The oldest known grape producing vine grows in Lent. In the old part of Maribor, Slovenia on the banks of the river Drava, visitors can see an amazing sight – the ancient vine, called “stara trta”- the Old Vine. It was planted over 400 years ago near the main entrance in the centre of the Old Vine House, a temple of wine traditions and culture of the city and country. The stalk of this queen of all vines is 81 cm in circumference in its widest part. It is registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest vine in the world. The Old Vine produces about 35 to 55 kg grapes each year from which up to 100 bottles of wine are pressed. These miniature glass bottles are designed by the famous artist Oskar Kogoj. Pope John Paul and the former USA President Bill Clinton have been recipients of this unique wine in its elegant container on their nineties’ state visits.
Throughout the year, in the honour of the Old Vine, a cycle of events unwind From Vine to Wine, the ceremonious Pruning of the Old Vine in the early spring and St Martin’s Day celebrations. The grape harvesting has become a tradition and a yearly festival attracts huge crowds of tourists from all the European countries. Now Maribor has started to realize its potentials so more and more hotels are opened in this area. Maribor hotels are mainly small but that means a much more personal service. The city is trying to develop high quality tourism. This relies primarily on good wine and cuisine.
