Maribor, city with a thirst

FOTO: Lucia Reinsperger

A river runs through Maribor, Drava and it’s filled with wine. Maribor being the second largest city of Slovenia it has many mouths to fill with the rich and traditional history of winemaking. The home of the oldest grapevine, over 400 years old, it’s even noted in the Guinness World Records! Right on the doorstep of a great wine cellar you can’t leave Maribor without enjoying some samples of the large white wine collection.

FOTO: Patrick Senekovič

Every time I looked towards the hills surrounding the city of Maribor I could see the grapevines all over them. The grapevines towering over the city and reminding me that I was thirsty. Besides it being a reasonable 30 degrees Celsius I couldn’t help it but to drink. When the hills are so fruitful the wine almost drips down into the city and the river has a good nose, as wine enthusiasts say.

FOTO: Lucia Reinsperger

You know people take their drinks seriously when they name a queen to present and promote the wine! A fair maiden not beyond the age of 26 with a healthy knowledge of the region products is named each year just to be the poster girl. Combine this with a throne and a court of knights and imagine how into wine these people are!

During the whole year there are different events where you can sample and enjoy that what might be Slovenia’s best kept secret. In september Maribor hosts the yearly Old Vine Festival where songs and glasses go hand in hand with dancing and drinking. If you don’t care much for wine but love a good festival then visit the famous international multicultural LENT Festival where tradition meets the modern with live music, great food and welcoming people. It takes place along the banks of the river and in the local parks. A great way to get to know Slovenia and the Štajerska region.

But if you want to travel anywhere outside of Maribor let the wine roads take you there… And for all you young travelers: Maribor is the European Youth Capital 2013 so don’t miss it!