Information
Landmark: Old Vine HouseCity: Maribor
Country: Slovenia
Continent: Europe
Old Vine House, Maribor, Slovenia, Europe
Overview
In Maribor, Slovenia, the ancient Vine House (Slovene: Hiša Stare trte) stands as one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, its weathered walls steeped in centuries of history, at the same time in Maribor’s historic Lent District, right beside the leisurely-moving Drava River, stands a charming classical building that shelters the world’s oldest grapevine still bearing fruit.The Žametovka, also called Modra Kavčina, holds a Guinness World Record, and that honor turns the classical Vine House into a destination of global significance, where deep purple grapes still cling to its centuries-timeworn branches, after that in Maribor’s Lent district, the ancient Vine House-known locally as Hiša Stare trte-welcomes visitors into a museum, wine-tasting room, and lively cultural spot, all built around its pride and joy: the Žametovka grapevine, planted more than four centuries ago and still heavy each autumn with clusters of deep purple fruit.Though it’s ancient, the vine still pushes out clusters of grapes, enough to make just a few bottles of wine each year, in turn they bottle this wine in tiny, ornate flasks, often for ceremonies, then present it as a gift to prominent figures and dignitaries.Planted in the late 16th or early 17th century, the vintage Vine is a Žametovka-one of Slovenia’s oldest native grape varieties-yielding about 25 liters a year, just enough for a few miniature bottles made purely for tradition; it holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest productive grapevine and has weathered wars, floods, and the deliberate creep of city streets right to its roots, furthermore its resilience stands as a living emblem of Štajerska’s deep-rooted winemaking tradition, like the scent of ripe grapes drifting through its sunlit vineyards.Back in the late Middle Ages, when the Lent district buzzed with merchants and the creak of ships along the Drava River, the vine first took root, alternatively even as Maribor modernized, it’s been tended with care and still stands as a proud emblem of the city.The ancient Vine House, once a humble riverside home, now welcomes visitors as a museum and cultural center celebrating Slovenia’s deep winemaking heritage, besides at the museum, you can explore hands-on exhibits on Štajerska’s winemaking history, hear the centuries-aged story of the historic Vine and its deep ties to Maribor, and discover Slovenia’s diverse wine regions, grape varieties, and techniques-then step into the classical Vine House to taste a crisp local vintage right where it was made.At the historic Vine House, you can taste wines from the Maribor and Štajerska regions, paired with local treats like sharp cheeses, smoky cured meats, and fresh bread, along with throughout the year, the destination comes alive with celebrations-the antique Vine Festival each autumn fills the air with music, performances, and the scent of innovative wine, while other events bring exhibitions, workshops, and gatherings steeped in winemaking traditions.As it happens, Housed in a historic building with a weathered stone facade, it sits gracefully in the picturesque Lent district, consequently outside, wooden shutters frame the windows, and the famous aged Vine winds along the walls in knotted, dusky-brown twists.It seems, Step inside to find a careful mix of vintage-world charm and sleek, modern touches that make the space feel warm and welcoming, furthermore more than a stop for travelers, the historic Vine House stands as a proud cultural emblem of Maribor and its surrounding region.The antique Vine House in Maribor’s Lent district stands as living proof of Slovenia’s centuries-heritage winemaking tradition, a point of pride that brings the community together and draws wine lovers and history buffs from around the world, not only that you’ll find it on Vojašniška Street, an easy trek from other major sights, and while museum entry is usually free, guided tours and tastings may cost a bit.Open daily with hours shifting by season, it sits among cobbled streets, medieval towers, and riverside cafés, consequently nearby, you can climb the Judgement Tower for a view into the city’s past, sip wine in the Water Tower by the river, or stroll along the Drava, where the water glints in the afternoon sun.Whether you’re swirling a glass like a sommelier or just wandering through on holiday, this venue lets you taste Maribor’s deep-rooted history and Slovenia’s long, proud winemaking tradition.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-08-29