Explore Maribor: Vineyards, Charcuterie and Historic Charm in Slovenia

To be candid, I had no prior expectations regarding Slovenia, and so, despite arriving with an open mind, I was genuinely delighted to witness the picturesque rolling hills, tranquil cows by their rustic farmhouses, and a variety of vineyards as we navigated through the countryside just outside Maribor.

After gathering lunch and our electric bicycles (regrettably, there’s no way I would attempt cycling uphill on a conventional bike – cycling up slopes is unequivocally not my strength), we devoted the remainder of the afternoon exploring one vineyard after another, sampling exquisite wines along our route while indulging in every delightful offering presented on the charcuterie boards available!

I must admit, there is nothing quite like brilliant sunshine to enhance the splendor of an already magnificent location.

With our cycling adventure complete and our appetites stirred (and thoroughly worked up), we made our way to Jarenina Castle for lunch, which is also home to a vineyard and is itself quite an impressive structure.

Moreover, an extensive selection of wines can be found at this location. Therefore, if you plan on indulging in a variety of wines during your visit to Maribor, this is the ideal spot to do so. 😉

Rejuvenated and energized, I returned to the hotel for a quick freshening up (and perhaps a brief nap if I’m being honest) prior to embarking on a city tour of Maribor.

A leisurely stroll around Maribor, enriched by insights into its history, undoubtedly highlighted to me that Maribor is one of those cities you might overlook, but is unequivocally worthy of a visit. In variations of thought regarding Slovenia, one might first consider the capital, Ljubljana, yet Maribor possesses a wealth of offerings that merit exploration.

It’s charming, compact, and remarkably sociable—this is my justification for becoming ‘lost’ in several of its pubs to sample the local brews available.

In fact, shortly after the tour concluded, we all made a beeline for Postna ulica, a street one should certainly explore if seeking to enjoy a drink and a meal while relishing a vibrant night out in the city.

We may have arrived slightly late for dinner, but those exquisite Slovenian beers were not going to consume themselves! 🙂