Maribor celebrates 40th harvest of the Oldest Vine in the World

Maribor is preparing for the 40th ceremonial harvest of the Oldest Vine in the World, a Guinness World Record holder. The festival is scheduled to take place from September 24 to September 27 across various locations in the city center, primarily at the Oldest Vine Square and the Main Square.

This year’s celebration is particularly significant as Maribor holds the title of European Best Wine Capital 2026. To mark the 40th anniversary, a new exhibition titled ‘400 Years in 40 Years’ will open, documenting the history of the vine and its production from the first ceremonial harvest in 1987 to the present day. The exhibition will feature data on grape yields and specific vintages.

Vineyard keeper Stane Kocutar noted that despite a hot summer, the vine remains in good condition, though he observed unusually early grape ripening. Over the last 40 harvests, the vine has produced an estimated total of nearly 2,000 kilograms of grapes, averaging approximately 42 kilograms per harvest. The festival program will include wine and culinary evenings featuring winemakers, restaurateurs, and chefs.