Prekmurje Wine Region

The Prekmurje wine region is Slovenia's second small wine region, and it is part of the Podravje wine region. The Mura River runs close to the border. The area is primarily flat, with some rolling hills between Lendavske Gorice and Goricko. The vines cover 965 hectares and produce some of the best Slovenian red wines. The wine region is located on the outskirts of the warm Pannonian plain, which is famous for its storks and thermal water springs. Prekmurje wine region has Hungarian influence which can be seen in its culture, history, and wines.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Prekmurje!

Where is the Prekmurje wine region?

The Prekmurje wine area is located in northeastern Slovenia, immediately east of the Mura river. Croatia to the south, Austria to the north, and Hungary to the east form the region's borders. Venarium, an observation tower among the Lendava vineyards, offers breathtaking views of four nations. The Prekmurje wine area is located approximately 180 kilometers northeast of Ljubljana, 55 kilometers northeast of Maribor, 168 kilometers north of Zagreb, and 290 kilometers southwest of Budapest. Lendava and Goricko are the two sub-districts of the wine region.

History of the Prekmurje wine region

The history of the Prekmurje wine region dates back to the stone age and was well-settled during that period. The region was captured by many rulers including the Roman Empire, the Kingdom of Italy, the Kingdom of Ostrogoths, the Kingdom of Lombards, the Kingdom of Avars, the Slavic state of Samo, the Frankish empire, Lower Pannonia and the Kingdom of Carantania. During the 10th century, the region was captured by Hungarians and was divided into the Habsburg monarchy and Ottoman Empire. Prekmurje came under the Habsburg monarchy until its dissolution in 1918. The region was included in Slovenia only in 1991. 

The viticulture in the area dates back to Roman times and was developed ever since. 

The terroir and geography of the Prekmurje wine region

Geographically, the Prekmurje wine region is separated into three major categories: a hilly area to the north of Murska Sobota known as Goricko, flatlands to the east along the Mur river known as Ravensko, and lowlands around Lendava known as Dolinsko. The climate in the region is continental, with arid summers and chilly winters. The rainfall in this region is the lowest in Slovenia. The vineyards near Lendava are steep and have marly soils. Around the Goricko district, the soil is sandy, loamy, marly, and volcanic.

Popular grape varieties from the Prekmurje wine region

The Prekmurje wine region produces largely easygoing white blends, with a few wines winning international awards. Welschriesling, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are the most common grape varietals in the Prekmurje wine area. Other allowed grape cultivars include:

Red Varietals: Blaufrankisch, Chassealas Rouge, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. 

White varietals: Bouvier, Chardonnay, Chasselas, Frumint, Gewurztraminer, Kerner, Kraljevina, Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains, Muller-Thurgau, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Silvaner, Traminer and Welschriesling. 

Food to pair with Prekmurje wine 

Pepperoni pizzas

Pizza spread throughout the world, beginning in Italy, with many variations in the toppings and cooking procedures. Pizza is a round flat crust with tomato sauce and toppings such as cheese, meat, olive oil, herbs, sausages, and whatever else you like. Originally baked in firewood ovens, this delicacy is usually baked in high-temperature ovens. Because of the usage of herbs such as basil and oregano, pizza is extremely fragrant.

The earthiness of the Prekmurje complements the flavor of herbs on pizza. The medium-bodied, acidic Prekmurje pairs well with the pizza's acidic sauce and pepperoni.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek snack that can also be eaten as a spread or dip. Tzatziki, also known as tarator or cacik in Southeast Europe and the Middle East, is a popular dish. The dish consists of salty yogurt, peeled cucumber, garlic, salt, olive oil, and a dash of lemon juice. Herbs including dill, mint, parsley, and thyme are used to garnish the dip. The dinner is thought to have originated in the Ottoman Empire with a dish of crushed walnuts and vinegar. Tzatziki is a common component of Meze, a type of Mediterranean cuisine popular in the Balkans, West Asia, and the Middle East.

Chicken Kyiv

Chicken Kiev, also known as Chicken Kyiv, is made with boned chicken breasts that have been hammered flat and seasoned with cooling herbs and butter. It is then breaded in breadcrumbs or flour and fried till golden and crispy in hot oil. Although its origin is unknown, the dish is well-known around the world. It is thought that the dish originated in Ukraine, Russia, or France. The dish gained popularity in the 1970s.

Places to visit in the Prekmurje wine region

Lendava Castle

This medieval castle is perched on a hill above the town. Throughout Prekmurje's history, the Lendava castle played an important role. This precise location was critical for the region's defense. This hill is thought to have housed a stronghold before the Lendava castle. Lendava castle is thought to have been erected in the 10th century. The structure withstood numerous conflicts. The fortress, which was fashioned like the letter L and dedicated to King Leopold I, underwent substantial rebuilding in the early 18th century. The castle, which has Baroque architecture, was owned by the Esterhazy family until 1912. The castle now houses a museum that promotes the region's archaeological, historical, and ethnological significance.

Murska Sobota Castle

Murska Sobota Castle was rebuilt at the end of the 16th century reflecting the renaissance style. A fort stood in this exact spot before the castle. The castle houses Murska Sobota Museum on its first floor since 1956. The owner of the castle frequently changed over time including Szechys and Szaparys. The last private owner of the castle was Geza Szapary who sold it to the Municipality of Murska Sobota in 1934. The castle was rebuilt in the 16th century with a new look in the Baroque style. 

The mansions is located in the heart of one of the most beautiful parks in Slovenia. 

Frequently asked questions about Prekmurje