Wine Dialogues: Prijateljčky & frendi – A New Generation of the European Wine Capital

What happens when a new generation of winemakers—one that respects tradition but takes it forward in its own way—gathers around the same table?

As part of the World’s Oldest Grapevine Festival 2026 , Prijateljčky & frendi – young winemakers will gather at the Oldest Vine Square. They are the new blood of the wine scene, brought together by wine, friendship, collaboration, fresh ideas and, above all, a desire to build the future of their region together. And this year, the conversation takes place in a very special context: Maribor is the European Best Wine Capital 2026 . How does the new generation see the future of the European Wine Capital? How important are connections and collaboration among young winemakers? What can Styria and Slovenia’s other wine-growing regions learn from one another? And how can tradition be transformed into something that also speaks the language of a new generation? We will discuss all this in a relaxed and open atmosphere – and, of course, over a glass of wine. When? Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 19:00 Where? Oldest Vine Square, Maribor Moderator: Vanja Alič Speakers: Aleš Rodica (Vinarstvo Rodica and Vinski Univerzum) and Adam Valdhuber (Vino Valdhuber) Prijateljčky: Adam Valdhuber (Vino Valdhuber) Urban Hlade (Vino Hlade) Lina Kopše (Hiša vina Doppler) Jan Pliberšek (Vinotoč Pliberšek) Their frendi: Aleš Rodica (Vinarstvo Rodica and Vinski Univerzum) Vid Krapež (Vina Krapež) Kristjan Zalatel (Vina Zalatel) Veronika Frelih (Vinska klet Frelih) Music: DJ Aljaž The event is being organised in cooperation with the Finance newspaper and the Ovinu.si portal. A podcast featuring two of the participating winemakers will also be recorded. Come and listen to a generation that is not waiting for someone else to pass the wine story on to them. They are already writing it in their own way. *The organiser reserves the right to change the content of the event programme. **Photography and filming will take place at the event. Photo and video material will be used to promote the Maribor–Pohorje destination and the Oldest Vine. “The Minister of Health warns: Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health!” Contact: Oldest Vine, Vojašniška 8 2000 Maribor T: +386 51 335 521 E: info@najstarejsatrta.si