Medana – A Hillside Wine Village with the Soul of Poetry

Medana is a charming, scenic village in the heart of Goriška Brda, a region shaped by rolling hills, sun‑drenched slopes, and a centuries‑old winemaking tradition. It sits on one of the most picturesque ridges in Brda, where the hills open toward Friuli, the Vipava Valley, and the inner Brda landscape. Its location in a renowned wine‑growing area explains why the surroundings are famous for exceptional wines such as Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Friulian Tokaj, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medana is, in many ways, synonymous with the wine‑growing identity of Brda.

Geographical Setting and Landscape

Medana lies on a gently elevated ridge surrounded on all sides by vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. The sunny exposure, mild Mediterranean climate, and fertile flysch soils create ideal conditions for producing high‑quality grapes. From the village, wide views open across the Brda hills, glowing in golden light during summer and wrapped in soft mist during winter.

The settlement is dispersed, with traditional Brda homesteads scattered among the vineyards. Stone houses, courtyards, pergolas, and old wine cellars form a harmonious cultural landscape that has remained remarkably authentic over the centuries.

Winemaking Tradition

Medana is one of the most important wine‑growing centres in Brda. Vineyards cover every slope around the village, creating an almost amphitheatre‑like landscape. Both indigenous and international grape varieties thrive here, each gaining a distinctive character from the local terroir.

Wines from the Medana area are known for:

  • pronounced minerality

  • fullness and elegance

  • balanced freshness

  • rich aromatic profiles

Viticulture in Medana is more than an economic activity — it is a way of life, a tradition passed down through generations, and a foundation of local identity.

History and Cultural Heritage

Medana is mentioned in medieval sources and has long been an important Brda settlement connected with viticulture, trade, and the cultural life of the region. Its position near the historical border between the Habsburg and Venetian worlds made it a crossroads of cultures, languages, and influences.

The village’s most famous native is Alojz Gradnik (1882–1967), one of Slovenia’s most important 20th‑century lyric poets. He held his birthplace close to his heart and often celebrated it in his poetry. Among his most cherished verses dedicated to Medana are:

Gradnik’s poetry is imbued with melancholy, love for his homeland, and the imagery of vineyards and the Brda landscape, giving Medana a unique cultural aura.

Cultural Life – Days of Poetry and Wine

Today, Medana is internationally recognised thanks to the Days of Poetry and Wine, one of the most important literary festivals in this part of Europe. Every year at the end of August, the village comes alive with:

  • poetry readings

  • concerts

  • exhibitions

  • wine tastings

  • encounters between poets, winemakers, and visitors

The festival unites the two essential identities of Medana — poetry and wine — creating a unique experience that attracts guests from around the world. Medana becomes a place of dialogue, creativity, and celebration, where Brda’s traditions meet contemporary artistic expression.

Medana Today

Medana is a lively yet peaceful Brda village that blends tradition, culture, and modern winemaking creativity. Visitors can enjoy:

  • exceptional wines

  • beautiful panoramic views

  • cultural events

  • walks through vineyards

  • an authentic Brda way of life