🍇 Introduction: Where Wine, History, and Harmony Meet
In Slovenia’s northeast, nestled along the Drava River, lie two of the country’s most enchanting towns — Maribor and Ptuj.
They are more than destinations; they are living stories of wine, heritage, and slow living.
Here, the pace is gentle, the wine flows easily, and every cobbled street whispers tales of medieval merchants, vineyard workers, and kings. Whether you’re sipping a glass of local Šipon or admiring castle views, this corner of Slovenia feels like a quiet toast to the good life.
🍷 The World’s Oldest Grapevine: A Living Legend in Maribor
Maribor holds a Guinness World Record: it’s home to the Old Vine (Stara trta), the oldest grapevine in the world, estimated to be over 450 years old.
It still produces grapes every autumn, which are harvested and turned into a small number of exclusive bottles — reserved for global dignitaries. The Old Vine House Museum celebrates this symbol of endurance with tastings, exhibits, and a terrace overlooking the Drava River.
Pro Tip: Visit in September during the Old Vine Festival, when the city fills with wine, music, and open-air markets celebrating harvest season.
🍾 Maribor’s Wine Cellars: Beneath the City Streets
Below Maribor’s surface lies a hidden world — Vinag Wine Cellar, one of Europe’s oldest and largest. Its 20,000 square meters of tunnels hold thousands of wooden barrels and bottles maturing quietly underground.
Visitors can take guided tours through candlelit corridors, ending with a tasting of the region’s best whites and reds. Expect crisp Renski Riesling, fruity Laški Riesling, and aromatic Traminec — wines that perfectly reflect the local terroir.
Traveler Tip: Dress warmly — the cellar stays a cool 12°C year-round.
🏰 Ptuj: Slovenia’s Oldest Town and Cultural Treasure
Just 30 minutes from Maribor lies Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest recorded town.
With its medieval castle, cobblestone alleys, and terracotta rooftops, Ptuj feels like stepping back in time.
Top Sights in Ptuj:
- Ptuj Castle (Ptujski grad): Overlooking the town and Drava River, the castle holds one of Slovenia’s richest museum collections, including historic instruments, tapestries, and armor.
- Ptuj Old Town: Wander through narrow lanes lined with pastel-colored houses, wine bars, and artisan shops.
- Ptuj Thermal Spa: Perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing — natural hot springs known for their healing properties.
Fun Fact: Ptuj’s history stretches back over 2,000 years to Roman times, when it was known as Poetovio — a key military and trade hub of the empire.
🎭 The Kurent: Ptuj’s Mythical Protector of Spring
Every February, Ptuj transforms into a festival of masks, bells, and ancient energy.
The Kurentovanje Festival — one of Europe’s oldest pagan spring celebrations — brings to life the mysterious kurent: a fur-clad, horned figure wearing cowbells and feathers.
These mythical characters, unique to Ptuj, parade through the streets to chase away winter and welcome spring. The event is now recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Traveler Tip: Book accommodation early — the Kurentovanje Festival attracts visitors from around the world and fills Ptuj’s hotels months in advance.
🧀 Wine, Food, and Local Flavor
Slovenia’s wine country is also a paradise for food lovers.
Expect rustic, comforting dishes that pair perfectly with local wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Bograč: A rich goulash from nearby Prekmurje, made with three types of meat.
- Žganci: Buckwheat spoonbread served with sauerkraut or sausages.
- Prekmurska gibanica: A multi-layered cake with poppy seeds, apples, and cottage cheese — a true Slovenian classic.
Wine Recommendation:
Pair your meal with a glass of Šipon (known as Furmint) — a crisp white wine that thrives in the Drava Valley’s mineral-rich soil.
🚴 Activities and Experiences in the Drava Valley
This region isn’t only for sipping wine — it’s for exploring.
Top Activities:
- Cycling the Drava River Trail: Ride between Maribor and Ptuj through vineyards and sunflower fields.
- Wine Tasting in Jeruzalem: A nearby sub-region famous for terraced vineyards and panoramic views.
- Maribor Pohorje: Take a cable car to the mountain for hiking in summer or skiing in winter.
Pro Tip: Visit local wine cellars in Svečina or Kungota — they’re less touristy and often host small, private tastings with the winemakers themselves.
🏨 Where to Stay
Luxury:
- Hotel City Maribor: Elegant riverside hotel with rooftop terrace dining.
- Grand Hotel Primus (Ptuj): Combines Roman-style spa treatments with modern comfort.
Mid-Range:
- Hotel Maribor – Garden Rooms: Stylish rooms set in a historic townhouse.
- Guesthouse Šilak Ptuj: Family-run charm with views of the castle.
Budget:
- Anna House Maribor: Friendly guesthouse near the river.
- Youth Hostel Kurent Ptuj: Ideal for festivalgoers and backpackers.
🍂 When to Visit
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Vineyards in bloom, peaceful towns |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Open-air festivals, warm evenings |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Grape harvest season — ideal for wine lovers |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Kurentovanje Festival and cozy cellar tastings |
❤️ Conclusion: Slovenia’s Soul in a Glass
Maribor and Ptuj embody the heart of Slovenia — warm, genuine, and filled with stories.
Here, wine isn’t just a drink — it’s a conversation with history.
Every sip connects you to the land, the people, and the centuries-old vines that have witnessed it all.
So raise your glass and toast to life, love, and the quiet beauty of Slovenia’s wine country. 🍷
Leave a Reply