Maribor has been officially named Europe’s Best Wine Capital 2026 by the respected tourism platform European Best Destinations (EBD), earning an impressive score of 9.8 out of 10 in their rankings.
Maribor is Slovenia’s second-largest city and the heart of the Stajerska (Styria) wine region. The city has been crowned Europe’s Best Wine Capital 2026 by the prestigious tourism platform European Best Destinations! (photo: Drazen Stader, Produkcija Studio, Slovenia.info)
Maribor beat out heavyweights like Bordeaux (France) in second place and Porto (Portugal) in third. European Best Destinations evaluated over 120 wine-producing areas across Europe using 26 criteria, including winemaking history, wine quality, sustainability, gastronomy, cultural events, tourism infrastructure, value for money, and overall accessibility.
What sets Slovenia’s second-largest city apart is its incredible blend of deep-rooted tradition and modern vibrancy:
– Home to the world’s oldest noble grapevine (over 450 years old and still producing grapes!), a true global icon growing right in the city center.
– One of Europe’s largest historic underground wine cellars, Vinag, with vast tunnels beneath the old town perfect for atmospheric tastings.
– A focus on cool-climate whites like Šipon (Furmint), Laški Rizling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Traminer, and excellent sparkling wines.
– Charming riverside wine bars, family-run wineries with views toward the Pohorje hills.
– Authentic character without mass tourism overload—peaceful streets, rich heritage, and a lively urban wine scene where harvest rhythms still shape daily life.
This award highlights Maribor as a rising star in European wine tourism: sustainable, welcoming, and full of genuine charm. It’s the perfect spot for wine lovers seeking something unique and undiscovered.
The world’s oldest grapevine thrives in the heart of Maribor, Slovenia—right on the facade of the historic Old Vine House (Hiša Stare Trte) in the charming Lent district along the Drava River. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)
From high above, Maribor reveals its full charm: the historic city center hugs the gentle curves of the emerald-green Drava River, with the colorful rooftops of the old Lent district lining the waterfront, elegant bridges spanning the water, and green parks stretching inland toward the rolling hills and distant Pohorje mountains. (photo: Drazen Stader, Produkcija Studio, Slovenia.info)
Maribor, nestled along the Drava River in northeastern Slovenia, offers some of the most stunning panoramic views where the historic city seamlessly blends with lush vineyards climbing the surrounding hills. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)
Piramida Hill (also called Pyramid Hill, 386 m elevation) is one of the best elevated viewpoints in Maribor, offering sweeping panoramic vistas over the entire city and its surroundings. (photo: Andrej Tarfila, Slovenia.info)
