New York and Boulder, CO, March 10, 2008 – A sixteenth-century cottage, which is possibly the oldest “vineyard cottage” in Slovenia, will receive much-needed support, thanks to a volunteer workshop being held at the site September 15-27, 2008. This workshop will allow volunteers to participate in the restoration of an ancient and important building while being able to savor the beauty, culture and wine of this picturesque region.

Heritage Conservation Network, a Colorado-based non-profit organization, is partnering with the Šmarško-Virštanj wine district, which manages the property, Etno-Eko, a local non-profit striving to save the country’s rural heritage, and Franci Pecnik, a building conservation specialist, to offer this exciting hands-on experience. The Mlinars cottage was recently purchased by the municipality of Šmartno ob Paki in order to create a museum that will highlight the art of traditional wine making.

Volunteers will take part in the crucial initial stages of this unique project, which will include documenting the current building condition with photos, measurements and drawings. This work is a fundamental stage in the restoration project and will help guide all future restoration decisions.

Additional fieldwork under the guidance of two ethnologists, Ms. Jelka Pšajd and Ms. Eva Rožanc, will involve collecting artifacts for the museum’s permanent collection. Complete details and registration information are available from HCN’s website www.heritageconservation.net/ws-slovenia-2008.htm.

The cost per person US$575 for one week and US$1100 for two weeks. This cost covers lodging, three meals a day, insurance, workshop materials and instruction, and field trips exploring the area. Participants will be housed in the Šmartno ob Paki Hostel, the town’s restored historic Post Office. Transportation to the site is not included. The workshop schedule includes time to see the sights in the stunning, wine-producing region. There is a discount for early registrations received by May 15, 2008.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN’s workshops give volunteers the opportunity to give something back by helping to protect valuable cultural treasures. To learn more about HCN’s international workshops, visit HCN’s website www.heritageconservation.net.