Meet Maribor’s wine queens, ambassadors of the world’s oldest grapevine and Styrian wines.

Maribor’s wine queens connect a rich winegrowing tradition with contemporary wine culture. Every two years, a new ambassador represents Najstarejša trta (the world’s oldest grapevine), Maribor’s winemakers and Styrian wines. Meet the women whose knowledge, dedication and stories have helped establish Maribor as a wine destination.

A crown that represents much more than tradition

Maribor is a city with centuries of wine history, embodied by Najstarejša trta na svetu (the world’s oldest grapevine). Maribor’s wine queens also play an important role in sharing this heritage. Every two years, a new ambassador of wine culture is chosen to represent Najstarejša trta (the world’s oldest grapevine), Styrian winemakers and the region’s rich winegrowing heritage. Her role goes beyond attending ceremonies: she also brings together winemakers, visitors and new generations of wine lovers.

Ana Protner

11th Maribor wine queen (2018–2020)

Ana Protner comes from a winegrowing family behind the Hiša Joannes Protner brand. Her family is particularly well known for its Rieslings, which also hold a special place in Ana’s own wine story. As her queen’s wine, she chose a Riesling from Maribor’s Piramida (Piramida Hill). She also presented it at an international wine fair in Hong Kong. Through her work, Ana brought together local wine traditions, contemporary cuisine and the international promotion of Styrian wines.

Maribor Pohorje Mariborska Vinska Kraljica 2018 Ana Protner Luka Svigelj Sviglo Production 15

Neža Jarc

12th Maribor wine queen (2020–2022)

Neža Jarc comes from a winegrowing family in Svečina, where several generations have been growing grapes and making wine. On taking up the title, she highlighted the importance of raising the profile of Styrian wines and fostering respect for wine culture. As her queen’s wine, she chose Sauvignon Blanc, one of the characteristic varieties grown in her family’s vineyards.

Mariborska Vinska Kraljica 2020 Neza Jarc Maribor Pohorje Slovenija Slovenia Sviglo Production 22

Maruša Mukenauer

13th Maribor wine queen (2023–2025)

Maruša Mukenauer comes from Svečina, where her family’s winegrowing tradition dates back to 1903. On taking up the title, she emphasised the importance of combining tradition with fresh approaches from the younger generation of winegrowers. As her queen’s wine, she chose Welschriesling, a characteristic variety of the Styrian winegrowing district.

Festival Stare Trte 2023 Koronanje Mariborske Vinske Kraljice Visit Maribor Klemen Golob

Natalija Ploj

14th Maribor wine queen (2025–2027)

Natalija Ploj comes from the Ploj winemaking family in Apače. During her 2025–2027 term, she represents Najstarejša trta na svetu (the world’s oldest grapevine), the Maribor winegrowing subdistrict and Styrian winemakers. Her aims include sharing wine culture with young people and encouraging culinary events that bring local winegrowers and visitors together.

Wine Queen Natalija Ploj Visit Maribor Tibor Golob 4

A tradition that continues

Every Maribor wine queen brings her own experience, knowledge and perspective on wine culture to the role. Together, they form an important part of Maribor’s story as the home of Najstarejša trta na svetu (the world’s oldest grapevine). Their stories show how winegrowing heritage is preserved and developed through new generations.

Frequently asked questions

For the 2025–2027 term, the title is held by Natalija Ploj of the Ploj winemaking family from Apače.
Usually every two years, as part of Festival Najstarejše trte (World’s Oldest Grapevine Festival).
She represents Najstarejša trta (the world’s oldest grapevine), Styrian wines, local winemakers and Maribor’s winegrowing tradition.