Slovenske gorice

Wine, Cuisine and Warm-Hearted Hospitality

The Slovenske gorice region stretches between the Drava River to the south and the Mura River to the north. It is known for its vineyards, orchards, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Alongside the rolling hills, home to warm-hearted and welcoming people, expansive vineyards thrive on sunny slopes, while churches crown the hilltops. These are often Baroque in style, though some date back to the Late Gothic or Romanesque periods. The sacred architecture is complemented by preserved castles, manors, and monasteries that testify to the area’s rich history.

Wine and viticulture are an integral part of the identity of Slovenske gorice. The sun-exposed slopes have provided ideal conditions for grape growing since Roman times. The region’s ethnological heritage includes the figure of the Ovtar, a former vineyard guardian active from the 19th century until the first half of the 20th century. Carrying a distinctive staff made from a pear tree branch, the Ovtar is no longer found among the vineyards, but today appears at numerous events in Slovenske gorice as a ceremonial and representative symbol of the region.

The municipalities of Benedikt, Cerkvenjak, Destrnik, Dornava, Duplek, Gornja Radgona, Juršinci, Kungota, Lenart, Pesnica, Sveta Ana, Sveti Jurij v Slovenskih goricah, Sv. Andraž v Slovenskih goricah, Sv. Trojica v Slovenskih goricah, Šentilj and Trnovska vas offer a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outstanding cuisine. All of this delights a wide range of visitors – from wine lovers and active travellers to those seeking peace and relaxation in the countryside, just a short distance from urban centres.