# Maribor celebrates oldest vine harvest and wine capital win

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maribor-oldest-vine-40th-harvest-celebration
> Updated: 2026-10-10T11:37:24.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The city of Maribor recently concluded a four-day festival celebrating the 40th jubilee harvest of the world’s oldest vine, a Guinness World Record holder. The approximately 450-year-old vine produced 66.5 kilograms of grapes this season, which experts noted had an exceptionally high sugar level. Since the first ceremonial harvest in 1987, the vine has yielded a cumulative total of 1,985.8 kilograms of grapes.

During the festivities in the Lent district, Mayor Aleksander Saša Arsenovič presented retired football referee Slavko Vinčić with a city seal during the ceremonial first cut of the grapes. Additionally, 90-year-old Anton Zaletel was honored for his dedication to the vine’s preservation. Caretaker Stane Kocutar observed that while the summer was hot, the grapes reached maturity unusually early and remained in good condition due to low humidity and a lack of significant rainfall.

Following these celebrations, Maribor was named the ‘Best Wine Capital of Europe 2026’ by the tourism platform European Best Destinations. Surpassing destinations such as Bordeaux and Porto, Maribor was selected from a shortlist of 31 based on its viticultural history, international recognition, and enotourism development. The award highlights the city’s authentic wine traditions and the presence of the historic grapevine, which is expected to bolster international promotion for the Štajerska wine region.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Maribor named Best Wine Capital of Europe 2026

Maribor has been named the Best Wine Capital of Europe for 2026, surpassing Bordeaux and Porto due to its authentic viticultural heritage and the presence of the world's oldest grapevine.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maribor-named-best-wine-capital-of-europe-2026

### 2026-09-27: Maribor celebrates 40th harvest of the world's oldest vine

Maribor celebrated the 40th jubilee harvest of the world's oldest vine, which produced 66.5 kg of high-sugar grapes this year.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maribor-celebrates-40th-harvest-of-the-worlds-oldest-vine

### 2026-09-21: Maribor celebrates 40th harvest of the Oldest Vine in the World

Maribor celebrates the 40th ceremonial harvest of the Oldest Vine in the World with a festival featuring exhibitions and culinary events.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maribor-celebrates-40th-harvest-of-the-oldest-vine-in-the-world

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Cite as: Maribor celebrates oldest vine harvest and wine capital win. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maribor-oldest-vine-40th-harvest-celebration