Information
Landmark: Vinag Wine CellarCity: Maribor
Country: Slovenia
Continent: Europe
Vinag Wine Cellar, Maribor, Slovenia, Europe
Overview
In Maribor, the Vinag Wine Cellar (Slovene: Vinagova klet) ranks among Europe’s largest and oldest, its cool stone halls offering a rare look into Slovenia’s centuries-old winemaking tradition.Beneath the heart of the city stretches a vast underground maze, where the air smells faintly of oak barrels-a perfect stop for wine lovers and history buffs alike.Tucked beneath Trg svobode 3 in Maribor, Slovenia, the Vinag Wine Cellar-founded in 1847-has long been a cornerstone of the Styrian wine industry, its cool, dim tunnels stretching over two kilometers and holding more than three million liters of wine.Once run by the Vinag company, it helped shape Maribor’s identity as a hub for fine vintages.After slipping into decline in the 20th century, the cellar has been brought back to life, now drawing visitors for tastings among century-old oak barrels and antique winemaking tools.A steady 10–12°C and high humidity keep the wines aging perfectly, while its vinothèque safeguards rare bottles, some dating to the 1800s.At the Vinag Wine Cellar in the heart of Maribor, you can sip your way through regional specialties like crisp Šipon, fragrant Renski rizling, and smooth Laški rizling, often paired with wedges of local cheese and fresh bread, then follow an expert guide into the cool underground maze to hear stories of the cellar’s history, the journey from grape to bottle, and the legendary vintages resting in the dark; the venue also hosts lively wine events, cultural performances, and private celebrations, all just steps from landmarks like Slomšek Square and Maribor Castle, with tours by appointment starting from 10–20 EUR, a jacket recommended, and nearby sights such as the Old Vine House and Drava River Promenade waiting to round out your visit.Whether you’ve spent years swirling fine vintages or you’re just curious about Slovenia’s deep-rooted wine traditions, stepping into this cool, dimly lit underground gem is as fascinating as it is fun.
