The best Wine tastings around Maribor

On this tour we are going visit the world's oldest grapevine and three local winemakers around Maribor area.

Maribor is the capital of the Štajerska region and the second largest city in Slovenia, after the capital Ljubljana, but it’s a pleasantly small and somewhat intimate place. Sitting on the banks of the River Drava, it’s flanked by the mighty mountain, Pohorje, on one side, while gentle rolling hills lined with vineyards surround the other.

Because of the climate, noble aromatic white wines predominate in this region, along with some sparkling wines, made the same way as Champagne. Rizlings (Rieslings) are most popular here, notably Laški Rizling, although wine connoisseurs rave about Maribor’s Renski Rizlings.

Other notable wines grown in this region are Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zeleni Silvanec, Traminec, Rumeni Muškat, and Sivi Pinot.

Stara Trta: The Old Vine House

Perhaps Maribor’s biggest claim to fame is Stara Trta, the world’s oldest grapevine (as verified by the Guinness Book of Records in 2004). Located on the banks of the Drava in Maribor’s medieval core, the old vine grows on the façade of a 16th century house, appearing on paintings dating back to 1657 and 1681. Although nobody knows the exact age of the vine, it’s acknowledged to be at least 400 years old.

Wine House Joannes Protner

Located northeast of Maribor in the region of Malečnik, Joannes Protner has 12 hectares of vineyards spread over the Šempeter hills near Maribor.

The majority of the vineyard is dedicated to their famous Renski Rizling, but they produce a full range of white wines from light, fresh Pinot Blanc and Šipon – Furmint from the vineyard’s newest vines, to full-bodied Chardonnay and aromatic, sweet Rumeni Muškat. They also produce a single red, a delicious Pinot Noir, as well as a sparkling wine.

Vineyards & Winery Horvat

Situated three kilometres from the centre of Maribor, Vinogradi Horvat is a family-run vineyard beneath the Piramida hills. While the family tradition of winemaking runs for many generations, they’ve occupied their current ten-hectare vineyard since 1960. Today it’s run by Sabina Horvat, chief winemaker, and her husband, Damijan. Together they produce Chardonnay, Renski Rizling, Sauvignon, Traminec, Rumeni Muškat, and Pinot Gris.

Winery Chateau Ramšak

Close to Vinogradi Horvat, Chateau Ramšak is the newest vineyard in this story, although its family history dates back much further. The grandfather began their wine story, planting vines in his spare time around his main job as the local GP, before the land was taken from the family during the Yugoslavia years. Eventually the land was returned to the family, and new vines were planted in 1998. Today the vineyard produces a range of white wines, including Zeleni Silvanec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Laški Rizling, and it’s open to the public for tastings and events.