Its story is celebrated throughout the year with a number of events and festivals – from the spring pruning to the autumn harvest – each paying tribute to its longevity and rich heritage.
Events at the Oldest Grapevine
Almost half a millennium old, this beauty lives in the rhythm of the seasons.
Pruning the vine and giving to the world
Pruning the vine and giving to the world
The pruning of the oldest grapevine is more than just a vinicultural task, it is a symbol of the careful preservation of tradition and a promise of another fruitful harvest. Each precise cut determines growth and yield, and the cuttings give birth to new offspring that Maribor gifts to places all over the world. The festivities are accompanied by music, a lively fair and a joyous atmosphere.
Wine evenings
A pleasant summer breeze and star-studded skies make for unforgettable evenings at the Oldest Grapevine. In an intimate atmosphere, the winemakers will personally guide you through the wines that reflect the region’s character with their winegrowing stories. With exquisite flavors and selected dishes, these evenings become an experience that will be remembered as the perfect harmony of summer, wine and conviviality.
Oldest Grapevine Festival
This multi-day festival is a prelude to the harvest of the oldest vine. The days leading up to the harvest are filled with wine and food evenings, a fair selling local products, concerts and folklore performances. With numerous events taking place in and around the city, late September is a great time to visit Maribor.
Ceremonial harvest
Ceremonial harvest
The harvest of the oldest grapevine is a special event, when the city’s vinedresser and honorary winegrowers, together with Maribor’s Wine Queen, ceremoniously pick the grapes. The wine from the grapes (35–55 kg per year) is put in in 2.5 dcl bottles designed by the renowned artist Oskar Kogoj. Only 100 are filled each year.
St. Martin’s Day
The whole city comes alive with St. Martin’s festivities, including the Oldest Grapevine, one of the venues for unique gastronomic experiences celebrating St. Martin’s Day. St. Martin’s Day in Maribor is not only a spectacular party, but also a celebration of fine wine and cuisine that goes beyond the usual St. Martin’s Day festivities.
Maribor’s Wine Queen is a proud ambassador of the Oldest Grapevine
Maribor’s Wine Queen is a proud ambassador of the Oldest Grapevine
Maribor’s Wine Queen is a proud ambassador of the world’s oldest grapevine and the winemakers of the Maribor wine-growing district. As the guardian of the rich tradition and culture of Styrian viticulture and winemaking, she plays an important role in wine promotion and tourism.
The ceremonial harvest of the oldest vine is accompanied by the crowning of the Wine Queen, who holds the honorable title for two years.
The title is currently held by Natalija Ploj (2025–2027).
Events
A drop of history, a sip of inspiration.
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How to get to the Oldest Grapevine?
The oldest grapevine has been growing for more than 450 years in the old part of Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor. It is located on the bank of the River Drava, on the picturesque Lent, which is bustling with cafes, restaurants, markets and cultural institutions. This popular promenade is also the venue for many events and festivals.
The Oldest Grapevine can be found at Vojašniška Ulica 8, just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s central square. It can be reached on foot, by bike or by car, and parking is also available nearby.
BY CAR
There are several parking garages within a 5–10 minute walk, the closest being Garažna hiša Lent, and public car parks such as Parking Lent. The traffic warden service issues fines for parking violations.
There are several parking garages within a 5–10 minute walk, the closest being Garažna hiša Lent, and public car parks such as Parking Lent. The traffic warden service issues fines for parking violations.
BY BUS
The city’s public transport system is well developed and the city center is connected with the line G5. Get off at Glavni Trg – Rotovž or Strossmayerjeva – Tržnica. You can buy a ticket on the bus or at ticket sales points.
Buy ticket
The city’s public transport system is well developed and the city center is connected with the line G5. Get off at Glavni Trg – Rotovž or Strossmayerjeva – Tržnica. You can buy a ticket on the bus or at ticket sales points.
Buy ticket
BY BIKE
There are two Mbajk city bike stations close to the Oldest Grapevine: SODNI STOLP, Pristan 6 and VODNI STOLP, Usnjarska Ulica 5. Easy registration and conveniently located stations around the city.
Easy registration
Map of MBAJK stations
There are two Mbajk city bike stations close to the Oldest Grapevine: SODNI STOLP, Pristan 6 and VODNI STOLP, Usnjarska Ulica 5. Easy registration and conveniently located stations around the city.
Easy registration
Map of MBAJK stations
BY MAISTER
In the old town you can hop on the eco-friendly electric vehicle Maister. You can flag it down on the street or order a ride within the city center. The ride is free and will take you all the way to the front door of the Oldest Grapevine..
Contact: +386 30 700 035
In the old town you can hop on the eco-friendly electric vehicle Maister. You can flag it down on the street or order a ride within the city center. The ride is free and will take you all the way to the front door of the Oldest Grapevine..
Contact: +386 30 700 035
WITH AN RV
There are several car parks for RVs, both in the center of Maribor and on the outskirts. The bus and train stations, which offer RV parking and services, are only a 20-minute walk from the Oldest Grapevine and are well served by public transport.
Parking Map
There are several car parks for RVs, both in the center of Maribor and on the outskirts. The bus and train stations, which offer RV parking and services, are only a 20-minute walk from the Oldest Grapevine and are well served by public transport.
Parking Map
Opening hours (valid until 30. 9. 2026)
Monday-Saturday: 10.00-20.00
Sunday and holidays: 10.00-16.00
Location
Vojašniška ulica 8
2000 Maribor
