From Maribor to the world: where do descendants of the world’s oldest grapevine grow?

Najstarejša trta na svetu (the world’s oldest grapevine) has been growing in Maribor’s Lent district for more than 400 years. Yet its remarkable story does not end at the façade of the house on Vojašniška ulica. Its descendants now grow in many places across Slovenia and abroad. By giving cuttings as gifts, Maribor preserves its winegrowing heritage while sharing it with other places.

The presentation of cuttings is linked to the ceremonial pruning of Najstarejša trta (the world’s oldest grapevine), one of the city’s major traditional events. The City Municipality of Maribor presents cuttings to selected cities, municipalities, institutions and organisations. The gift is primarily symbolic. It represents friendship, cooperation and respect for winegrowing traditions. By planting a descendant, recipients become part of a story that began on the banks of the Drava more than four centuries ago.

Descendants of Maribor’s Žametovka vine have found homes in various European countries and beyond Europe. Places associated with recipients of cuttings include Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, Graz and Melbourne. Each planting creates a new connection between Maribor and the place that has welcomed a descendant of this famous vine.

Recipients of cuttings in 2025 included the Municipality of Puconci, the Municipality of Nova Gorica, the European Order of Knights of Wine in Luxembourg, representatives of winegrowing associations and organisations, and the Srce Međimurja Tourist Board. The list grows as new cuttings are presented, making it an interesting record of the city’s international connections over time.

Najstarejša trta (the world’s oldest grapevine) is more than a historic landmark. Its descendants show that cultural and natural heritage can also be preserved through new plantings.

Next time you visit the vine in Lent, remember that its story now lives on in vineyards far beyond Maribor.