’s character, freshness, and the story of the place it comes from.
Sustainability Is Not an Addition, but a Way of Life
The Kerin estate is built on a sustainable and organic approach. They cultivate around 30,000 vines, while also managing livestock, pastures, and forest land. The vineyards are fertilized with compost from organic farming, rainwater is used in their operations, electricity is generated by a solar power plant, and heating comes from wood biomass sourced from their own forest. Their work clearly shows that exceptional wines are born where respect for the land is just as important as knowledge in the cellar.
An Experience That Stays With You
A special chapter at Vina Kerin is their wine tastings. Visitors do not receive just a glass of wine, but a story, an explanation, and a genuine sense of the place and the people behind it. A tasting in the cellar therefore becomes an experience that connects flavour, storytelling, and hospitality.
Contact
KERIN – HOUSE OF FRANKINJA
Straža pri Krškem 2, 8270 Krško
Dolenjska / Posavje / Slovenia
Phone: 031 306 053
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Vinarstvo Kerin
