{"id":208348,"date":"2026-09-02T10:06:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T08:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-slovenia.com\/?p=208348"},"modified":"2026-09-02T10:06:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T08:06:18","slug":"winery-of-the-week-kuster-wines-with-tradition-from-svecina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-slovenia.com\/en\/gastronomy\/winery-of-the-week-kuster-wines-with-tradition-from-svecina\/","title":{"rendered":"Winery of the Week: Ku\u0161ter \u2013 Wines with Tradition from Sve\u010dina"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Sve\u010dina<\/strong>, right next to the Slovenian-Austrian border, the story of the \u0160erbinek family, known as Ku\u0161ter<\/strong>, has been developing for centuries. Their family name dates back at least 500 years<\/strong>, while the house name Ku\u0161ter has been used for around 300 years \u2013 and today it also appears on their wines. The winery combines a long winemaking tradition, distinctive vineyard sites and a modern approach, with the aim of producing mature and rich wines that remain fresh, fruity and true to their varietal character<\/strong>.<\/p>

A Family Story that Continues<\/strong><\/h2>

Vinko \u0160erbinek learned the winemaking craft from his grandfather Vinko, while his father focused mainly on fruit growing. After the war, the family was left with just one third of a hectare of vineyards. A new chapter began in 1989<\/strong>, when the younger Vinko and his wife Sonja started the first major renewal of the vineyards.<\/p>

In recent years, Vinko has been joined in the cellar by his son \u017diga<\/strong>, who took over the winemaking responsibilities for the first time in autumn 2019.<\/p>

Vineyards on the Austrian Border<\/strong><\/h2>

One of the defining features of Ku\u0161ter wines is their distinctive vineyard locations. Doma\u010di Kogl, Pesjak, Pri Kreni and \u017dupnikova<\/strong> each have their own position, soil and grape varieties.<\/p>

The steep slopes are planted with varieties including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Rizvanec, Welschriesling, Riesling, Kerner and Traminer<\/strong>, while some vineyards are still worked entirely by hand due to the demanding terrain.<\/p>

The Pesjak site is mentioned in old Slovenian records as an excellent vineyard location, while the steep and partly rocky Pri Kreni vineyard is primarily planted with Riesling and Kerner.<\/p>

Fresh, Sparkling and Mature Wines<\/strong><\/h2>

Ku\u0161ter divides its wines into fresh, sparkling and mature wines<\/strong>. The range includes Welschriesling, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris and several blends, including Ku\u0161ter and Vincenc<\/strong>.<\/p>

Among the sparkling wines, Mu\u0161katna Penina<\/strong> and Penina Edition<\/strong> stand out.<\/p>

Their philosophy is based on time: the wines are allowed to develop and rest in the cellar for as long as possible, preserving their aromatic freshness while gaining structure and character \u2013 something the family itself describes as \u201cku\u0161trava mladostnost\u201d, or \u201cplayfully tousled youthfulness.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

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