Maribor Declared the Best Wine Capital of Europe 2026

Maribor has achieved extraordinary recognition on the international stage — the global tourism platform European Best Destinations (EBD) has declared the Štajerska capital the Best Wine Capital of Europe 2026. With this title, the city on the Drava has placed ahead of numerous established wine destinations, with French Bordeaux and Portuguese Porto taking second and third place respectively.

Maribor received this prestigious title primarily due to its rich tradition of viticulture and winemaking, its authentic character and its outstanding culinary and cultural offer. Particular attention is drawn to the World's Oldest Grapevine, which has been growing in the heart of the city for over 450 years and represents a unique symbol of wine heritage.

According to the organisers, Maribor also stands out for the high quality of its overall tourism offer, the authenticity of its experiences and the absence of mass tourism — attracting both wine enthusiasts and those seeking genuine cultural and gastronomic experiences in Europe.

The title of Best Wine Capital of Europe 2026 is a great opportunity for the international positioning of the city and the wider Štajerska region. Throughout this year, Maribor will present itself even more intensively on foreign markets as one of the leading wine and cultural centres of the old continent.