Fan of the grape? Here’s our complete Slovenia wine guide for the perfect tasting trip

The sun shines on a vineyard — Slovenia’s wine region stretches back over two millennia | **Mny-Jhee / Shutterstock**

Slovenia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of world-class wine, but it should be. This tiny country, tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, has been making wine for over 2,400 years—long before the French and Italians turned it into an art form.

And while Slovenia has three major wine regions, it's the northeast that holds one of Europe’s best-kept secrets: the rolling hills of Styria, or Štajerska, anchored by the charming city of Maribor.

Maribor: Where Wine and History Meet

The Žametovka grapevine, over 400 years old, stretches across several houses | **MilanTomazin / Shutterstock**

Maribor is home to something extraordinary—the world’s oldest vine. The Žametovka grapevine, planted over 400 years ago, still grows in the city’s historic Lent district, and it even produces grapes used for a limited-edition wine (though unless you’re a president or royalty, you won’t be getting a bottle).

You can see this ancient marvel at the Old Vine House, which doubles as a small but fascinating museum on Slovenia’s winemaking history. The real draw here, though, is the tasting room, where you can sample wines from across the region while staring out at the Drava River.

Just a few blocks away, hidden beneath the streets, is Vinag Wine Cellar—one of the largest and oldest traditional wine cellars in Europe. This labyrinthine network of tunnels stretches for over two kilometers and holds millions of litres of aging wine. A guided tour will take you through musty corridors lined with oak barrels before culminating in a tasting of the house specialties, usually crisp white varietals that thrive in the cool Alpine climate.

Hitting the Maribor Wine Road

There are vineyards almost everywhere along the wine road(s) | **Gunter Nuyts / Shutterstock**

Beyond the city, the real adventure begins. The Maribor Wine Road isn’t a single road but a collection of winding routes connecting dozens of family-run wineries in the surrounding hills. This part of Slovenia specializes in white wines—think Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Furmint—all grown on steep slopes that get plenty of sun but stay cool enough to develop complexity.

One of the most iconic stops along the way is Doppler Winery, perched high above the valley with panoramic views that stretch into Austria. Their sparkling wines are some of the best in the country, and the modern glass-walled tasting room makes it easy to linger over a second or third glass.

Further along, the biodynamic estate of Vino Kupljen offers something special for red wine lovers. While white wine dominates the region, Kupljen produces elegant Pinot Noir and Blaufränkisch, proving that Styria isn’t just about crisp whites.

The Heart of Wine Country

A path winds through vines — The heart of Maribor’s wine country – quite literally | **Roman Babakin / Shutterstock**

One of Slovenia’s most famous wine destinations isn’t a vineyard or a cellar—it’s a road. Specifically, the heart-shaped road in Špičnik. This picturesque bend in the road, which naturally forms a heart when viewed from above, has become an Instagram favorite.

But it’s not just a photo op; the surrounding vineyards, particularly those belonging to the Dreisiebner family, produce some of the best dry whites in the country. Stop here for a tasting and a plate of homemade cheese and charcuterie, and you might just forget about the rest of your itinerary.

Štajerska’s Unique Grape Varieties

While Maribor’s wine country is known for its classic whites, there are unique indigenous grape varieties worth seeking out that make this region an essential stop for wine enthusiasts. Šipon, also known as Furmint, is a crisp, mineral-driven white that pairs beautifully with seafood and local cheeses. It has a bright acidity and a slightly nutty finish, making it a staple of Slovenian wine culture. Some of the best expressions of Šipon come from wineries like Puklavec Family Wines and Dveri-Pax, which have perfected the craft over generations.

Then there’s Ranina, a lesser-known varietal that thrives in Slovenia’s cooler climate, producing aromatic, fruit-forward wines that stand out from the usual suspects. It is often noted for its floral and honeyed aromas, with a lively freshness that makes it a delightful discovery for those seeking something beyond the mainstream varietals.

