The oldest grapevine in the world proudly grows at Lent, next to the Drava River in Maribor. This 400 year old vine symbolizes the rich wine heritage of this part of Slovenia. North-eastern Slovenia is internationally recognized as an intensive agricultural area, and a rich tradition of progressive agricultural education is well established here. This year, the seventh annual University Wine Competition will be organized at Meranovo, situated near the northern part of Pohorje.

Archduke Johann, the grandson of Empress Maria Theresa and first owner of the Meranovo estate, started planting vines in the area and initiated the earliest progress in the field of viticulture education in the year 1832, when he established a viticulture school at Meranovo. Meranovo, now a part of the University of Maribor, maintains the tradition of exquisite wine production. The University of Maribor is justifiably proud of these wines, and our trademark is known among many universities in World. The idea of the university wine competition is unique since no other competition of this kind exists today.

We hope that this competition will expand beyond Europe and attain global success. We are pleased by the previous positive reactions of participating universities, which have additionally inspired and motivated us to continue the competition. Our rich common heritage will give us a common path which we will celebrate again at this, our eight university wine competition.