St. Martin’s Festival

ST MARTIN’S SATURDAY, 8 November

10.00–19.00 – Open Day at wine cellars along the Karst Wine Route

Open wine cellars will bear the sign Dan odprtih kleti / Open Wine Cellar Day and be marked with a sprig of ivy. The wine cellars will be open from 10.00 to 19.00, during which time a shuttle bus service will be in operation. Details of the providers will soon be available in the OPEN WINE CELLARS tab, and details of the bus services in the BUS SERVICE tab.
Organised by: Municipality of Sežana and ORA Krasa in Brkinov

10.00–18.00 – St Martin’s Saturday in Sežana (Sežana, Trg osvoboditve Square)

Trg osvoboditve Square (in front of the church) in Sežana invites you to a St Martin's market of wine, local goodies and experiences.
12.00–12.30 – Kraška pihalna godb​a (brass band)
Providers: Veronica’s Grill, Čebelarstvo Atelšek (beekeper), Jana Štok, Krasni cvet (unique jewellery), Medobčinsko društvo invalidov Sežana (society of disabled people) and accompanying programme.
Organised by: Municipality of Sežana and ORA Krasa in Brkinov

10.00 – Experience on the Golden Boat Fairytale & Experiential Trail (Sežana, Trg osvoboditve Square)

Join a free guided walk – THE GOLDEN BOAT, a wonderful poetic family adventure. The experience is imbued with the poetry of Srečko Kosovel, inviting you to sail the sea of poetry aboard the Golden Boat, forge golden verses and collect gold coins and stamps to earn a golden reward. Along the way, you will be accompanied by Dobrošin, the Karst dwarf, and meet a true poetic muse.
Meeting point: TIC Sežana, Prečna ulica 2, Sežana
The guided walk is free of charge; the only requirement is the purchase of the Golden Boat notebook, priced at €7, which children need to complete their mission and collect gold coins and stamps. Each child needs their own notebook.
Notebooks and mandatory reservations available HERE.
Organised by: Zavod Škrateljc and the Municipality of Sežana

10.00 – St Martin’s Festival (Prosecco/Prosek, Italy)

10.00–12.00 – Walk through the MaB Biosphere Reserve: stories of terraced vineyards, dry-stone walls and footpaths to the coast – a nature walk for adults and families.
Registration: free entry, mandatory registration at info@ampmiramare.it.
Organised by: WWF AMP Miramar and the Karst Dry-Wall Construction Partnership 
14.00 – Charity Briscola Tournament (Prosecco/Prosek, Dom Prosekarja)
21.00 – Concert (Prosecco-Contovello Cultural Centre)

11.00 – “Farewell to Autumn in the Karst” Running Event (Lipica)

For the 20th year in a row, the “Farewell to Autumn in the Karst” running event ensures an energetic St Martin's Saturday!
Programme:
10.00 – A hike through the Karst Living Museum, start at the Lipica Stud Farm
11.00 – A 9 km run, start at the Lipica Stud Farm
11.00 – A 6 km run, start at the Lipica Stud Farm
Registration is required online: www.tekaskipozdrav.si/prijava, no later than 5 November 2025. Full details can be found at www.tekaskipozdrav.si.
Organised by: Zavod ŠTIP

11.00–20.00 – Wine Festival in Štanjel

11.00 – Guided tour: The Most Beautiful Nooks of Štanjel Entrance fee: €7/person, payable at any ticket office in Štanjel. Reservations must be made in advance at: info@visitstanjel.si or +386 41 383 986. 

