FINALIST#9: Retreat Through Aromatic Plants and Vineyard

Welcome to the magnificent Dragonja Valley, situated in Slovenian Istria, an area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, and delectable gastronomy. This enchanting valley is traversed by the Dragonja River, which meanders through the landscape, creating a vista of rolling hills, verdant forests, and picturesque hamlets.

One of the most captivating destinations in the Dragonja Valley is Bonistra, an enchanting herb property nestled atop a hill overlooking the river. Here, you can explore the stunning herb fields, which boast an array of fragrant herbs such as lavender, immortelle, and sage. Discover the traditional techniques of herb cultivation and distillation, and witness the distillation process first-hand, learning about the unique properties of hydrosols and essential oils.

At Bonistra, you can also indulge in a luxurious Face and Soul workshop, designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. This workshop offers a unique experience, as you immerse yourself in the tranquil setting and enjoy facial massages and skin treatments using natural and organic products. Led by renowned facialist Sara Bičič, this workshop will guide you through each step of the treatment, ensuring maximum comfort and ease. It’s an excellent opportunity for self-care, allowing you to rejuvenate and refresh your mind, body, and soul in the heart of the stunning Dragonja Valley.

Another jewel in the Dragonja Valley is the ecological wine estate Brič, a winery located on the hillsides overlooking the river, Adriatic sea and the alps. The historical sources witness that vines were grown here already a long time before the establishment of the estate. The altitude and proximity to the sea create perfect conditions for creating well-balanced wines full of flavor. In addition, as the vineyard is surrounding the cellar, the fast transfer of the grapes in harvests from vines to the cellar, preserves the full varietal flavor profile of the grapes. In the end, the wines are created with a respect to the time, in which the wines get shaped and reach elegance. This quality of the wines is regularly confirmed also with great rankings in the biggest international wine competition Decanter.

At the wine estate Brič, you can take a guided tour of the vineyards and the wine cellar, and enjoy tasting the winery’s finest wines, such are from the Istrian varietal trinity Malvazija, Yellow muscat and Refošk, accompanied by delicious local cheeses and cured meats.

Day 1

10:00 – Presentation and tour of the Bonistra herb estate
10:30 – Demonstration of herb distillation for obtaining hydrosol and essential oil
12:00 – Description of Bonistra’s hydrosols and essential oils under BON CARE
12:30 – Vegetable stew and herbal drinks for brunch
14:00 – Presentation of Sensitivity and Beauty activities
14:30 – Face & Soul Workshop with Sara Bičič, SBeauty
16:00 – Visit to the Brič estate through the Dragonja River valley
16:30 – Sparkling wine with a panoramic view of the estate overlooking the sea
17:00 – Guided tour of the wine cellar
17:30 – Wine tasting of 6 Brič wines with snacks (cold cuts and cheese)

**This programme maximum for 8 people.

Contact of the Provider:

Jana Bergant
Bonistra d.o.o.
Krkavče 131 B
6274 Šmarje
T: +386 (0) 41 858 978
E:  jana@bonistra.si

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