Hruševlje – A Hillside Village Embraced by the Wine‑Growing Tradition of Brda

Hruševlje is a dispersed settlement located in the north‑western part of Goriška Brda, a region defined by gently rounded hills, scenic ridges, and a centuries‑old winemaking culture. The village lies in a peaceful, sunlit landscape where vineyards, orchards, and small woodland edges stretch between individual homesteads, creating the characteristic mosaic of this part of western Slovenia. Its position near the Italian border makes Hruševlje a meeting point of cultures, languages, and traditions, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and way of life.

Landscape and Geography

Hruševlje extends across slopes that descend softly toward the west, where the Brda hills open toward Friuli. The sunny exposure, mild climate, and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for viticulture and fruit growing. The vineyards surrounding the village are planted with varieties typical of Brda — from Rebula and Sauvignon to Merlot and Cabernet Franc — while orchards add seasonal colour with peaches, cherries, and figs.

Winemaking as Part of Local Identity

The settlement is closely tied to the winemaking tradition that has shaped Brda for centuries. Among the notable representatives of local viticulture is Zalatel Winery, which preserves the authentic Brda wine culture through dedication and respect for the land. Their wines express the character of the region — minerality, freshness, and elegance — while telling the story of a family tradition passed down through generations.

Viticulture is not merely an economic activity here; it is a key element of local identity. Many homesteads in Hruševlje combine vineyards, orchards, and traditional Brda architecture, forming a harmonious cultural landscape.

Life in the Village

Hruševlje is a quiet, scattered community where life unfolds in close connection with nature. Locals maintain many customs linked to the seasons, vineyard work, and traditional festivities. The village is also a starting point for walking and cycling routes that lead through vineyards, past old Brda hamlets, and to viewpoints offering sweeping vistas across the entire region.

Hruševlje Today

Today, Hruševlje represents a blend of tradition and modernity. It has preserved its peaceful rural character while increasingly becoming part of the broader tourism offering of Brda. Visitors can experience an authentic connection with the landscape — from tasting local wines to discovering life on Brda’s family estates.