Meeting point: by the village church.
11.00 – The Karst of the Dwarfs – guided hike
Organised by: Zavod Škrateljc
11.00–20.00 – Wine & Culinary experience at Štanjel Castle
Tasting of wines, typical dry-cured meats, cheese and other culinary specialities of the Karst organised by a number of providers.
Wine cellars: Vinska klet Orel, Vina Škabar, Vina Štoka, Kmetija Ukmar, Vina Fabjan, Vina Furlan, Vina Kobal, Vinakras, Perinova domačija, Vina Vrabec, Kmetija Mržek, Vinarstvo Rebula, Kmetija Buntovi, Vinarstvo Starc, Kmetija Sorta, Vina Sanabor, Vina Uhelj, Kmetija Kosmina, Vina Štolfa, Oštirjeva kmetija, Domačija Bole

Catering service providers: Grad Štanjel Restaurant, Koča na Kokoši (hut on Mt Kokoš), Toncevi Eco Estate, Kmetija Sovdat (farm), Pršutarna Kras (prosciutto-making company), Domačija Čilčevi (organic farm and cheese maker), Kmetija Kosmina (farm), Pr’ sladki Saški (boutique dessert caterer), Sirarstvo Orel (cheese maker)

St Martin’s Market (handicrafts and local products by): Rokodelstvo, Zvonka Polak s.p., Lončarstvo DOBO, Tatjana Dobovšek s.p., Knitke, Sašine butične sladice Pr sladki Saški, Sadje Kerševan, Čebelarstvo Furlani, LiliNA, Zavod Terra Rossa/Monstermade, Nakit Alessia, Afrikatja, Knitart, Capsoolart, Ana Batart, Psihoterapija Pot, Romana Čolić s.p., Testeninko, Lavanda iz Gračišča, Martina Jazić s.p., Petjana, Petja Berginc Fučka s.p., Ditta Bernardis, Zala Kapa, Totomo, Čebelarstvo pri Marjanu, Kmetija pri Bašlju, Pleteni izdelki Alenka Troha, Jerica kreativno šivanje, Zeliščni raj slovenske Istre, Lory Kvačkarica, Za & Ra, Mojca Novak - domek, Mihaela Jarc, Kameleon – Ines Šentjurc
11.00–12.30 and 15.00–16.30 – Autumn Flower Basket
Workshop on creating a timeless arrangement of dried flowers in a handmade Ribnica-style wicker basket.
Entrance fee: €60/person (€55/person for 2 participants, €50/person for 3 or more participants). Registration is required at shop@bycaramia.com.
Organised by: By Caramia
13.00–20.30 – Live music: Trio Ne joči pevec
15.00 – Wine blessing ceremony with cultural programme and proclamation of the best winemakers at the 6th wine evaluation
From 16.00 onwards – A stroll through the village with saxophonist Tomaž Nedoh
16.00 – Guided tour: The Most Beautiful Nooks of Štanjel Entrance fee: €7/person, payable at any ticket office in Štanjel. Reservations must be made in advance at: info@visitstanjel.si or +386 41 383 986. Meeting point: by the village church.
Organised by: ORA Krasa in Brkinov

11.00 – Villa, Garden and Wine (Sežana, Botanical Garden at Villa Mirasasso and Vinakras)

Autumn brings flavours of deliciousness. Especially in the Karst, when the cellars smell of new wine, the ovens of freshly baked bread and the gmajna grasslands of their wild herbs. The Karst autumn offers a different kind of beauty; a gift of art and culture that reflects the centuries-old Scaramangà time in Sežana; that is why St Martin’s Festival features the “Villa, Garden and Wine” event, including a guided tour of Villa Mirasasso, its Botanical Garden and the Vinakras Wine Cellar with a final tasting of wines and Karst dry-cured meat delicacies.
Entrance fee: €28/person. The number of places is limited. Reservations must be made by 13.00 on 5 November at: info@vrtsezana.si. 

