Travel Guide to Podravska Wine Region

The Podravska wine region situates in the northeast of Slovenia and is the largest and most productive wine-growing region in the country. Also known as the Drava Region (or Podravje), it borders Hungary and Croatia in the east and surrounds important towns such as Ormoz and Maribor. With Continental weather of hot summers and cold winters combining carbonate clay soils, Podravska wine region traditional cellars create singular wines. Especially in Maribor, the tradition of winemaking attracts people worldwide. This city has Europe's largest cellars, with 2,5 kilometres of tunnels. The main varieties under vine here are Riesling, Šipon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Podravska Wine Region to enjoy if you visit the region.

Follow our travel guide to Podravska Wine Region to discover more about:

Top-quality wines on the steep hills of Podravska Wine Region

Wineries to visit in Podravska Wine Region

Cultural and natural places to visit in Podravska Wine Region

Dishes to try in Podravska Wine Region

Top-quality Wines on the Steep Hills of Podravska Wine Region

History and Tradition of Winemaking in Northeast Slovenia

The Podravska wine region comes from a strong winemaking history when the Celts first spread vines throughout Slovenia. However, the Romans are the ones who developed viticulture successfully here. Enology remains strong in the country, as Slovenia has several vineyards listed in the top 5% worldwide, creating reputed high-quality wines. Each year Slovenes organise Old Vine Festival - an event dedicated to celebrating rich Slovenian wine heritage.

Top Grapes under Vine in Podravska Wine Region

Today, the red grape Pinot Noir is the most common red variety under the vine in the Podravska wine region. However, 95% of grapes under the vine in the Podravska wine region are white grapes, especially Riesling, Šipon, Chardonnay, and yellow Muscat being well spread. Most of the wine made in the Padravska wine region remains in the local market. 

Great Terroir Makes Great Wine

Soil and weather form a special terroir to the wines of Podravje Slovenia. Soft carbonate rocks are the base of the brown soils, fertile lands where vines grow rich. The diurnal temperature range with dry summers and cold winters features a perfect environment for high-quality vineyard yields.

Another characteristic that makes the Podravska wine region unique is the long exposure to sunshine during the growing season in most of the vineyards. The grapes achieve excellent ripeness here, but on the other hand, Pannonian hot winds can increase the berry drought.

Districts of Podravska Wine Region

The nearly ten thousand hectares under vine in the Podravska wine region split into two major districts, the largest Styrian Slovenia (8685 hectares) and smallest Prekmurje (965 hectares). Besides that, the areas of Maribon, Radgona-Kapela, Srednje Slovenska Gorice, Haloze, and Ljuotomer-Ormoz can also be designated as subregions.

Styria, also known as Štajerska, is a unique wine-growing region that borders the Prekmurje district. The uneven terrain of carbonate clay soils traditionally produced medium-dry wines. Throughout time, modern winemaking improved the profile of wines, standing for fresh and flavoured beverages.

The smallest subregion of Prekmurje locates east of the river Mura. The carbonatic land fuses with sorts of volcanic material, where acidic dark soils traditionally produce excellent table wines. 

Most of the vineyards in the Podravska wine region grow at 250 to 400 meters of altitude. Almost the totally of varieties under the vine here are white grapes, which are responsible for prestigious wines in Slovenia.

Dry and Semi-dry Wines from a Diversity of Grapes

The wines of Podravje Slovenia develop particular characteristics under its terroir. The hot and dry weather of the Pannonian climate conditionate wines to be dry and semi-dry. The Podravska wine region also produces premium semi-sweet and sweet wines in different categories, such as late harvest, ice wine, berry picking, and dry berry selection.

Germanic influence on the wines of northeast of Slovenia  

Most varieties under vine here have a Germanic influence, which explains the usual appearance of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Rizvanec grapes. This region also produces excellent sparkling wines, made both by the Charmat method and the classical process of bottle fermentation.

Have you heard of the Black Velvet wine?

An outstanding wine that requires consideration is the Žametna črnina or Black Velvet. This domesticated grape is the oldest variety to be cultivated in Slovenia. This unique wine sustains a plain, bright red color and raspberry aroma.

Lately, excellent Sauvignon Blanc wines come from this region. This grape variety finds a perfect terroir to develop fine dry aromatic wines here.

Podravska Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Podravska Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

Wineries to Visit in Podravska Wine Region

Frešer

In the largest wine regions of Podravska wine region, the Frešer winery has an eco-friendly approach to winemaking. Their 15 hectares of vineyards grow without using chemical pesticides and herbicides, creating a tender and earnest wine experience.

Vino Jarc

When looking for incredible wine experiences in the Podravska wine region, the Vino Jarc winery will provide you an unforgettable moment. Here you will be delighted with the beautiful village of Svečina and incredible vineyards.

