1832
Establishment of the first viticulture school in the area of Slovenian Styria.
Discover Maribor – the best wine capital of Europe 2026
The global platform European Best Destinations has ranked Maribor first as the best wine capital of Europe 2026.
Top 5 reasons why Maribor is the best wine destination in Europe
In Maribor, wine co-creates the rhythm of the city, its identity, and stories. Here, the wine-growing hills of Slovenian Styria intertwine with a vibrant urban pulse, creating a unique wine destination where authenticity, character, and unforgettable experiences happen quite naturally.
Are you ready to discover why Maribor has earned its place at the very top?
1. Home of the oldest vine in the world – 450 years, noble and still fruitful
Listed in the Guinness World Records, the oldest noble grapevine in the world still bears fruit. It symbolizes the persistence of the Maribor wine-making tradition and the vibrant, proud spirit of the city.
2. Vinag – one of the largest historical wine cellars in Europe
Beneath the old town center lies Vinag, a stunning 2.1-kilometer-long labyrinth and one of the largest traditional wine cellars in Europe.
3. Guardians of the vine: Maribor wine queens
Every two years, Maribor crowns a new wine queen, who proudly represents the mastery of local winemakers, the wine heritage of the city, and the unique story of the Oldest Vine in the World.
4. Among the best 4% of wine regions in the world
The steep, hand-cultivated vineyards of Styria in Slovenia and the significant temperature fluctuations between day and night – up to 15 °C – give the wines exceptional freshness and distinct character. The indigenous varieties Ranina and Ranfol also hold a special place, enriching the wine heritage of Styria.
5. From Roman Roots to Modern Mastery
Winemaking in Styria dates back to the Celts and Romans. Today, this tradition is continued by boutique family cellars that experiment with clay amphorae, concrete eggs, and sustainable viticulture, creating wines that respect the past while maturing for the future.
The wine story of Maribor through time
1852
In the Radgona–Kapela area, the first Slovenian sparkling wine was produced using the traditional méthode champenoise.
1859
In the Radgonskih goricah, the world's first ice wine was produced.
1917
In the Ptuj wine cellar, the oldest preserved Slovenian wine is stored.
1985
The first Martin celebration took place in Maribor, which today is considered one of the most important wine traditions of the city.
2004
The oldest grapevine in the world in Maribor has been officially registered in the Guinness World Records.
Klopotec – guardian of the vineyards
Klopotec, a traditional wooden wind instrument characteristic of the Styrian vineyards, is one of the most recognizable cultural symbols of the region. More than just a functional tool for protecting grapes, it represents the heritage of local viticulture and remains an indispensable part of the grape harvest celebrations and wine tourism experiences.
This centuries-old tradition is still alive today, as its characteristic rhythmic sound echoes through the vineyards every autumn.
Velvet dinner - a celebration of culinary excellence under the stars
The Velvet Dinner is the central culinary event in Maribor, showcasing the city as a leading gastronomic and wine destination. More than 150 guests gather around a long table under the starry sky, where connection, nature, and the joy of togetherness intertwine with a refined menu and carefully selected, award-winning Styrian wines.
A small town with an exceptional wine offer
Maribor is an excellent choice for all wine lovers – from curious explorers to experienced connoisseurs. The city offers intimate wine cellars, thoughtfully designed tasting rooms, and authentic local wine shops that uniquely bring to life the rich wine tradition of the region.
Experience wine like the locals
If you dream of waking up among the vineyards, enjoying homemade breakfasts, or relaxing in the tranquil embrace of nature, you will find your perfect nook at one of the many tourist farms and vineyard estates scattered across the hills of Styria.
Top accommodations among vineyards
If you dream of awakening among rolling vineyards, enjoying homemade breakfasts, or relaxing in the peaceful embrace of nature, you will find your perfect corner in one of the many tourist farms and vineyard estates scattered across the hills of Styria.
Wine-growing region of Styria, Slovenia
The wine-growing region of Styria, Slovenia, is marked by extraordinary contrasts – from the ampelographic vineyard in Meranovo to the rich wine archive of the Ptuj Wine Cellar in Ptuj, a city with an exceptional cultural heritage that was declared the best city of cultural heritage in Europe in 2026.
The character of the region is further shaped by the renowned sparkling wines of Radgonske gorice and the klopotci that resonate across the sunny wine-growing slopes, expressing the region's deeply rooted love for wine.