Meeting point: in front of the Municipality of Sežana building 

More information at: www.vrtsezana.si
Organised by: Komunala Sežana and Vinakras

11.00 – Guided tour of the Vilenica Cave (Lokev)

Come visit the magical Vilenica Cave, the first tourist cave in the world. The tour lasts about one hour and we recommend comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for cave temperatures (8–10°C).
Entrance fee: €15/person – adults, €7/person – children; family discounts 

More information at: www.vilenica.com or info@vilenica.com and +386 (0)51 648 711
Tickets available online HERE. 
Organised by: Sežana Caving Club

11.00–22.00 – St Martin’s venue in Pliskovica (Pliskovica, Trellis of European Friendship) 

In Pliskovica, the best wines from local winemakers and delicious dishes from the Pliska Development Society await you, while the Petelin Beekeeping Centre will delight you with honey delicacies. Join us for a day full of tradition and good company!
Providers: Turistična kmetija Petelin-Durcik (tourist farm), Vina Vrabec (winemaker), P_av, boutique distillery from the Vrabči homestead, Vinogradništvo in vinarstvo Županovi (winemaker), Čebelarstvo Petelin (beekeeper)
Join us in Pliskovica!
Organised by: Pliska Development Society and Pliskovica Youth Hostel

12.00–17.00 – St Martin’s Culinary Offer (Dutovlje, main village square)

Dutovlje societies invite you to a market of selected wines and local goodies in the main village square.
Providers: Vinska klet Štok (wine cellar), Vinarstvo Širca-Kodrič (winemaker), Sežana Mushroom Society and Dutovlje Hunters’ Club
Organised by: Municipality of Sežana and Dutovlje Local Community

From 14.00 – St Martin’s Festival Like a Local (Gorjansko, village sports field)

Providers: Kmetija Kosmina (farm), Vina Štrekelj (winemaker), Vina Tragin (winemaker), Vinarstvo Zavadlal (winemaker), Kmetija Grgič (farm), Vina Jazbec (winemaker)
From 14.00 – St Martin's party under a tent with the Komen Brass Orchestra and wine & food on the village sports field
From 17.30 – St Martin’s Celebration with the singer Nuša Derenda
Motorhome parking is available in the village of Gorjansko.
Organised by: Gorjansko Development, Cultural, Tourism and Sports Society

15.00 – Guided tour of the Vilenica Cave (Lokev)

Come visit the magical Vilenica Cave, the first tourist cave in the world. The tour lasts about one hour and we recommend comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for cave temperatures (8–10°C).
Entrance fee: €15/person – adults, €7/person – children; family discounts 

More information at: www.vilenica.com or info@vilenica.com and +386 (0)51 648 711
Tickets available online HERE. 
Organised by: Sežana Caving Club

19.00 – LA LA LAJF (theatre performance, Sežana, Kosovelov dom Cultural Centre)

La La Lajf is the new show by the comedy duo Perica Jerković & Robert Petan, which has been consistently sold out since its premiere at Ljubljana’s SiTi Teater. Join us for an evening of skits, songs and stand-up comedy (in Slovenian).
Entrance fee: €21/person; tickets available at the ticket office of the Kosovelov dom Cultural Centre in Sežana and online at: www.kosovelovdom.si.
Organised by: Kosovelov dom Cultural Centre, Sežana

20.00 – St Martin’s Evening Concert (Sežana, tent in front of the bank and post office)

TABU and Nočni Skok
Entrance fee: €10, includes a glass of Teran or juice.
Food and drink vouchers are not valid at this event. Bringing glassware is not permitted.
Organised by: Media Team and Municipality of Sežana

Thursday, 6 November

16.00 – 6th Wine Evaluation by the European Order of Wine Knights (Štanjel Castle)

18.00 – Workshop Pairing Traditional Karst Cuisine with Karst Wines (Štanjel Castle)

A workshop for winemakers, held in collaboration with the Štanjel Castle Restaurant, on pairing traditional Karst cuisine with Karst wines.
Organised by: European Order of Wine Knights and ORA Krasa in Brkinov

Friday, 7 November

17.00–20.00 – Art Workshop: WINE@ART TERAN IN COLOURS (Križ, Tavčar-Pri Starčih Wine Cellar)

