Stories of wine in historic towns

Follow the rich wine tradition in historic towns located in wine-growing regions. Learn about characteristic wines and interesting wine stories.

There is truth in wine

Whoever explores Slovenia discovers its wines. A combination of the impacts of the climate and soil in Slovenia fosters the diversity of wines. Taste them in historic centres and their surroundings. A glass of wine goes perfectly with local culinary specialities.

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Follow wine stories

Maribor boasts the oldest grapevine in the world

Meet the queen of all grapevines, the more than 450-year-old vine of the Žametovka variety that grows in the Lent area of Maribor. This old grapevine has survived wars, fires and diseases and is still flourishing in front of the Old Vine House. The place gets particularly lively every autumn when the Old Vine Festival is held. The festival starts with a ceremonial grape harvest and ends with the celebration of Saint Martin's Day. The old grapevine also has its own museum and even its own anthem!

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Ljubljana Castle's wine story

You can enjoy a number of exciting experiences at Ljubljana Castle including wine-related experiences. Experience its the wine story and visit the castle vineyard, the castle vine, which is a descendant of the oldest vine in the world from Lent in Maribor, and the castle wine shop. Propose a toast with one of the castle wines – the red Zweigelt or the white Chardonnay.

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Towns signed by wine

You are most welcome to take a walk through Slovenian historic towns surrounded by wine-growing regions. Discover the traces of the wine tradition and taste locally produced wines in wine cellars.

Koper

When visiting Koper, formerly the second most important town of the Republic of Venice, taste fine Istrian wines. Vinakoper, one of the largest wine cellars in Slovenia, also boasts one of the largest barrels in Europe. The wine fountain in nearby Marezige provides a wonderful view of Koper, which also captivates visitors with an abundance of events.

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Žužemberk

Žužemberk is not known only for its mighty castle towering above the Krka river or for the former Auersperg iron foundry in nearby Dvor but also for its Zweigelt wine made of an indigenous grape variety. The Market Town Days enable you to experience the Middle Ages the Žužemberk way.

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Črnomelj and Metlika

The Črnomelj and Metlika area has been home to vines for almost a thousand years. In many wine cellars, you can taste Metliška Črnina and Blaufränkisch – wines to which the Vinska vigred spring festival in Metlika is dedicated. With wine, you will be served belokranjska pogača, indigenous food in Bela krajina protected at the European level.

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Brežice

After seeing the old centre of Brežice and a castle with the picturesque Knights Hall, take a walk on the left and right bank of the Sava River and discover the difference between Cviček and Bizeljčan – two wines characteristic of this area. Taste wine in turnip caves (repnice) – caves from soft flint which were used to store turnip.

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Ptuj

The town that boasts the oldest wine cellar and the oldest Slovenian wine is a real discovery for wine lovers and gourmets. The potential of extraordinary wine-growing locations around Ptuj was recognized by the Romans and numerous dwellers of Ptuj became rich by trading wine. Rich wine tradition is reflected today in the selection of cellar and wineries in Ptuj.

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Slovenske Konjice

One of the most modern wine cellars in this part of Europe, the Zlati grič cellar, is just a stone’s throw away from Slovenske Konjice. The estate also boasts excellent cuisine and a unique golf course among the vineyards.

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Novo mesto

Stunning views and cellar full of Cviček. Each true citizen of Novo mesto has a vineyard cottage on a nearby hill, whose cellar contains barrels full of Cviček. Perhaps this is the reason why the Dolenjska landscape is dotted with tiny vineyard cottages whose owners like spending their free time there hosting their friends.

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Kostanjevica na Krki

Kostanjevica na Krki in inseparably connected with Cviček and its history. The story begins in 1234 with the establishment of the Cistercian Monastery. The Cistercians were pioneers in wine-growing and cellaring. It is understandable that Kostanjevica na Krki is one of the crucial centres of Cviček production.

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Where can you taste local wines?

Here are some of the most interesting locations where you can learn about the taste of wines characteristic of individual wine-growing districts near historic towns.

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Which wines should you try?

Do not overlook “unique wines”, which you can only try in certain parts of Slovenia, in the wide selection of different tastes of wine.

A special red vine variety, a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, which was named after its creator Fritz Zweigelt. Wines made of this variety are rich, fruity, frequently with a vanilla flavour, and young wines have a characteristic sour cherry flavour and are suitable for ageing.

In addition to the Chianti from Tuscany, Cviček is the only wine in the world made from red and white grape varieties. Wine with a recognised geographical indication is unique among Slovenia wines and goes perfectly with the cuisine of Dolenjska.

