SVEČINA
Svečina is a small village in the Municipality of Kungota with just under one thousand inhabitants. It lies right next to the border with Austria, in the rolling hills of the valleys and ridges of the Slovenske gorice. With its castle, central square, and compact village core surrounded by vineyards, Svečina is a typical example of a Styrian wine-growing village. Yet the true charm of the place lies not only in its picturesque rural architecture, but above all in the wine that matures in its cellars.
The long winemaking tradition of this area is well documented in Slovenian newspapers from the first half of the 20th century. Reports from that time describe how people travelled from near and far to Svečina to buy wine and wrote about wine exhibitions and tastings that already shaped the region’s wine culture. The village also played an important role in the more recent development of Slovenian winemaking, when local winemakers began promoting high-quality dry wines as early as the late 1980s.
Among the quality wines produced in Svečina, white varieties dominate – Rhine Riesling, Welschriesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Yellow Muscat and Traminer. Many winemakers receive high awards at national and international wine competitions, confirming their dedication to tradition and quality.
In addition to excellent wines, visitors can enjoy rich local cuisine. At farm tourism establishments and wine taverns, guests can taste homemade cold cuts, traditional farmhouse bread, gibanica (cottage cheese desert) or apple strudel. In many places the offer is complemented with warm meals and accommodation.
Svečina is a place with a long history. In 2027 it will celebrate 830 years since its first written mention. The name first appeared in 1270 in German and Latin documents as Witschein or Wetschina. However, the history of the area reaches even further back – an important route is believed to have passed through here already in Roman times, connecting what is now central Slovenia with Austrian Styria and continuing toward Vienna.
The village is also associated with a notable figure from the 16th century. Andrej Perlach (1490–1551), an astronomer, mathematician and physician, was born in Svečina. He later became four-time dean of the medical faculty and rector of the University of Vienna.
Culture also plays an important role in Svečina. The cultural society named after Jože Stupnik brings together residents of all generations and actively promotes theatre, folklore and singing. For more than forty years, the local tourism association has organized a traditional harvest festival at the end of September, attracting visitors from near and far. During the event, the Svečina Wine Queen is crowned. In spring, open wine cellar days present the new vintage, while in May young winemakers showcase their best wines at the castle.
Svečina is also known for the tourism product Vinotour, which promotes Nordic walking and walks among the vineyards. The Vinotour trails run across the courtyards of more than one hundred Slovenian and Austrian wine-growing farms along more than 80 kilometres of marked routes. Particularly popular are guided thematic walks that attract hundreds of lovers of nature, wine and local gastronomy.
Among the local attractions are numerous historic wine cellars and the Svečina castle, built in the early 17th century. Until recently it housed an agricultural school, while today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events. In the village centre stand the Church of St. Andrew, a cultural hall, a kindergarten and a branch primary school.
Visitors can also explore the region’s wine tradition at the small vineyard museum in Kebl, located in a more than 200-year-old vineyard cottage that presents the life and work of vineyard labourers. On the other side of the valley rises the 511-metre Plač hill with a lookout tower, offering views on clear days stretching from Prekmurje to Donačka gora and across the border into Austria.
In recent years, Svečina has become internationally known for the famous Heart Road in Špičnik, which can be admired from the viewing terrace at the Dreisiebner winery. This unique view of a road winding through the vineyards in the shape of a heart has become a recognizable symbol not only of Svečina, but also of the entire Slovenia.
Locals like to say: “Our heart lies among the vineyards.” Therefore, we warmly invite you to visit and experience the genuine hospitality and beauty of the Svečina wine hills.