5th Modri les Noirs

It is our fifth anniversary!

Since 2018, the annual Modri Les Noirs has been bringing together the best and most recognizable Slovenian Pinot Noir producers with renowned winemakers from the region and beyond. It is not just an event; it is a synonym for the community of Pinot Noir lovers. Growing, being more international and more passionate every year. It is the first and only festival of pinot noir in the region.

So far, Modri Les Noirs has brought together 36 Pinot Noir producers from 9 countries, hundreds of wine enthusiasts, international journalists, renowned chefs, sommeliers, and leading wine scholars. Masterclass has been sold out every year.

It takes place in Kendov Dvorec, a unique 5* hotel in Slovenia, a member of Relais & Châteaux. Food is prepared by top-notch chefs.

This 5th-anniversary celebration will have two parts: Masterclass and Festival.

MASTERCLASS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

The Masterclass, sold out every year weeks before the event, is a tribute to Pinot Noir, the noble red grape, that is behind the world’s most prized wines.

It will start at 5 PM in Kendov Dvorec, Relais & Châteaux. Led by the renowned British wine expert, Quentin Sadler and the main organizer, Matjaž Lemut, TILIA Estate – House of Pinots, Masterclass is a wine retreat – tasting dozen of top pinot noirs and finding inspiration in personal stories of winemakers, learning from exeperts in a charming environment.

Winemakers will reveal the creative paths and secrets that made their wine unique. Growing Pinot Noir is always an adventure. Because it’s finicky, it often inspires a love-hate relationship with its growers.

The evening ends with a dinner, which will be prepared by the Chefs of Kendov Dvorec, Relais & Châteaux.

Price: 80 Eur

AGENDA

16.30
Registration

17.00

Opening address
Pinot Noir – finicky, and absolutely beautiful
Matjaž Lemut, main organiser, TILIA estate – House of Pinots

17.10

The evolution of Pinot Noir
Quentin Sadler, wine educator, UK

17.20

In person! Secrets of Pinot Noir through the stories of winemakers
Dozen selected winemakers will be presenting their Pinot Noirs. Discussion will be led by Matjaž Lemut, TILIA Estate – House of Pinots, and Quentin Sadler, UK. With their original approach, serious and humorous stories, visitors will be taken through the native wine countries, exploring the originality of production. Winemakers will reveal their creative paths and secrets, which made the wine unique and will have the opportunity to continue the discussion over dinner.

19.35
Dinner with selected Pinot Noirs
Kendov Dvorec is recommended by the Michelin Guide Slovenia 2020, 2021 and 2022 as a restaurant in a fairytale setting with a fascinating history, with its origins dating back to 1377. The hotel and its restaurant with head chef Klavdij Pirih are situated in one of the most historically interesting areas of Slovenia, famous for its lace production as well as many of the local ingredients which find their way into the dishes served here.

The Programme will be held in English, some wine presentations might be in the native languages of winemakers.

FESTIVAL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

The festival takes place between 1 and 8 PM. More than 100 Pinot Noirs from local and foreign wineries will be available. You will also be able to participate in two mini-masterclasses led by Quentin Sadler, and enjoy food specialties by Chefs of Kendov Dvorec.

Price: 30 Eur, mini masterclass 10 Eur

11.30
Registration

12.00
Opening of the festival

15.00

Pinot Noirs, selected for YOU (I)
Mini masterclass (max 20 people, 5 wines) Quentin Sadler, wine educator, UK

The chance to enjoy an unparalleled selection of five Pinot Noirs from around the world.
Wine educator Quentin Sadler, with more than 30 years of experience in the UK wine trade, will make a special wine flight of Pinot Noirs. What to expect? Five great wine samples, and many faces of Pinot Noir clearly on display.
Mini-masterclass takes place in the beautiful meeting room in Kendov Dvorec, called ‘Hiša’ – The House. A fireplace with an inglenook and a shrine in ‘Hiša’ Meeting Room gives the atmosphere of a cosy home. The most authentically decorated space reminds us of the local tradition.
The room takes up to 20 people, so reservations for the mini-masterclass are obligatory.

Price: 10 Eur
Reservation of the seats at: tonja@tiliaestate.si

16.00

In the glory of pinot noir
Matjaž Lemut, main organiser, TILIA estate – House of Pinots

17.00

Pinot Noirs, selected for YOU (II)
Mini masterclass (max 20 people, 5 wines) Quentin Sadler, wine educator, UK

The chance to enjoy an unparalleled selection of five Pinot Noirs from around the world.
Wine educator Quentin Sadler, with more than 30 years of experience in the UK wine trade, will make a special wine flight of Pinot Noirs. What to expect? Five great wine samples, and many faces of Pinot Noir clearly on display.
Mini-masterclass takes place in the beautiful meeting room in Kendov Dvorec, called ‘Hiša’ – The House. A fireplace with an inglenook and a shrine in ‘Hiša’ Meeting Room gives the atmosphere of a cosy home. The most authentically decorated space reminds us of the local tradition.
The room takes up to 20 people, so reservations for the masterclass are obligatory.

Price: 10 Eur
Reservation of the seats at: tonja@tiliaestate.si

WINEMAKERS

Modri Les Noirs is honoured to host some of the Slovenians and regions’ best, most interesting, dedicated, and talented winemakers.

Selected 36 winemakers from nine countries have presented themselves at the festival in the past. This year’s list of winemakers has not yet been finalized.

CASTELFEDER, Italy
ETYEKI KÚRIA WINERY, Hungary
FERAVINO, Croatia
FRANZ HAAS, Italy
FRUG VINA, Serbia
GALIĆ WINES, Croatia
HEAPS GOOD WINE COMPANY, Styrian Slovenia
JAKONČIČ, Goriška Brda
KRISTANČIČ FROM MEDANA, Goriška Brda
MOVIA, Goriška Brda
MEUM, Styrian Slovenia
MARO wines, Styrian Slovenia
MARJAN SIMČIČ, Goriška Brda
MAISON VINCENT GIRARDIN, France
BURJA ESTATE, Vipava valley
PASJI REP ESTATE, Vipava valley
SANCTUM, Styrian Slovenia
SALOMON&ANDREW, New Zealand
KOVAČEVIĆ WINERY, Serbia
TOMAC WINERY, Croatia
TILIA ESTATE, Vipava valley
VINA ČUK, Vipava valley
SAKSIDA WINES, Vipava valley
VINA VERUS, Styrian Slovenia
VINA ŠČUREK, Goriška Brda
VINA ZAVEC, Haloze
VIPAVA 1984, Vipava valley
PRINČIČ WINE, Goriška Brda
JOANNES PROTNER WINES, Styrian Slovenia
KORAK WINERY, Croatia
SONTACCHI WINERY, Croatia
ZDENKO ŠEMBER WINERY, Croatia
JAMŠEK WINE, Vipava valley
WINE KUPLJEN Styrian Slovenia
WINNICE WZGÓRZ TRZEBNICKICH, Poland

BUY TICKETS 5th Modri Les Noirs / Pinot Noir Festival and Master Class – 21. in 22. OCTOBER 2023

Due to the limited number of places, advance booking & payment is required the latest by October 13 2023.