Osmizas

Rather than restaurants or agri-tourism establishments, they are places where local wines (Terrano, Vitovska and Malvasia) and traditional foods (eggs, sausages, salamis and cheeses) can be purchased and enjoyed just where they are produced.

The osmiza, or osmica in Slovenian, is a tradition that dates back to the time of Maria Theresa of Austria. In 1784 peasants were authorized to sell wines and foods that they produced directly in their cellars.

This permission to sell lasted for periods of eight consecutive days (from which osmiza derives, since eight in Slovenian is "osem") or multiples of eight throughout the year. The peasants could determine the hours and the prices.

In the province of Trieste, primarily in the Karst plateau area, there are about 50 osmizas, with variable opening hours. Open osmizas are still marked with a bundle of branches clearly visible along the street and on the house where the osmiza is located.

When can you go to an osmiza?
All year! Of course, they are more enjoyable during the warmer months when you can sit outside. However, when the weather is bad, you can cheer up by singing, toasting and chatting at an osmiza!

Open osmizas:
www.osmize.com