Slovenia’s Savinja Valley, often referred to as the Valley of Green Gold, is renowned for its hop cultivation, a tradition stretching back centuries. This fertile region is also home to innovative microbreweries that deeply embrace the hop-growing heritage of the area. Join us as we explore two great breweries that operate in the heart of the hop fields of Savinja Velley; Green Gold Brewing and Clef Brewery, both located in the Municipality of Žalec, amidst the very hop fields that inspire their exceptional beers.
Nestled in the middle of hop fields in Šempeter v Savinjski dolini lies Green Gold Brewing, a microbrewery with roots deeply intertwined with the region’s hop-growing legacy. The Rojnik family, the brewery’s ancestors, have been cultivating hops since the 1880s. This rich hop farming heritage forms the foundation of Green Gold Brewing, established in 2016.
Son of the Rojinik hop-farming family, Luka Rojnik, was asked in the 2010’s, when selling the Rojnik hops internationally, that why wouldn’t you brew your own beer, since you have the hops already right in your hands? That question later led to starting a small-scale brewery in a garage right next to the hop farm, using their own hops of course.
What started as a small-scale operation with local sales in 2016 has blossomed into a well-respected, internationally active microbrewery. Since 2018, Green Gold Brewing has been operating with a 25hl brewhouse, brewing multiple times a week and producing a rather impressive volume of around 750,000 liters annually. Green Gold utilizes locally grown hops, Slovenian varieties like Aurora, BObek, Celeia, Styrian Dragon and Styrian Wolf, in every single one of their beers.
Green Gold Brewing’s beer portfolio heavily features hop-forward beer styles, such as Pale Ales, New England IPAs and traditional American IPAs, with some brews proudly showcasing single varieties of local hops. Beyond their focus on hoppy IPAs and Pale Ales, Green Gold also ventures into other beer styles, including refreshing Hoppy Lagers, and delicacies like a Wheat Ale infused with mango or an Imperial Stout enriched with Belgian chocolate and Slovenian coffee.
For those planning a trip to Slovenia and the picturesque Savinja Valley, a visit to Green Gold Brewing is highly recommended. Booking a brewery tour offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into the brewery’s story, witness their production process first hand and learn about Slovenia’s green gold, the very hops that give their beers such distinctive character.
To mention some of our favorite Green Gold craft beers, we loved their highly drinkable Sun Set Pale Ale, the Hopz 2024 Wet Hop NEIPA (that was actually being brewed during our visit on Hop Harvest Tour) and Rum Barrel Aged Oil Warz Imperial Stout (hop from the links to beer cards with tasting notes and more info about the beers).
Beyond their core and collaborative brews, Clef also delights in experimentation with limited edition series. These include delicious Pastry Stouts flavored with traditional Slovenian desserts, a carefully curated selection of barrel-aged beers ranging from rich Stouts to complex Farmhouse Sour Beers and seasonal brews like a Wet-Hop Saison, brewed with freshly picked Styrian Dragon hops. For those who enjoy a lighter and fruitier experience, Clef also offers a series of light and juicy Fruited Sours.
Clef beers are primarily sold locally, and the best place to truly experience their brews is their beautiful taproom, right next to the brewery. If your timing allows, be sure to visit during one of their live music events! Brewery tours and tastings are also available, offering a deeper insight into their brewing philosophy and the setting of their hop field-surrounded brewery.
A journey to the Savinja Valley offers a unique opportunity to experience the close relationship between hop cultivation and craft brewing. If possible, we recommend timing your visit around the time of the yearly hop harvest, usually from late August to mid September. During the hop season, the whole valley smells like fresh hops, and you can witness the harvesting of the hop fields.
Visiting Green Gold Brewing and Clef Brewery provides a first hand look at how locally grown hops directly influence the flavour and character of their beers. The stunning scenery of the hop fields adds an extra layer of charm to the experience, making it a must-do for any craft beer enthusiast exploring Slovenia.
8th AB – Lost In A Hop Field