Another standout varietal is Laški Rizling, or Welschriesling, which differs significantly from its German Riesling counterpart. It produces elegant, easy-drinking wines with green apple and citrus notes, but in the right hands, it can age beautifully, developing complex flavors of honey and dried fruit.

For those seeking richer whites, Renski Rizling (Rhine Riesling) is cultivated with great success in the region. It’s known for its layered complexity, offering crisp apple and peach flavors with a touch of minerality. The structured acidity ensures excellent aging potential, making it one of Slovenia’s most respected wines.

Wine Tourism: Staying at a Vineyard

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at one of the region’s many vineyard guesthouses. Properties like Meranovo Estate offer not only charming accommodations but also wine-tasting experiences that deepen your appreciation for the local vintages. Meranovo, originally an estate founded by Archduke Johann of Austria, combines history with modern winemaking, offering guests guided tastings of their signature whites, including Sauvignon Blanc and Laški Rizling.

Another excellent option is Dveri-Pax, a winery with a strong monastic heritage, where visitors can enjoy luxurious stays within a centuries-old estate while sipping on some of Slovenia’s finest Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. For those who prefer a more rustic charm, Valdhuber Winery offers a family-run experience with hands-on vineyard tours, farm-to-table meals, and intimate tastings of their renowned Blaufränkisch and Furmint wines.

Spending a night among the vines allows you to wake up to breathtaking views, experience the tranquility of the countryside, and explore the wineries at a leisurely pace, without worrying about the drive back to town. Many of these vineyard stays also offer unique experiences like harvest participation, cellar tours, and curated wine-pairing dinners, making your trip as educational as it is indulgent.

Festivals and Wine-Soaked Traditions

Wine tasting is a common sight even outside of Slovenia’s festivals and events | Matic Stojs Lomovsek / Shutterstock

If you can, time your visit around Slovenia’s biggest wine festivals. The Old Vine Festival in Maribor, held in autumn, is a weeks-long celebration of the grape harvest, featuring everything from tastings to parades to traditional music performances.

Even bigger is St. Martin’s Day on November 11, when Slovenians celebrate the transformation of grape juice into wine. Think of it as a nationwide excuse to drink—and don’t be surprised if you’re handed a glass of something special just for walking down the street.

The Influence of Organic and Biodynamic Winemaking

A man harvests grapes — Many wineries in Slovenia aim to produce either entirely organic wines, or wines with minimal intervention | **Mazur Travel / Shutterstock**

Slovenia is at the forefront of the organic and biodynamic wine movement. Many of the country’s best winemakers focus on minimal intervention, using natural fermentation and avoiding excessive additives.

Estates like Marof and Movia have put Slovenian natural wines on the map, producing complex, characterful vintages that stand out on the global stage. In Styria, many small producers are following suit, with more wineries moving toward sustainable practices that highlight the purity of the region’s terroir.

Tips for Visiting Slovenia’s Wine Region

A house at sunset — Slovenia’s wine region is unforgettable | **Roxana Bashyrova / Shutterstock**

The best way to explore is by car. Public transport is limited in the countryside, and many of the best wineries are hidden among winding backroads. If you don’t want to drive, consider hiring a local guide—many companies in Maribor offer full-day wine tours that include transportation and tastings at multiple wineries.

Don’t skip the food. Slovenia’s wine region pairs perfectly with hearty local dishes like pumpkin seed oil-drizzled salads, slow-cooked stews, and homemade štruklji (rolled dumplings filled with sweet or savory ingredients). Many wineries offer farm-to-table meals alongside their tastings, making for an unforgettable experience.

Finally, bring an extra suitcase if you’re flying home. Slovenian wines are notoriously hard to find outside the country, and once you’ve tasted a crisp Šipon or rich Rebula, you’ll want to bring some back. Trust us.

Slovenia’s wine region, particularly around Maribor, is one of Europe’s last truly undiscovered gems. With world-class wines, welcoming vintners, and landscapes that rival Tuscany, there’s no reason it should stay that way. Get there before the secret’s out.