Information
Landmark: Old Vine HouseCity: Maribor
Country: Slovenia
Continent: Europe
Old Vine House, Maribor, Slovenia, Europe
Overview
In Maribor, Slovenia, the Old Vine House (Slovene: Hiša Stare trte) stands as one of the city’s most treasured landmarks, its weathered walls steeped in centuries of history.In Maribor’s historic Lent district, right beside the slow-moving Drava River, stands a charming old 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 Old Vine House into a destination of global significance, where deep purple grapes still cling to its centuries-old branches.In Maribor’s Lent district, the Old 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 old, the vine still pushes out clusters of grapes, enough to make just a few bottles of wine each year.They bottle this wine in small, 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 Old Vine is a Žametovka-one of Slovenia’s oldest native grape varieties-yielding about 25 liters a year, just enough for a few small 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 slow creep of city streets right to its roots.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.Even as Maribor modernized, it’s been tended with care and still stands as a proud emblem of the city.The Old Vine House, once a humble riverside home, now welcomes visitors as a museum and cultural center celebrating Slovenia’s deep winemaking heritage.At the museum, you can explore hands-on exhibits on Štajerska’s winemaking history, hear the centuries-old story of the Old Vine and its deep ties to Maribor, and discover Slovenia’s diverse wine regions, grape varieties, and techniques-then step into the Old Vine House to taste a crisp local vintage right where it was made.At the Old 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.Throughout the year, the place comes alive with celebrations-the Old Vine Festival each autumn fills the air with music, performances, and the scent of new wine, while other events bring exhibitions, workshops, and gatherings steeped in winemaking traditions.Housed in a historic building with a weathered stone facade, it sits gracefully in the picturesque Lent district.Outside, wooden shutters frame the windows, and the famous Old Vine winds along the walls in knotted, dark-brown twists.Step inside to find a careful mix of old-world charm and sleek, modern touches that make the space feel warm and welcoming.More than a stop for travelers, the Old Vine House stands as a proud cultural emblem of Maribor and its surrounding region.The Old Vine House in Maribor’s Lent district stands as living proof of Slovenia’s centuries-old winemaking tradition, a point of pride that brings the community together and draws wine lovers and history buffs from around the world.You’ll find it on Vojašniška Street, an easy walk 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.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 place lets you taste Maribor’s deep-rooted history and Slovenia’s long, proud winemaking tradition.
