Matjaž’s Homestead and Škatlar Wine Cottages

The Authentic Story of a Small Winemaker

On the hills by the Krka River, not far from Otočec, stands Matjaž’s Homestead (Matjaževa Domačija), a homestead over 150 years old, proudly included in the European network Houses with a Tradition. This remarkable location offers a unique journey into the past and an opportunity to experience authentic life in Dolenjska. Visitors can explore the features of a traditional Dolenjska house, visit the wine cellar, and taste homemade bread, wine, and other local delicacies. A unique offering is Cviček to-go — a bottle of Cviček wine that guests can mix to their own taste.

A highlight of the estate is the Princess’s Terrace, offering stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding landscape. In addition to accommodation and wine experiences, the estate also provides opportunities for relaxation in the sauna, hot tub, massages, or sound baths, while the surroundings are perfect for hiking, cycling, and connecting with nature. Matjaž’s Homestead is also professionally recognised — in 2008 it received the Srebrni Sejalec award from the Slovenian Tourist Board, and in 2023 it was honoured with the International Sustainable Award for sustainable tourism. Warm hospitality, homely comfort, and a rich selection of wines and culinary experiences create an authentic Dolenjska experience, blending tradition, nature, and modern comfort.

Accommodation is provided in Škatlar Wine Cottages (Zidanice Škatlar), part of the Vineyard cottages tourism, located in the picturesque Grčevje vineyard hills. Vineyard cottages are ideal for a romantic getaway, family stay, or small groups, offering a total of 14 beds across four units. Guests are welcomed with a homemade greeting and invited to the wine cellar for a tasting. Visitors receive the cellar key and, for an additional fee, can pour their own wine. Guests can also enjoy tastings of homemade bread, salami, and cheese, with seasonal vegetables and fruits from the garden available. For full relaxation, the wine cellars provide wellness corners, and guests can book sound baths, massages, apitherapy sessions, visit Matjaž’s Homestead, or rent electric bikes.

Škatlar Wine Cottage 1 is approximately 170 years old, a stone-and-wood vineyard cottage in a peaceful location among the vineyards. It includes a kitchen with dining area, bedroom with two beds, bathroom, and balcony; two additional beds are under the roof. The cellar features a wellness area with sauna and relaxation space, and outside there is a brick oven/barbecue, wooden hot tub, and sun loungers — a perfect retreat into nature.

Škatlar Wine Cottage 2 is a traditional vineyard cottage with a homely touch in the vineyard hills. It includes a kitchen with living area and seating, bedroom with two beds, and bathroom. Outside, a terrace invites relaxed gatherings, while a nearby Finnish sauna, massage tub, and old wine press with bench create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

Škatlar Wine Cottage 3, built in 1848, combines history, comfort, and hospitality. The interior features natural wood treated with beeswax. The lower level offers a wine cellar with around ten different wines, a wine shop, and a rustic room for gatherings or small events, alongside a kitchen for preparing homemade delicacies. Upstairs is an apartment with wooden furnishings, a bedroom with two beds, bathroom with shower, WC, and washing machine, a living space with kitchen, dining area, and sofa that converts into two extra beds if needed, and an infrared sauna in the hallway. Outside, a terrace and hot tub in the ecological vineyard complete a relaxing and authentic experience.

Glamping Paradiž Škatlar offers a unique experience in a vineyard cottage from 1810, blending tradition and comfort. It includes a bedroom for two, a mini kitchen, and bathroom, with a spacious terrace, sun loungers, hot tub, and Finnish sauna with panoramic views. A special feature is sleeping on a traditional bed under a straw roof, giving guests a direct connection to tradition and nature.

Matjaž’s Homestead and Škatlar Wine Cottages form a living link between past and present, offering visitors insight into Dolenjska’s rich cultural heritage through stories, flavours, and winemaking traditions.

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