Join us for a unique art workshop where we will create with the very soul of the Karst – Teran wine! The workshop will be guided by painter Radko Oketič and the president of the Kras Cultural Society, Erna Kopše.
Wondering what we’ll be doing? We will paint on watercolour paper using wine (Teran) as our pigment, inspiration and story. Each drop will reflect the colours of the soil, the sun and tradition. The workshop is suitable for everyone – from curious beginners to experienced creators. All materials will be provided, including watercolour paper, brushes and, of course, Teran!
Alongside painting, we will enjoy local delicacies and conversations about art, wine and the Karst.
Tickets: €20/person. The number of places is limited. Registration is required at katjusa.tavcar@gmail.com or +386 31 329 622 (Katjuša).
Organised by: Tavčar-Pri Starčih Wine Cellar and Kras Cultural Society

From 17.00 – St Martin’s Celebration with the Winemaker of the Year – A Karst Experience of Flavours and Tradition (Sežana, Vinakras)

17.30 – Workshop with Valentin Bufolin

You are invited to a unique event in the magical Karst courtyard of Vinakras. The St Martin’s experience with the Winemaker of the Year combines the finest Karst dry-cured meats and premium wines. In this exclusive, professionally guided workshop, organised in cooperation with Kras (prosciutto-making plant), we will explore the art of harmoniously pairing premium Karst dry-cured meats from Kras with selected premium wines from Vinakras.
The workshop will be led by Valentin Bufolin, Slovenia’s Best Sommelier, who – using his expertise, experience and refined sense of flavour harmony – will guide participants through a world where every sip and bite reveals the story of the Karst. Two distinguished experts will also join the workshop:
- Luka Pangos, Chief Oenologist of the Vinakras wine cellar, who will reveal the secrets of viticulture and wine making in the Karst, 

- Tadej Kaltnekar, Chief Technologist for the Karst Programme, who will present the Kras prosciutto-making plant and the process of producing exceptional Karst dry-cured meats. 
Entrance fee: €20/person. The number of places is limited. Tickets and additional information are available by email at turizem@vinakras.si or +386 (0)31 643 385. The workshop will take place in the Vinakras Tasting Room (Sejmiška pot 1a, Sežana) from 17.30 to 18.30.

19.00 – St Martin’s Music & Culinary Experience in the Karst Courtyard of Vinakras

After the workshop, at 19.00, you are invited to a St Martin’s music & culinary experience, where sound and flavour come together in the idyllic Karst courtyard of Vinakras. The finest Karst specialities from Kras and premium Vinakras wines will be accompanied by the music of the duo Akustik/Tiasha & Matej. Admission to the St Martin’s experience in the Karst courtyard is free. In case of bad weather, the event will take place in the Vinakras wine cellar. 
More information at: www.vinakras.si
Organised by: Vinakras

20.00 – Magnifico: Alpe Adria Tour (Sežana, Kosovelov dom Cultural Centre)

Before the release of his new studio album Alpe Adria, Magnifico embarks on a tour of the same name. Alongside songs from the upcoming album, audiences will enjoy a wide selection of his already well-known hits. The new album – his first in nearly a decade – brings a remarkably refined blend of diverse musical influences that have accompanied Magnifico throughout his career, now infused with a completely new freshness and quality.
Tickets: €35/person in advance, €38 on the day of the concert, 10% discount for subscribers of the Kosovelov dom Cultural Centre, pensioners and persons with disabilities.
Tickets available at the Kosovelov dom Cultural Centre box office in Sežana and at www.kosovelovdom.si.
Organised by: Kosovelov dom Cultural Centre, Sežana

Sunday, 9 November

10.00 – Brunch among the Vineyards (Tomaj, Petelin-Rogelja winemaker)

