Slovenian Hops

Growers in Slovenia produce traditionally aroma hop varieties that have been introduced by the Slovenian Institute for Hop Research and Brewing. The most famous hop varieties are Aurora (Super Styrian), Styrian Golding and Celeia.

During the last two decades of the 19th century, rye and wheat production across the broad plain which forms the central tract of the Savinja Valley, became supplemented and eventually supplanted by the cultivation of hops (humulus lupulus). Each spring this seemingly small and somewhat frail plant creeps up from the loosely ploughed furrows and into a trellis network supported by smooth poles. The plant's progress is rapid indeed, reaching the upper end of poles - a height in excess of six meters - by August, the mont when the plant is in full bloom and teady to harvest.