The vineyards that cover the south-facing slopes above Maribor's old town are among the most accessible wine country in Europe — you can walk from the city centre to working vineyards in under half an hour. The slopes face the Drava valley and catch full afternoon sun, which suits the Žametovka, Blauburger, and Welschriesling varieties most commonly grown here.
Several wine estates along the Kalvarija hill above the city are open for tasting and cellars visits. The Maribor Wine Road is a marked walking and cycling route through the vineyards that connects to the wider Styrian wine country. Autumn, when the harvest is underway, is the best time to visit — winemakers are busy and welcoming, and the landscape turns golden. The Maribor Wine Festival in October celebrates the harvest with tastings and events in the old town.