Wine production has deep roots in Slovenia, stretching all the way back to Roman times. To date Slovenians have produced millions of litres of outstanding wine, and today the wine growing tradition is still etched into the consciousness of almost every seventh Slovenian. The eastern part of Slovenia in particular is covered in vineyards, and in the west the wine growing area stretches from the coastal belt deep into the hinterland of Mediterranean Slovenia. Slovenia has 9 wine districts and 3 wine regions. Each region has its own way of flavouring the wine. The flavour is influenced by the soil composition, climate and wine growing tradition.
From the western to the eastern hills, Slovenian vineyards are linked by a love of the vine, which can be seen in the quality of Slovenian wines. Some Slovenian wine producers have won the highest prizes and accolades.Late summer and early autumn are the nicest time for them, because it is then that they gather the fruits of their past work, and the harvest is therefore a happy time in the vineyards. You too can be a part of this unforgettable event!
Check out the most inspiring stories about Slovenian wine producers, viticulture and grape harvesting. Learn about the role of wine in Slovenian culture and tradition, how it’s produced and where you can taste it.
Since the earliest times, grape harvests have been established as social events. When the grapes are ripe enough and contain the proper quantity of sugar, the whole family shows up, along with those who come to help them pick the sweet grapes. The time of the harvest differs somewhat from region to region. In coastal Primorska it takes place from the end of August up to the end of September, while in the south and east (Posavje and Podravje wine regions) of the country the grapes ripen a little later.
The grape harvest usually begins at eight in the morning, when the master and mistress of the house greet the guests, and then the grape harvest shears are distributed. While they work, the grape pickers like to joke and hoot, to yell and sing, so that soon they call in a response from neighbouring vineyards. And an accordion player is on hand to make the vineyard work more agreeable. During the harvesting there are usually two substantial snacks provided, then later a dessert with roasted chestnuts and a party that can go late into the night.
The queen of grapevines has been growing in Maribor’s Lent for more than 450 years. The Old Vine is considered the oldest grapevine in the world and has its own special festival that is celebrated in the most joyous and busy part of the year for wine producers. The Old Vine Festival starts with a ceremonial harvest which attracts numerous visitors to Lent every October and is considered an important tourist and official event in Slovenia. The celebrations to honour the Old Vine on the occasion of the new wine vintage continue until the largest St Martin’s Day festival in Slovenia.
The regular tasks of wine producers, their families and friends have in some places grown into a real festival occasion that accompanies the picking of the sweet grapes. In addition to the largest and grandest harvesting of the Old Vine in Maribor’s Lent, there are also a number of harvests in other Slovenian wine-growing regions that are enriched with accompanying programmes.
Would you like to experience the joyful atmosphere of the harvest? Any additional hands are welcome for the grape picking, so the vineyard owners will be happy to invite you to join them. For the most comprehensive information on organised grape harvests, go to vineyard tourist farms. You can join some of the biggest grape harvests in Slovenia.
In addition to grape harvesting, you can also spend a pleasant break among vineyards and in wine cellars. Enjoy an active experience or some gastronomic indulgence. Learn about the rich wine and wine-producing tradition and don’t forget to raise a toast with a glass of one of the top Slovenian wines.
Autumn or the time of grape harvesting is the perfect season to ride a bike on the wine roads winding among the vineyards. The picturesque landscape and hospitable local people will turn your journey into an unforgettable experience and the kilometres of pedal-pushing will drift by like a blissful dream.
MoreAutumn or the time of grape harvesting is the perfect season to ride a bike on the wine roads winding among the vineyards. The picturesque landscape and hospitable local people will turn your journey into an unforgettable experience and the kilometres of pedal-pushing will drift by like a blissful dream.
MoreA stroll through the vineyards is an unforgettable experience, especially in autumn, when the grapes ripen and the foliage takes on warm shades of orange, yellow and red. Many hiking trails in wine-growing areas are also wine roads, where you can make a stop at wineries and combine hiking with the experience of tasting wine and local delicacies.
MoreWine has a special importance in Slovenia. It is home to the oldest grapevine in the world. Wine is related to various experiences, ranging from wine fountains to special wine tastings. Many Slovenian wines are produced in a biodynamic way, but a particular gem are the so-called orange wines.
MoreIn Maribor, the second largest Slovenian town, the oldest vine in the world has been growing for almost half a millennium. It survived times of Turkish attacks; Medieval fires; grape leaf louse infestations, which destroyed many vineyards in the past; and both world wars. Behind it you can find the Old Vine House, and other sites of the wine city are nearby as well.
MoreFollow the rich wine tradition of historic towns in the wine-producing regions. Discover special local wines and compelling wine stories.
MoreThere is no shortage of high-quality wine in Slovenia. Check out what’s on offer at the biggest Slovenian wine cellars and join the festivals of wine. And you can complement that with a taste of some delicious Slovenian cuisine in between exploring the idyllic setting of the Slovenian landscape.
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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.
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