Have a look at the list of Wineries in Podravska Wine Region, choose your favourite and let us know.

Hidden Gem - An interesting spot in the northeast part of Slovenia is the Haloze Hills. With Croatia board to the south and near the old town of Ptuj, extensive slopes grow vineyards south-facing in an unreal scenery. This place will amaze wine lovers with a unique landscape, also covered with pasture and trees. There are wine routes and wine stores to join in here, making the experience fantastic. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in Podravska Wine Region

Ptuj - The Oldest Town in the Country

When visiting the Podravska wine region, make sure to see Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. Bound with charming vineyards around the Drava river, this city offers exciting experiences. Here you will find above the incredible landscape a castle with old and charming wine cellars. Besides that, during the carnival, the streets gain colours and Kurenti masks from a traditional character, recognized by UNESCO.

Maribor - Home of the Oldest Vine

This town is full of history and beauty. The second-largest city in the Podravska wine region, Maribor has different attractions that may amuse every type of tourist, from hiking, to ski slopes, and mountain trails. The green hills of Alpine Slovenia are something to see. Above the town in Piramida Hill lays a castle, built in the Medieval Era. Here wine lovers can also be amused by the oldest vine still producing in the world, a 400-year-old plant!

Bogojina Church of the Ascension - Peaceful Atmosphere at Pomurje

The Church of the Ascension by Jože Plečnik is the most famous shrine of Pomurje in the Podravska wine region. Locally referred to as the white dove, the incredible white architecture holds a dove in the uppermost tower. Built during the 1920 decade, this is a masterpiece of the famous architect Plečnik. When visiting here, expect a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by serenity and contemplation.

Into the Nature of Podravska Wine Region

The nature of Slovenia is known for its ski mountains, parks, and lakes. A range of activities can amuse the tourists of the Podravska wine region, from hiking and biking trails on the Alpine slopes to peaceful walking in the parks.

Goričko Regional Park - Explore the Local Fauna and Flora

The Goričko Regional Park, located in the Podravska wine region, is an extensive area of 462 km² between the Austrian and Hungarian borders. The gigantic natural field covers 11 municipalities and 91 villages. Visitors of this park will find preserved fauna and flora, with otters, deers, ancient vineyards, orchards, and cultivated fields.

Drava River -The Water Connections of the Podravska Wine Region

Another tourist spot that crosses Maribor town is the Drava River. Connecting the main cities of the region, the waters of Drava are fundamental to the vineyards of the Podravska wine region. Besides agricultural use, several exciting activities are possible within the river, such as thrilling raft and boat rides, SUP, or even surfing. Unique natural features await the tourists for amazing experiences.

Veliki Šumik and Mali ŠumiK Waterfalls

The impressive landscape of the Natural Park Pohorje flows into the beautiful waterfalls of Veliki Šumik and Mali ŠumiK. Unspoiled primaeval forest gifts tourists with incredible fauna and flora, dense beech, pine, and fir forest nestle cristal waters. There might be a challenging path between the two waterfalls, although the enchanting environment pays for it.

Explore the Gastronomy of Podravska Wine Region

The diversity of Slovenia's cuisine is it's a portrait of the different climates, history, and neighbouring cultures. Incredible experiences await the tourists of the Podraska wine region, in a mix of tasty dishes and excellent wines.

Prekmurska Gibanica - Delicious Dessert

Prekmurska gibanica is a traditional dessert in northeastern Slovenia, made of gibanica or layered pastry. The local cuisine of the region of Prekmurje is traditionally influenced by the Hungarian and Austrian. This flavoured sweetmeat contains different sorts of fillings, such as walnuts, raisins, apples, and quarks. Usually made with shortcrust pastry, this dessert is something to don't forget to try!

Prekmurska Šunka - Cured Pork Meat from Slovenia

This ageing meat of Slovenia is something unique. The pear-shaped meat use only the finest pork legs to create a premium product. To develop its distinct flavour, the transformation process of Prekmurska Šunka goes from a dry cure in salt and spices, a smoking period, and, finally, it is covered with buckwheat flour mixed with spices and peppers. Matured for at least six months, this tasty meat pairs well with excellent Podravska wines.

Bujta Repa - Hearty National Dish

Another flavoured dish from Slovenia is the Bujta Repa, a porridge made with sour turnips or pork with pickled grated turnips. This hot meal is mostly made in Prekmurje, although it's a national dish. The pork used here might be the head, skin, or even neck cuts. Generally, this dish is seasoned with a local fat or "bacon jam" called zaseka: a combination of different spices, pumpkin seed oil, and, of course, bacon. Uniqueness in flavours guarantees a tasty experience!

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