Vineyard cottages Skatlar can be found in a stunning location in Dolenjska region, in the land of Cvicek wine. First, let’s familiarize ourselves with the term vineyard cottage. Vineyard Cottages or Zidanice are charming countryside houses built in the vineyards on picturesque hills. Can you imagine that the owner of the vineyard cottage doesn’t just give you the key to the cottage, but also to the wine cellar full of wine barrels where you can sample the wines of the region?

We grabbed the opportunity to spend a nice sunny autumn weekend in Dolenjska region. On the edge of the forests and the vineyards, 500 metres above the sea level, Skatlar vineyard cottages offer a wonderful view on Gorjanci mountain range, Krka river valley and the vineyards.

We were warmly welcomed by Matjaz. First, of course, he took us to the wine cellar. There are 3 self-catering vineyard cottages: Skatlar 1, Skatlar 2 and Skatlar 3. We stayed in Skatlar 3 vineyard cottage. What is the difference between them?

Skatlar 1 is one of the most authentic vineyard cottages in Slovenia and apparently due to its authenticity it is part of Houses of Tradition. It was the first vineyard cottage that Pavlin family started to rent. It is very well preserved traditional vineyard cottage. The lower part of the cottage is made of stone and it used to be a cellar but it was adapted into the relaxing place with Finnish sauna (supplement of 20 EUR/stay). Next to the cellar there is an open terrace and a fireplace. The upper part of the cottage is made of wood. Tiny but fully-equipped kitchen with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, wooden outdoor balcony (the views over the valley and the hills are fantastic!), and a loft under the thatched roof is a perfect place to spend a getaway weekend. It offers hot tube for supplement of 50 EUR/stay as well.

Skatlar 2 vineyard cottage is bigger than Skatlar 1. It offers a bathroom, bedroom, spacious kitchen with living room, and a balcony. In front of the cottage there is an organic garden with seasonal vegetables, Finnish sauna (supplement of 20 EUR/stay), located in an old barrel and a hot tube (supplement of 50 EUR/stay) under the stars.

We stayed at Skatlar 3 which was built in 1848 but renovated in 2018 with original appearance. In the lower part of the cottage there is a cellar. The owner is always welcoming the guests with a glass of Cvicek wine and homemade snacks and the guests are given the key to the cellar so they can refill the bottles whenever they want. Above the cellar there is a modern fully equipped apartment (bedroom, living room with kitchen, bathroom) with infra-red sauna and a place to relax afterwards. Through the glass wall you can admire spectacular views of the surrounding area. It offers hot tube for supplement of 50 EUR/stay as well. Skatlar vineyard cottages combine tradition with modern comfort and they were renovated with lots of love. The countryside is peaceful and the nature is breathtaking. Just imagine that you are waking up to the sounds of birds and you are going to bed watching the stars.

Staying in the vineyard cottage is a perfect match to experience Slovenian countryside and wine culture of Dolenjska region.

All the guests who are staying more than 5 days are invited to Matjaz’s homestead where the hosts welcome the guests with tarragon potica sweet dessert and present the life in Dolenjska region as it once was and as it is today while touring the homestead and the old wine cellar. The guests are shown the presentation of “The story of Cvicek wine”. Of course with a glass of wine. Or two 😉 

There are numerous walking and cycling possibilities nearby. Otocec castle, Smarjeske toplice spa or Novo mesto are only a short drive away from the accommodation.

While staying in Skatlar vineyard cottage, we were enjoying the stunning views, listening to the birds singing or church bells ringing, and tasting excellent wines. It was just a perfect vineyard escape from Ljubljana hustle and bustle.

Vineyard cottage Skatlar is a welcoming retreat all year round for nature aficionados, hikers and families with small children. It is for sure one of the best Slovenian vineyard cottage with breathtaking vineyard views.

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