December gathering with sparkling wines in Portorož
Sparkling Wine Festival is an annual December event that on December 26th in Portorož brings together lovers of sparkling wines and glamorous atmosphere.
In the magnificent Crystal Hall of the Kempinski Palace Portorož, visitors can taste more than 250 samples of sparkling wines from over 30 domestic and international wineries. Selected sparkling wines made by the classic or Charmat method are available, as well as champagnes from the renowned French region of Champagne.
In addition to sparkling wine tastings, guests can also enjoy a specially prepared gourmet dinner at Sophia Restaurant or other selected culinary delights that perfectly pair with the world of bubbles.
Join us on December 26th in Portorož!
Ticket purchase for the Sparkling Wine Festival 2025
Sparkling Wine Festival 2025
The Crystal Hall of the Kempinski Palace Portorož will shine once again in festive elegance on 26 December 2025, hosting the Sparkling Wine Festival 2025, a unique experience for all lovers of sparkling wines.
Visitors will be welcomed by more than 250 top-quality sparkling wines from Slovenia and abroad, enriched by prestigious champagnes presented by renowned sommelier Valentin Bufolin. The evening will also feature the announcement of the Best Sparkling Wine of Portorož 2025, selected in cooperation with the Slovenian Wine Knights and the Wine Queen of Slovenian Istria.
Don’t miss this exceptional event – secure your pre-sale tickets and immerse yourself in an unforgettable world of sparkling bubbles.
Best sparkling wines of Portorož from previous editions
Below is an overview of the sparkling wines that have won the title of Best Sparkling Wine of Portorož in previous years.
The list highlights the outstanding winners of each edition and reflects the development and excellence of sparkling wine producers over time.
| 2012 | Prestige brut natur – 2003, Istenič, Bizeljsko-Sremič |
| 2013 | Penina N°1 – 2008, Istenič, Bizeljsko-Sremič |
| 2014 | Bjana Cuvée Prestige – 2008, Bjana – Miran Sirk Dobrovo Goriška Brda |
| 2015 | Br’stovska penina – malvazija 2008, Vinarstvo Rebula Komen |
| 2016 | Blanc de blanc – 2013, Sektkellerei Szigeti |
| 2017 | Rosé selection – 2017, Radgonske gorice |
| 2018 | Br’stovska penina – malvazija 2010, Vinarstvo Rebula Komen |
| 2019 | Blanc de blancs – Klet Silveri |
| 2022 | Zlata radgonska penina Millésime – 2004, Radgonske gorice |
| 2023 | Nature zero vintage collection – 2011, Silveri |
| 2024 | Anastazija 2015, Vinarstvo Rebula Komen |
For those who want even more: the Gourmet Experience of the Sparkling Wine Festival
Sparkling Wine Festival gourmet 2025
If you wish to experience more than the classic festival offering on this special day, we invite you to discover the exclusive gourmet experience as part of the Sparkling Wine Festival Gourmet 2025.
In addition to more than 250 sparkling wine samples, you can enjoy a premium culinary upgrade at the prestigious Sophia Restaurant, where a special 5-course menu will provide an unforgettable gourmet indulgence.
Treat yourself to the ultimate December experience – secure your gourmet tickets and enjoy the most luxurious version of the Sparkling Wine Festival.
Surprising facts about sparkling wines – did you know them already?
Only sparkling wines produced in the French region of Champagne may be called champagne.
Other French sparkling wines are known as crémant, in Italy you drink spumante, in Spain cava, in Germany and Austria Sekt, in England sparkling wine, and in Slovenia this is called penina.
Sparkling wine can be made from different types of wine. There are white, red, and rosé sparkling wines.
Bubbles in the glass
Sparkling wine contains three forms of carbon dioxide. The first is the free, gaseous form found in the empty space in the neck of the bottle; the second is the dissolved form, when the gas mixes with the liquid and forms carbonic acid; and the third is the bound, ester form, created when carbonic acid slowly binds with alcohols. This form enables the release of fine chains of bubbles, which we beautifully call sparkling.
A good sparkling wine must also foam well. Foaming occurs on the surface of the wine along the rim of the glass, and in quality sparkling wines it should last at least three to four minutes.
Choosing the right glass for the perfect sparkling wine
It is recommended to use proper sparkling wine glasses. A tall and slender glass is preferred. The most suitable is the so-called tulip glass, in which the bubbles are beautifully visible. If the bubbles are fine, numerous, and long-lasting, you can be sure you’re drinking a high-quality sparkling wine.
The right temperature for perfect enjoyment
Sparkling wine should be served as chilled as possible, but not colder than 6°C. The ideal serving temperature is between 6 and 8°C.
