The Old Vine of Maribor

What is the one thing that definitely sets Maribor apart from any other city? It is the vine that grows by the river Drava, which flows through the city. It is the oldest existing noble vine on the planet, growing for more than 400 years over the façade of a building from the 16th century.


Not only is it growing, it still bears grapes that are gathered at the Old Vine Festival every year (the festival takes place at the begining of October). A few hundred bottles are filled with Žametna Črnina wine and given as gifts of the city protocol. Among others, Pope John Paul II, the Japanese Emperor Akihito and American President Bill Clinton have received them as gifts.
The vine is ritually pruned in spring and scions from it are presented as gifts to other cities around the world.