General information about Slovenia
The country has been a member of the European Union since 2004. It shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. The population is just over 2 million people. Slovenia has a developed and stable economy. The average monthly salary as of November 2023 is €2,427.10 (gross) and €1,594.13 (net). The largest cities are Ljubljana (287,000 inhabitants), Maribor (96,000 inhabitants), and Kranj (38,000 inhabitants).
Wine import into Slovenia
In 2022, wine imports into Slovenia amounted to $17.7 million. In terms of volume, in 2022, 96,000 hectoliters of wine were imported, which is 17% more than the previous year. The main wine importing countries are1:
- France ($4.9 million)
- Italy ($4.83 million)
- North Macedonia ($2.61 million)
- Spain ($979,000)
- Croatia ($977,000)
Wine consumption in Slovenia
Wine consumption in Slovenia amounted to 711,000 hectoliters (2022). Of these, 72% (510,000 hectoliters) were white wines. The average consumption per capita in Slovenia was 33 liters of wine.2
Slovenia has a rich history of winemaking and a developed wine culture. Numerous wine festivals are held, including the annual Slovenian Wine Festival, which may interest not only local wine producers but also those from abroad, as well as the Orange Wine Festival, Festival of Refosco, and many others.
Production of domestic wine in Slovenia
In 2021/2022, Slovenia produced 589,000 hectoliters of wine. Notably, 71% of this was white wine. This volume of wine produced is 19% less than the previous year. Slovenia’s statistical office also provides data on the country’s self-sufficiency in wine. This indicator has decreased from 95% to 83%, opening opportunities for wine importers to bring wines from other countries.
Wines in Slovenia are predominantly produced in three regions: Podravje, Primorska and Posavje. The main grape varieties used for wine production in Slovenia are Rebula (Ribolla Gialla), Sauvignon Blanc, Modri Pinot (Pinot Noir), Refosco, and Modra Frankinja (Blaufränkisch). Slovenia has around 17,000 hectares of cultivated vineyards and 2,500 registered wine producers.
Wine export from Slovenia
In 2022, wine exports from Slovenia amounted to $23 million. By volume, 54,000 hectoliters of wine were exported.3 The main countries to which wine was exported are:
- United States ($5.45 million)
- Italy ($3.28 million)
- Netherlands ($2.33 million)
- Croatia ($1.92 million)
- Austria ($1.54 million)
Vinaty’s wine distributor database comprises 43 wine distributors, including several major retail chains and large importers. Additionally, there are numerous small independent distributors. Some of them exclusively serve their own retail outlets, while others operate through B2B channels.
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