Introducing Old Vine House in Maribor
The Old Vine House (Slovene: Hiša Stare trte) is a small, charming medieval building in Maribor’s historic Lent district that serves as the dedicated museum and visitor center for the world’s oldest grapevine—the over 450-year-old Zametovka or Blue Franconian vine that still bears fruit annually and holds a Guinness World Records title as the oldest noble vine in the world. The medieval building was once part of the city walls. Nowadays it features engaging exhibits on the vine’s remarkable survival through centuries of wars, fires, plagues, and invasions, alongside displays of Slovenia’s wine heritage, interactive panels, and a wine shop with a tasting room offering premium local wines—making it an essential, atmospheric stop for anyone exploring Maribor.
Old Vine House Review
The Old Vine House (Hiša Stare trte) in Maribor’s picturesque Lent district is a delightful hidden gem for anyone interested in wine, history or simply Slovenian culture. This restored medieval building, once part of the old city walls, houses a small but engaging museum dedicated to the legendary Zametovka or Blue Franconian—the world’s oldest noble grapevine, over 450 years old and still producing fruit each year.
Exhibits trace its incredible survival through centuries of turmoil, with informative panels, photos, and artifacts that bring Slovenia’s deep viticulture heritage to life. The real highlight is the cozy wine shop and tasting room, where friendly staff guide visitors through excellent local wines of the Štajerska region (often including unique varieties like orange wines), paired with light bites—making it a perfect, relaxed spot to sip and learn.
The atmosphere is cozy and charming, particularly due to its proximity to historical sites.
The Old Vine House is generally accessible for wheelchair users inside the building itself, as it’s a restored medieval structure adapted for visitors, including those with mobility needs. However, the surrounding Lent area features classic cobblestone streets and paths, which can be a little challenging or tricky for wheelchairs—potentially bumpy, uneven, or difficult to maneuver, especially if pushing manually or in wet conditions.
There is an entrance fee for the Old Vine House. The standard entrance fee for the museum/exhibition area is €9.50 with discounts for pupils, students, pensioners and preschool children. This fee typically covers access to the exhibits on the vine’s history and Slovenia’s wine heritage. Wine tastings, guided tours, or combined tickets (e.g., with other Maribor museums) are often separate or additional—tastings start from around €7–€9 for basic options, with more premium ones higher. Viewing the famous Old Vine itself from outside (on the building’s facade) remains free.
With its riverside location, beautiful mosaic floors, and the iconic vine right outside, it’s a must-visit that feels authentic and memorable—highly recommended for a short, enriching stop in Maribor!
Opening hours – the Oldest Vine Museum:
Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00–18:00
Sunday: 11:00–16:00
Opening hours – Old Vine Tasting Room:
Monday–Saturday: 10:00–20:00
Sundays & public holidays: 10:00–16:00
Old Vine House Photos
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)
Old Vine House has a welcoming front entrance featuring several informational signs, plaques, and boards that greet visitors right at the door and facade. (photo: Mitja Kobal, Karata Film, Slovenia.info)
The Old Vine House has an entrance fee for accessing the main exhibition and museum area. (photo: Mitja Kobal, Karata Film, Slovenia.info)
The harvesting of the world’s oldest grapevine, the legendary Zametovka, takes place annually in a ceremonial tradition that highlights its cultural significance. (photo: Ciril Ambroz, Zavod za turizem Maribor – Pohorje, Slovenia.info)
Old Vine House in Maribor serves as the focal point for several annual events celebrating wine, culture, and heritage. (photo: Dejan Bulut, Zavod za turizem Maribor – Pohorje, Slovenia.info)
The Old Vine in Maribor is the main attraction for several yearly events in the beautiful Lent district that celebrate wine, culture, and local traditions. (photo: Dejan Bulut, Zavod za turizem Maribor – Pohorje, Slovenia.info)
The Old Vine House features a well-stocked wine shop (vinoteka) with one of the largest selections of Stajerska (Styrian) wines in Slovenia—over 200 carefully chosen bottles from around 50–55 local winemakers and producers in the Podravje region. You can browse and buy premium local wines (whites, reds, rosés, and specialties like orange wines), plus related items like souvenirs, artworks tied to the vine, and tasting accessories. (photo: Jernej Borovinsek, Zavod za turizem Maribor – Pohorje, Slovenia.info)
The Žametovka vine (also known as Modra kavčina or “velvety black”) is the legendary variety growing right in front of the Old Vine House in Maribor’s historic Lent district. (photo: Dejan Bulut, Zavod za turizem Maribor – Pohorje, Slovenia.info)
Old Vine House is definitely worth visiting for couples—it’s a romantic, intimate spot that blends history, wine, and cozy vibes perfectly for a date or shared experience. (photo: Urska Slakonja, Zavod za turizem Maribor – Pohorje, Slovenia.info)
Old Vine House location on the map
Address: Vojasniska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor
Region: Stajerska (english: Styria)
Maribor is a beautiful city filled with lots of friendly people and wonderful sights and monuments. It is Slovenia’s second largest city and the economic, educational, cultural and sports centre of the north-eastern part of the country. At the same time Maribor is an ideal base for tourists from which to discover what eastern Slovenia has to offer. |
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