Svečina: wine-growing village in the Slovenske gorice

Svečina is a Styrian wine-growing village surrounded by the vineyards of the gently hilly landscape of the Slovenske gorice. The quality wines produced here are predominantly white varieties such as Welschriesling and Laški rizling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Yellow Muscat and Traminer.

Landscape

In nearby Špičnik, a road surrounded by vineyards appears from the viewpoint below the equestrian statue of Saint George as a “heart between the vineyards”. This view can be seen from the grounds of the Dreisiebner excursion farm. The Kolesarska pot kungoških vinorodnih gričev leads through Svečina and Špičnik; the Pot prijateljstva in kulture trail also passes through Svečina.

Trails

The Kolesarska pot kungoških vinorodnih gričev leads from Zgornja Kungota via Svečina, Špičnik and Jurij back to Zgornja Kungota. It runs mainly along paved local roads and well-maintained gravel paths. Because of its hilly route, it is particularly suitable for recreational cyclists.

The Pot prijateljstva in kulture trail also passes through Svečina, running across the renovated village square of the more than 800-year-old settlement. Another connection through the vineyards is provided by Vinotour, an international Nordic walking trail created through close cooperation between the Svečina Tourist Association and the Austrian municipality of Ratsch an der Weinstraße. The Vinotour trails pass by the farms of more than 100 Slovenian and Austrian wine producers and include more than 80 kilometres of marked paths.

Vinotour comprises five circular trails. They are marked with yellow markings and bottle-shaped trail signs; the colours of the stickers on the signs correspond to the names of the individual trails.

Culinary delights

Vinogradništvo Peter Jamšek organises wine tastings by prior arrangement in the Grajska klet in Svečina for groups of 20 to 30 people. Vino Valdhuber welcomes visitors for wine tastings in a specially designed room with views of the picturesque wine-growing landscape and Svečina Castle.

The Wine Falot wine cellar is open to visitors. There, visitors can enjoy wine tastings and learn about the story behind the wine. Vino Jamnik offers guided tours of the wine cellar and wine tastings in a designated room. At farms offering tourist services and in wine taverns in Svečina, visitors can try homemade cold cuts, farm-style bread, gibanica and apple strudel; many places also offer hot meals and overnight accommodation.

Culture

The parish church of Saint Andrew in Svečina was first mentioned in historical records in 1195 and acquired its present appearance between 1652 and 1657. Its furnishings include an oval pulpit with a curved canopy, as well as two bronze bells dating from 1518 and 1877.

Svečina Castle has preserved its Renaissance architectural form to this day; its complex also includes a castle building and a smithy. A plaque with a construction inscription from 1629 is located at the castle. The exhibitions listed at Svečina Castle include a presentation of the Svečina wine queens and the clothing of the Maribor wine queens from Svečina, an embroidery exhibition and a painting exhibition; the “Attic Treasures” exhibition is also mentioned.

The Vinogradniški muzej Kebl presents an old winegrower's cottage with simple historical furnishings, a large old wine press, old tools and occasional exhibitions. In front of the cottage, visitors can drink Svečina wine or juice.

Village life

The Kmečki praznik in Svečina has been held for 40 years and combines a diverse selection of market stalls with convivial gatherings.

Open more destinations on poezdka.de here: Dolnja Počehova, Pesnica pri Mariboru, Zgornja Kungota, Pesnica, Selnica ob Muri, Jareninski Dol.

To the overview of the wider area: Pesnica.