A vineyard manor on Trška Gora with more than 200 years of history.
Krka Wine Manor (Krkin hram) is a unique example of a bourgeois vineyard cottage on Trška Gora, where rich history intertwines with local cuisine and wine-growing traditions. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, this bourgeois vineyard cottage stood out among traditional vineyard buildings due to its size, architectural design, and distinguished former owners. Today, following a comprehensive renovation in 2024, it offers visitors a charming setting for gatherings, special events, and discovering the authentic flavours of Dolenjska.
The history of Krka Wine Manor is closely connected with the development of viticulture on Trška Gora. In 1859, the estate was purchased by Dr Josef Suppan, a lawyer and notary from Novo Mesto, who was an important public figure of his time – a representative of Dolenjska towns in the Carniolan Provincial Assembly, later the Mayor of Ljubljana, and a member of the Imperial Council in Vienna. During his ownership, the vineyard cottage was partially renovated, as evidenced by the year 1860 carved into the stone entrance portal.
In 1916, the estate was taken over by successful merchant and industrialist Karel Pollack, who thoroughly renovated the vineyard cottage and added a wine press building in 1917. In 1928, it was purchased by Vladimir and Helena Remec, who expanded and modernised the property according to the plans of one of Slovenia’s greatest architects, Jože Plečnik. Following Plečnik’s advice, the cottage was given its characteristic thatched roof, allowing it to blend more harmoniously into the local environment. During this period, water supply, sewage, and electrical installations were also introduced.
In the 1930s, the estate was purchased by agronomist and viticulture expert Janko Rataj, while the development of the vineyards was largely overseen by his wife Vida Rataj. Under her management, the estate became one of the largest and most modern vineyard estates in Dolenjska. Modern viticultural and cellar techniques of the time were introduced, and the estate was among the first in Dolenjska to cultivate the Portugalko grape variety. Vida Rataj also opened a wine shop at the vineyard cottage, which became a popular destination for Sunday visitors.
In 1977, the vineyard cottage, together with its vineyards and orchard, was purchased by the Novo Mesto-based pharmaceutical company Krka. The company renovated the property, named it Krka Wine Manor, and continued its hospitality activities there. Today, it is managed by Terme Krka. In 2024, Krka Wine Manor underwent a complete renovation, during which both buildings, the characteristic thatched roofs, the interior, façade, hospitality terrace, and surrounding area were restored, preserving its distinctive appearance and cultural heritage.
In the pleasant atmosphere of Krka Wine Manor, guests can enjoy traditional Dolenjska dishes prepared from high-quality local ingredients, accompanied by carefully selected wines from Dolenjska winemakers. Culinary specialities include pogača with sausage, the traditional Dolenjska flatbread known as buckwheat “potancelj”, beef tongue salad, sauerkraut and buckwheat žganci (traditional Slovenian buckwheat mush) with cracklings served with pork sausage, crispy roasted duck breast, gratinated štruklji (traditional Slovenian filled dumplings), dressed green beans, homemade mlinci (traditional Slovenian flatbread pasta) with veal liver, štruklji with overheated cream, buckwheat groats with chanterelles, sausage cooked in Cviček wine, bean štruklji, Trška Gora grmada dessert, and many other traditional dishes. The offer is complemented by carefully selected wines from Dolenjska winemakers, including Kartuzija Pleterje, Frelih Wine Cellar, Domaine Slapšak, Bajnof Wine Cellar, Colnar Wine Cellar, Klet Jelenič Wine Shop, Albiana, and Kozinc. The dishes are prepared with the aim of making every visit a memorable culinary experience, allowing guests to discover the characteristic flavours of Dolenjska and the rich wine-growing heritage of Trška Gora.
Krka Wine Manor is a popular choice for family celebrations, smaller wedding receptions with lunch, picnics, business meetings, and creative gatherings. For business events, a space for groups of up to 26 people is available on the first floor, while the culinary part of the event can take place on the ground floor, which accommodates up to 45 guests. In good weather, visitors can enjoy the scenic terrace offering beautiful views of Novo Mesto, the Gorjanci Hills, and the forests of Kočevski Rog. Krka Wine Manor does not have regular opening hours – guests are welcomed by prior arrangement.
Today, Krka Wine Manor represents a valuable connection between the past and the present – a place where the story of Trška Gora, architectural heritage, breathtaking views, and the flavours of Dolenjska come together to create an authentic experience.
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