Refošk, Malvasia and Yellow Muscat varieties are the most known and spread wine varieties in Slovenian Istria. Refošk boasts intensive ruby colour and a rich taste, while Malvasia is deemed the queen of Istrian white wines with its distinct aroma and light yellow colour with shades of green.

Rumeni Plavec is a white wine variety made from a Slovenian indigenous grape variety grown in the Bizeljsko-Sremiško wine-growing district. Among the specific features of Rumeni Plavec are its low sugar content and a relatively low alcohol content. Rumeni Plavec also mixes well with sparkling wine. You will, however, rarely come across it as bottled wine.

Rdeči Bizeljčan is a wine variety of ruby-red colour with purple hues, and has a fruity aroma and fresh taste. It goes especially well with meat dishes and salami.

White Bizeljčan is a quality dry white wine from the Bizeljsko-Sremiško wine district. It is characterised by a yellowish colour with green hues and a harmonious fresh flavour.

Modra Frankinja is a Slovenian indigenous grape variety. The wine made from this grape variety is usually characterised by a deep ruby-red colour with purple hues, which is tied to the wine making technology. Modra Frankinja is recognisable for its rich fruity aroma, and is a wine variety mainly found in the Posavje Region.

Experience wine in a special way

Wine is at the centre of many stories and experiences that bring you closer to Slovenian wine-making and wine tradition.

Oenological time travel

In Ptuj embark on a special journey where you can discover rich wine heritage of the town and its surroundings. Visit the oldest wine cellar, a descendant of the oldest grapevine in the world, the caste vineyards and boutique town wineries.

Oenological time travel

Holidays in a vineyard cottage

Get away from the hustle and bustle to green vineyards. treat yourselves to a break in a vineyard cottage where you can enjoy in tranquillity and nature. Indulge in a book in front of the house or take a walk among the vines.

With a Bike Through the Land of Refošk Wine

Explore the picturesque villages of the Land of Refošk wine, such as Marezige, Montinjan, lopar, Popetre, Boršt, Turške and St Anton by bike and enjoy the wonderful views. You can make a stop in one of the numerous wine cellars and in the autumn in an osmica inn, where you will restore your energy with some vintage wines and home-made delicacies.

Wine tasting in the dark

When you ascend Ptuj Castle, visit the wine cellar where you can toast in a giant barrel with a capacity of 40,000 litres. The most daring are invited to join tasting in the dark in a mysterious passage below the castle. Complete darkness helps us to not only taste wine but also feel it.

A hike among vineyards in Posavje

Take a walk on the many hiking trails in Posavje, which will take you around the wine region. You can admire natural and cultural beauty, and you can revitalise in a vineyard cottage or turnip caves along on the trail.

In honour of wine

Slovenian dedication to wine tradition is also reflected in numerous events around Slovenia, which are dedicated to wine. Learn more about the largest events you can experience in historic towns.

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Refosco Festival in Marezige

Although Refošk is the star, you can taste other Istrian wines at the multi-day event in Marezige. In addition to the tasting of fine wines, you can enjoy exquisite Istrian cuisine and a rich accompanying...

The Days of Poetry and Wine, Ptuj

Ptuj combined two “ingredients” that give the town special energy – poetry and wine. At the festival, you can listen to the best poets from around the world and taste the best wines from Slovenia.

Vinska vigred spring festival in Metlika

In the spring, the largest wine festival in Slovenia attracts domestic and foreign lovers of top wines from Bela krajina to Metlika. The town is permeated with the scent of Bela krajina delicacies, and...

Celebration of Saint Martin's Day in the Dolenjska region

In the idyllic environment of Grm Castle in Novo mesto you can celebrate the new harvest of young wine. At the largest St. Martin's Day celebration in Dolenjska, local wine growers present their wines,...

Discover wine-growing Slovenia

Slovenia is proud to have three wine regions, where grapes are grown that give Slovenian wines their refined flavours. The quality of numerous wines is among the best in the world. Learn about wine-growing in Slovenia your way.

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Cycling amid the vineyards

Cycle and treat your taste buds on wine routes and paths.

Wine holidays in Slovenia

In wine-growing Slovenia, there are plentiful opportunities to offer a toast with good wine in all seasons. Also visit our typical wine-related festivals.

Wines of Slovenia

Where to taste wines from Slovenia's three wine-growing regions?

Slovenia’s best wine stories and experiences

Slovenia invites you for a visit to enjoy excellent and unique wine experiences.

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There is truth in wine