Join us for a pleasant guided walk through Tomaj to the vineyards of the Petelin-Rogelja family, where a brunch among the vineyards awaits you in an idyllic setting. The tasting of selected wines will be complemented by delicious bites prepared by Ljubiša Smiljanič, a tasting of Teran liqueur with dessert, and a relaxed presentation of the history of viticulture in the Karst.
Menu: mini sausage sandwich, homemade buttery brioche with Karst pancetta and cheese, “teranov toč” (roasted prosciutto with Teran wine) and polenta, steak tartare with herb cream on dehydrated bread, mini focaccias with prosciutto, profiterole with herb cottage cheese and porcini mushrooms; desserts: mini apple strudel with pine nuts, pancakes with plum jam, yoghurt dessert with walnuts and raisins. The menu includes the tasting of three selected wines and Teran liqueur. Apple juice, herbal tea with mint and lemon balm, coffee, and elderflower cordial with citrus will also be available.
Entrance fee: €30/person. The number of places is limited. Registration is required by e-mail: tinkara.gulic@sezana.si no later than 6 November, with payment by pro forma invoice due by Friday, 7 November, at 12.00. In case of bad weather, the event will be cancelled.
Organised by: Vinogradništvo in vinarstvo Petelin-Rogelja and Municipality of Sežana

10.00 – Professional guided tour of the MUŠIČ – BODIES OF LANDSCAPES exhibition (Štanjel Castle)

Embark on a journey and, in one sweep, discover the visions of the master across three symbolic locations: a dialogue with the landscapes on the edge of the Karst in Štanjel, the mythical Zurich Room and the artist’s studio at the exhibition in Palazzo Attems Petzenstein in Gorizia, and the landscapes of bodies at Dobrovo Castle in the heart of the Brda Hills.
In his visions, Zoran Mušič united two iconographic motifs – the body and the landscape – and intertwined them in a way no one before him had achieved. The exhibited works evoke a deep sense of the interlacing of landscape and figure, the perfect fusion of earth and human, revealing the landscape of the body and the body of the landscape. You are invited to an expert-guided tour led by the exhibition’s curator, Dr Nelida Nemec.
Entrance fee: €7 (adults)
Organised by: GO! 2025 and ORA Krasa in Brkinov

11.00 and 15.00 – Guided tour of the Vilenica Cave (Lokev)

Come visit the magical Vilenica Cave, the first tourist cave in the world. The tour lasts about one hour and we recommend comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for cave temperatures (8–10°C).
Entrance fee: €15/person – adults, €7/person – children; family discounts More information at: www.vilenica.com or info@vilenica.com and +386 (0)51 648 711
Tickets available online HERE. 
Organised by: Sežana Caving Club

Tuesday, 11 November 

18.00 – Young Wine Blessing ceremony in Dutovlje (Bunčetova Homestead)

Organised by: Dutovlje Local Community

Wednesday, 12 November 

18.00 – Together, and Mum Too! (theatre performance) (Križ, Community Centre)

Meet Nik and Lana, a young couple finally ready to take a big step in life – moving in together. Everything would go as planned if it weren’t for one more person: Nik’s mother, Milojka. Get ready for laughter, tears, and countless moments as Milojka, with her loving yet intrusive presence, puts their relationship to the test (in Slovenian).
Entrance fee: voluntary contributions
Organised by: Repentabor Development Association, Križ Local Community and Municipality of Sežana

Thursday, 13 November

18.30 – Workshop on tropinovec spirit with Majda Debevc (Skopo, Kraška klet Krstan wine cellar)

Do you really know tropinovec? Join Majda Debevc (Spirit Academy) to explore this fascinating yet often overlooked spirit made from grape skins. We will learn about its history, legislation, distillation, styles and traditions, and discover similar beverages from other countries. Participants will also have the opportunity to taste and discuss various samples. The workshop is intended for anyone who distils tropinovec or simply wishes to learn more about it.
Venue: Kraška klet Krstan, Skopo 61, 6221 Dutovlje
Registration is available HERE or at e-mail kraskakletkrstan@gmail.com.
Entrance fee: voluntary contributions
Organised by: Kraška klet Krstan (wine cellar)

Friday, 14 November

16.00 – Discussion: What Does Mušič Say to Young Creators? (Štanjel Castle)

