Štajerska Raises a Glass! 40th Martinovanje in Maribor and a Celebration Across the Region
40th Martinovanje in Maribor: Slovenia's largest urban Martinovanje with a green signature
Destination Štajerska comes alive once again in the rhythm of wine autumn between 7 and 11 November 2025. Martinovanje — the celebration in which the must is symbolically "baptised" and becomes wine — will mark its 40th anniversary in Maribor this year, connecting the city centre and nearby wine-growing corners through a rich programme of experiences. Alongside the 40th Martinovanje in Maribor, more than 40 Martinovanja celebrations and themed events will take place throughout Destination Štajerska, bringing together wine lovers, families and food enthusiasts in one vibrant celebration.
What is Martinovanje and why do we celebrate it
Martinovanje is a traditional celebration held on 11 November, the feast day of St. Martin. For many Slovenians, this day is an important moment of community and an excellent opportunity for socialising and enjoying food and wine. The celebration is closely connected to the vine, viticulture and the arrival of autumn. Its defining feature is the baptism of the must, when it is symbolically transformed into wine — a ritual that often takes place in a wine cellar or among the vineyards, accompanied by the first taste of the young wine of the new vintage. The traditional St. Martin's feast finds its way to the table: blood sausage and pork cuts, lard spread, potatoes and turnip, roast meat and various types of bread, all enriched with local and seasonal ingredients. Martinovanje is also an occasion for visiting cultural events and concerts and for keeping traditions alive, but above all it is about spending time with friends and family.
Programme of the anniversary week in Maribor
Martinovanje Warm-Up: 7–8 November - Koroška cesta transforms into a wine promenade with a selection of boutique wine producers. Both evenings are followed by an after-party in the legendary VINAG cellar.
Grand Finale: Tuesday, 11 November – Leon Štuklje Square — Solemn baptism of the must and an unforgettable St. Martin's atmosphere with the Ansambel Saša Avsenik.
Sustainability first — This year we celebrate Martinovanje responsibly: make your way to the venues on foot or by free bus, celebrate with less waste and more experiences.
Martinov Wine & Dine: 3–11 November
Even before the official start of the festivities, Maribor and its surroundings offer outstanding St. Martin's gastronomy at ten carefully selected venues that combine the taste of tradition, local wines and contemporary cuisine: World's Oldest Grapevine, Bakus Wine, Jamnik Wine, Kos Family Winery, Kokol Wine House – Kokol Tourist Farm, Restaurant Vnukec, Restaurant Vernik, Restaurant Sedem, Restaurant Mak and NANA, bistro in kavarna.
Even more reasons to visit Štajerska
In addition to the 40th Martinovanje in Maribor, more than 40 Martinovanje celebrations and themed events will take place across Destination Štajerska this year: 5 multi-day hubs (Maribor, Ptuj, Ormož, Haloze) and numerous other local Martinovanje celebrations (including Pernica, Zgornja and Spodnja Kungota, Lenart, Rače, Malečnik, Starše, Sveta Ana, Jurovski Dol …). The full list of Martinovanje events can be found at: https://www.stajerska.si/martinovanje-2025
