Slovenia: The Oldest Wine Country in the World

There are 3 wine regions in Slovenia; Podravska, Posavska and Primorska. Due to the essence of time allowed on this trip, we only visited Podravska, but between all the dining and aperitifs, we did a pretty thorough job of tasting throughout the regions and plentiful varieties. Always drink local. It really is the best way to embrace your travels and the place you are visiting. 

Maribor. This was the first stop on the list. Both Kirk and I share such a love for vines and the vineyards, we believe that the best wines start in the vineyard. So naturally, we had to make a pilgrimage to see the Oldest Vine in the World. This vine began to be noted in literature in 1691 AD. This vine sits on the edge of a river, and now is stretched the length of an entire house naturally, called The Vine House. As tradition has allowed, this vine has become the center of the region, hosting yearly harvest festivals to celebrate the vines bounty, and wine is still made annually from the vine.  

From there, we were lucky enough to have a cellar tasting by one of the sons, of the oldest families in the region. The Protner Family were one of the first families to pave the way with planting vines in this region of Slovenia. Their vineyards currently in the ground are about 40+ years old, but as 5th generation vintners, have been growing grapes in this region, for over 400 years. As you might assume with this age of generational operation, everyone in the family is involved. With oversight from the patriarch of the family, and collaboration on both sides, one brother makes the wine, and one is in charge of the vines. It had perfect charm, old world, but with amazingly fresh, clean wines and beautiful bouquets. 

Although the day we visited you might never had guessed it (being 20 degrees Fahrenheit), this area typically lends itself to a semi-mild climate, with normal summer temperatures ranging around 80-90 degrees. Similar to coastal growing in California, these perfect growing conditions lend themselves to growing early ripening varieties. White wine grapes with some beginning to plant and produce some red varietals. This area specifically is mainly growing; white grapes; Sauvignon (or as we call is Sauvignon Blanc), Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat and other Rhine and Slovenian varieties. Some producers are beginning to plant and produce Pinot Noir, which, after a small barrel sample, I suspect will do phenomenally well.