The heart of Maribor, Lent, is home to the oldest vine in the world. At more than 450 years old it’s the only plant boasting its own museum – the Old Vine House. Maribor hosts a number of events celebrating the Old Vine, such as the Pruning of the Old Vine, St. Martin’s Day, and the Old Vine Festival. Believe it or not, the Old Vine even has its own anthem, and the locals are only too keen to let you hear it.
Žametovka or modra kavčina (Bleu de Cologne), confirmed at 400 years of age, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest vine in the world still producing fruit. The old vine was planted in Maribor at the end of the Middle Ages during the Turkish invasions. It witnessed – and survived – the battles that raged between the invaders and defenders of the city, for the Old Vine House of today was once part of the city wall.
Set out on gastronomic journeys through the city of Maribor and its surroundings. You can enjoy a vast variety of Štajerska flavours, and all paths will lead you to the Old Vine House.
Taste the noble flavours of the wine-producing Štajerska region, which is one of the largest Slovenian wine-producing districts, and visit a wine cellar in the centre of Maribor. In addition to the Old Vine House, you will also stop at the Maribor Water Tower Wine Shop and the Dveri-Pax wine bar, and you can also visit the Vinag wine cellar, one of the oldest and largest European classical wine cellars.
MoreTaste the noble flavours of the wine-producing Štajerska region, which is one of the largest Slovenian wine-producing districts, and visit a wine cellar in the centre of Maribor. In addition to the Old Vine House, you will also stop at the Maribor Water Tower Wine Shop and the Dveri-Pax wine bar, and you can also visit the Vinag wine cellar, one of the oldest and largest European classical wine cellars.
MoreIn addition to the flavours of supreme Štajerska wines, you can also indulge in the distinctive flavours of Maribor. The Maribor Culinary Trail will take you to selected restaurants, where you can try traditional Štajerska dishes and also top masterpieces of Maribor chefs.
MoreIf you wish to learn about high-quality Slovenian wines in more detail, you can venture on a wine adventure through Maribor and its surroundings while accompanied by a wine expert. In addition to the oldest vine in the world, you will also visit two renowned winemakers, where you will be able to taste wines, as well as other selected local delicacies.
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The Old Vine is the only plant with its own museum – the Old Vine House. Once part of the city wall, the house today showcases a venerable wine heritage, with a winery and a wine tasting room offering premium wines from the Maribor wine region. And to celebrate the Old Vine, Maribor and vicinity boast numerous picturesque wine roads and wineries.
With an array of culinary, wine and cultural delicacies this premium festival event begins in October with the ceremonial grape harvest of the Old Vine and closes with the Feast of St. Martin in Maribor, the biggest St. Martin’s Day celebration in Slovenia. You’ll be able to experience the best that Slovenian wine producers, especially those from the Štajerska region, have to offer. Fans of traditional culinary delights will be able to sample authentic dishes by local chefs, and there’s also an exciting cultural programme to round it all off.
Interested to see what more than 450 years was like for the Old Vine? You can use the virtual goggles at the Old Vine House and travel back to[P1] history. The virtual experience will take you through the life and important events in Maribor from 1570 until today.
The second-largest Slovenian city Maribor prides itself with the oldest vine in the world, which is more than 400 years old. There are three wine routes from this venerable wine “lady” to the countryside of Maribor and you can ride your bicycle on them. Individual points of the three wine routes are connected with the international Archduke Johann Trail from Graz to Maribor. If you are not one of the most enthusiastic cyclists, you can also ride an electric bicycle and ride along these roads.
There's plenty to see in Maribor. Lent is the oldest and most magical part of the city. Stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the Drava River. Art and history lovers will want to see the remains of the city wall and the medieval towers. Museums and galleries shed colourful light on life in Maribor, past and present. And come evening, go see a play at the Slovene National Theatre Maribor.
Take a stroll down the old town district of the second largest Slovenian town, discover the bustle of life in the Lent quarter, home to the oldest grapevine in the world. Choose and book your holiday today!
Make your visit to Maribor even more enjoyable, and spice it up with some culinary adventures amidst a unique landscape.
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