The oldest, functional grapevine in the world, located in Maribor, Slovenia, still produces grapes and wine, and is more than 450 years old. Each year, a hundred small, 250 ml bottles of wine are made from the 35-55 kgs of grapes produced from the vine. Known as the ‘Old Vine’, it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s the only plant boasting its own museum – the Old Vine House, and it even has its own anthem!
The Old Vine was protected in 1981 by the special decree of the Municipality of Maribor, and at that time a group of specialists started rescuing the decaying of the Old Vine.
After the revitalization of the Old Vine the yearly pruning has become a resounding event. Each year the city of Maribor gives a graft as a present to another town or community as a sign of friendship and co-operation. The grape harvest has also become a real city festival. Thousands of citizens of Maribor and prominent representatives of the state and of Diplomatic Corps and many others come to watch the grape harvest. On average the Old Vine has yielded 35 to 55 kg of grapes yearly in the last decade.
After fermentation the wine is filled into 2, 5 dcl bottles which Oskar Kogoj artistically designs. Each year up to 100 bottles of wine made from the Old Vine are filled. They are at the mayor’s disposal for protocol. A Certificate with a serial number and the vintage year accompanies each bottle. The originality is guaranteed by the Maribor seal from the year 1520 and by the city vinedresser. Among others, pope John Paul II and the American president Bill Clinton were the recipients of the bottle.
Picture Credit : Google