The festival traditionally takes place in the autumn, during the grape harvest, usually in September. In 2026, it was held from September 24 to 27. Exact dates and the program will be announced prior to each festival edition.
Oldest Vine Festival
Wine, culinary arts, and more than 450 years of wine heritage
Maribor comes alive every autumn with the Oldest Vine Festival, a unique celebration of wine, cuisine, and cultural heritage. The festival is dedicated to the more than 450-year-old vine that grows in Maribor's Lent and is recorded in the Guinness World Records as the oldest vine in the world.
The multi-day festival connects Styrian winemakers, local providers, top culinary masters, and wine and culinary enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy wine and culinary evenings, tastings, a market of Slovenian delicacies, and various experiences that showcase the rich viticultural tradition of Maribor and its surroundings.
The highlight of the festival is the ceremonial harvest of the Oldest Vine, when locals and visitors gather at Lent to honor one of the city's most important symbols.
What characterizes the Oldest Vine Festival?
The ceremonial grape harvest of the oldest vine: The central event of the festival takes place at the Oldest Vine in Lent, where the grapes of the more than 450-year-old Guinness record holder are ceremoniously harvested. The harvest is accompanied by a cultural program that preserves the centuries-old viticultural tradition of the city.
Wine experiences and tastings: Styrian winemakers present their wines, wine stories, and production traditions. Special events in the city's wine bars and wine cellars bring visitors closer to the diversity of local wine offerings.
High-end cuisine: Wine and culinary evenings combine selected local wines with dishes from renowned chefs. Visitors can explore modern interpretations of Styrian flavors and enjoy unique gastronomic experiences.
Market of Slovenian delicacies: Local producers, providers of homemade goods, and artisans present their offerings at the stalls. Visitors can expect fresh produce, traditional dishes, homemade products, and unique handcrafted creations.
Cultural heritage and experiences of the city: The festival program is complemented by cultural events, thematic experiences, and activities that invite visitors to discover Maribor, its wine stories, and rich heritage.
Frequently asked questions
The festival takes place at various venues in Maribor and its surroundings. The main venue is Lent, where the traditional ceremonial grape harvest occurs at the Old Vine.
The main feature of the festival is the ceremonial grape harvest of the Oldest Vine in the World. The vine, over 450 years old, is a Guinness World Record holder and an important symbol of Maribor's wine heritage. In 2026, the 40th ceremonial grape harvest took place.
The festival program, including the central ceremonial grape harvest, is free. Individual wine and culinary experiences, tastings, and special events may be chargeable or require prior reservation.
Visitors can explore local wines, taste Styrian culinary delights, visit the market of local products, and participate in cultural and other accompanying events. The highlight of the event is the ceremonial grape harvest of the Oldest Vine on the banks of the Drava River in Maribor.