Maribor celebrates 40th harvest of the world's oldest vine

The city of Maribor celebrated the 40th jubilee harvest of the world's oldest vine, a Guinness World Record holder. The event concluded a four-day festival at Maribor's Lent district.

The approximately 450-year-old vine produced 66.5 kilograms of grapes this year, which experts noted reached an exceptionally high sugar level. Since the first official harvest in 1987, the vine has yielded a total of 1,985.8 kilograms of grapes.

Retired football referee Slavko Vinčić was honored with the ceremonial first cut of the grapes. During the event, the Mayor of Maribor, Aleksander Saša Arsenovič, presented Vinčić with a city seal in recognition of his international refereeing career. Additionally, 90-year-old Anton Zaletel received an award for his dedication to preserving the vine.

Vine caretaker Stane Kocutar noted that the grapes reached maturity unusually early this season, despite the summer heat, but remained in good condition due to a lack of significant rainfall or humidity.