Editors of the GO! 2025 programme book – Vida Rucli, Aljaž Škerlep and Stojan Pelko – in conversation with painter Joni Zakonjšek, film director Vlado Škafar and musician Ivan Šarar – ŠÆRÅR.
Organised by: GO! 2025 and ORA Krasa in Brkinov 

Saturday, 15 November

10.00 – Cycling among the Vineyards (Dutovlje, main village square)

Join us for a cycling tour through the Karst wine-growing region. You will need a mountain bike, as the route also takes you along field paths and through vineyards. From Dutovlje, we will cycle among the vineyards to Krajna vas, continue through Hruševica to Štanjel. Then we will climb towards the village of Ponikve, ride on through Avber to Tomaj, and finally pass through the small village of Godnje before returning to Dutovlje. Along the way, we will stop at a renowned Karst winemaker’s estate, where a tasting of the new Teran will await us.
The meeting point is in Dutovlje, at the main village square in front of the Bunčetova Homestead.
The route is 32 km long, with an elevation gain of 600 m, and will take approx. 4 hours. A mountain bike with at least front suspension and wider tyres is recommended.
Entrance fee: €20/person. The number of places is limited. Reservations must be made by 14 November at: edi.fabjan@gmail.com.
Organised by: KamenKras, Edi Fabjan s.p. (tourist guiding)

11.00 – Villa, Garden and Wine (Sežana, Botanical Garden at Villa Mirasasso and Vinakras)

Autumn brings flavours of deliciousness. Especially in the Karst, when the cellars smell of new wine, the ovens of freshly baked bread and the gmajna grasslands of their wild herbs. The Karst autumn offers a different kind of beauty; a gift of art and culture that reflects the centuries-old Scaramangà time in Sežana; that is why St Martin’s Festival features the “Villa, Garden and Wine” event, including a guided tour of Villa Mirasasso, its Botanical Garden and the Vinakras Wine Cellar with a final tasting of wines and Karst dry-cured meat delicacies.
Entrance fee: €28/person. The number of places is limited. Reservations must be made by 13.00 on 5 November at: info@vrtsezana.si. Meeting point: in front of the Municipality of Sežana building.
More information at: www.vrtsezana.si
Organised by: Komunala Sežana and Vinakras

11.00 and 15.00 – Guided tour of the Vilenica Cave (Lokev)

Come visit the magical Vilenica Cave, the first tourist cave in the world. The tour lasts about one hour and we recommend comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for cave temperatures (8–10°C).
Entrance fee: €15/person – adults, €7/person – children; family discounts.
More information at: www.vilenica.com or info@vilenica.com and +386 (0)51 648 711
Tickets available online HERE. 
Organised by: Sežana Caving Club

Sunday, 16 November

11.00 and 15.00 – Guided tour of the Vilenica Cave (Lokev)

Come visit the magical Vilenica Cave, the first tourist cave in the world. The tour lasts about one hour and we recommend comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for cave temperatures (8–10°C).
Entrance fee: €15/person – adults, €7/person – children; family discounts.
More information at: www.vilenica.com or info@vilenica.com and +386 (0)51 648 711
Tickets available online HERE.
Organised by: Sežana Caving Club

The organiser reserves the right to alter the programme. St Martin’s Festival in the Karst is organised by the Municipality of Sežana and ORA Krasa in Brkinov, in cooperation with the Municipality of Komen, as well as a number of local organisations and providers. All prices are valid on the day of the event and include VAT.

‘Farewell to autumn in the Karst’ running event

The ‘Farewell to autumn in the Karst’ running event is the younger sibling of the traditional and well-known Small Karst Marathon. The organisers launched the recreational 10-kilometre run 19 years ago.

Later, the idea emerged to connect the run with the St Martin’s Festival in the Karst, an event that attracts large crowds every year on St Martin’s Saturday. Runners and their companions warmly embraced the idea, and in recent years the programme has been enriched with a shorter 6-kilometre run – a distance that almost anyone can manage today. 

Both routes follow beautiful, well-maintained macadam roads through the protected area of the Lipica Stud Farm.