📍 Podravje

Podravje is the largest wine region of Slovenia, in the north-east of the country, along the Drava river. Its centre is the city of Maribor. The region splits into two parts: Slovenian Styria (Štajerska Slovenija) on hills and Prekmurje on the plain by the Hungarian border. Summers are warm, winters cold and autumn long, which suits white grapes.

In Podravje white wines predominate. The most widespread grape is Welschriesling (Laški Rizling in Slovene), along with Sauvignon Blanc, Šipon (Furmint), Traminec and Chardonnay. The wines are fresh, aromatic and well balanced in acidity. Sparkling wine is made here too, including by the traditional method, as well as sweet wines from late-harvested grapes.

In Maribor, on the Drava embankment, grows what the city says is the oldest fruit-bearing vine in the world, about 400 years old. Its variety is Žametovka. Around the hills run paths between vineyards and estates that welcome visitors.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the west lies Slovenia's Primorska with Goriška Brda, to the south-east Posavje, and to the north and east Austria's Styria and Hungary's Zala.