A 250-year-old cellar just a few kilometres from Maribor

Mariborska vinska turistična cesta (Maribor wine tourist route) begins in Lent and continues through the surrounding hills and wine-growing areas. Malečnik is one option if you would like to extend your city visit into the vineyards.

Choose a specific host when planning your visit. This gives you a clear destination and an agreed meeting time, rather than simply driving around the area.

Hiša Joannes Protner is a family estate with 13 hectares of vineyards and a wine cellar around 250 years old. Rhine Riesling is a particular focus.

A cellar visit brings together two eras: the historic space and the winemaker’s work today. Ask how the cellar is used now and which wine they would recommend as an introduction to the estate.

The figure of 13 hectares is more than a measure of size. It is a starting point for a conversation about different vineyard sites, grape varieties and the work involved in running the estate.

The wine labels feature a motif of John of Nepomuk. The estate links it to the statue on Šempetrska gorca above Malečnik and to Karlov most (Charles Bridge) in Prague.

It is a small detail with a compelling story to tell. A bottle you might otherwise notice mainly for its wine also reveals a connection between the local area and Europe’s wider heritage.

Take a look at the label during your tasting. Ask why the motif was chosen and how it relates to the estate’s name.

Combine your visit with a walk or lunch nearby. If you would like to make several stops, check the distances and allow enough time for each tasting.

Arrange transport for your tasting so that you do not need to drive. That way, your outing can stay relaxed even after the last glass.