Filming for an episode of Vitalno, a programme broadcast on Planet TV, took place in Novo mesto on 7 October 2026. In the Prijazno življenje (Living Well) segment, viewers will discover Matjaž Homestead, Verček Vineyard Cottage with Godmother Jožefina, and experiences that bring together physical activity, winemaking traditions, local cuisine and the warm hospitality of the Dolenjska region.
Planet TV’s Vitalno programme explores topics related to health, wellbeing, beauty and quality of life. Through interviews with experts and a variety of personal stories, it encourages viewers to adopt a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. The programme also features Prijazno življenje (Living Well), a segment dedicated to active older adults.
The filming was carried out in cooperation with the Novo mesto Tourist Information Centre (TIC Novo mesto), which coordinated the activities across the destination. Six members of the Šola zdravja (School of Health) group from Ivančna Gorica took part, discovering Trška gora and its surroundings through a range of experiences. The story focuses on the connection between physical activity, the characteristic Dolenjska landscape, local producers and regional cuisine.
From Matjaž Homestead to Trška gora by e-bike
The first part of the filming took place at Matjaž Homestead in Pahi, where participants learned about the history of the homestead and the region’s winemaking traditions. A special place is reserved for Cviček, the distinctive wine of Dolenjska, which is showcased at the vineyard cottage through the Cviček to-go experience.
The journey continued to Trška gora, where participants set off on e-bikes from the Trška gora starting point towards Verček Vineyard Cottage. Along the way, they explored the vineyard-covered landscape and enjoyed views of the surrounding countryside.
The warm hospitality of Trška gora with Godmother Jožefina
The main part of the feature was filmed at Verček Vineyard Cottage on Trška gora, where participants were welcomed by Godmother Jožefina, who introduced them to the story of the cottage and the traditional hospitality of Trška gora. The experience included a welcome beneath the vine trellis, a traditional snack at the vineyard cottage and a tasting of local wines.
The table featured traditional Dolenjska dishes, including trgača (a traditional local bread dish), pickled eggs, fresh young cheese, braised onions, Dolenjska brown štruklji (rolled dumplings) and tarragon potica (traditional rolled cake). Alongside these local delicacies, participants tasted Cviček and white wine from Trška gora, while discovering the importance of vineyard cottages as places for socialising, preserving traditions and enjoying authentic local experiences.
The filming was also enlivened by a surprise guest: local musician Gašper Rifelj.
Experiences that invite visitors to explore Dolenjska actively
The Prijazno življenje segment is dedicated to active older adults and showcases interesting destinations and opportunities for enjoying a fulfilling leisure time. The filming in the Novo mesto area demonstrated how cycling, exploring the landscape, local cuisine and meeting local people can be combined into a relaxed and authentic tourism experience.
Tune in to Vitalno on Planet TV on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 6.25 pm to discover Trška gora, its people and flavours, and the many opportunities for exploring Dolenjska actively.
Following its broadcast on Planet TV, you can watch the video here: