VINOTEK 2026 is the first wine marathon in Slovenia and a unique cross-border sport and recreational event taking place in both Slovenia and Austria. During the race, runners will cross the national border and experience two wine regions in a single morning. Lovers of Nordic walking and recreational walking are also invited to participate, with the walking route required to be completed by 3:00 PM.

 

The course runs through the rolling hills of Svečinske gorice, passing vineyards, south Styrian wine road, and scenic paths with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. On both routes, participants will run through the famous Heart Road in Špičnik, one of the most recognizable landmarks of this wine region.

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A special feature of the event is its unique route, which leads:

• through vineyards,

• through the courtyards of winemakers on both sides of the border,

• and through picturesque wine cellars.

 

Along the course, refreshment stations will be set up where runners can enjoy not only regular drinks and fruit, but also excellent local wine, a refreshing wine spritzer, and homemade specialties—providing extra energy and an authentic wine-festival atmosphere.

 

VINOTEK brings together sport, local gastronomy, and cross-border cooperation, creating a new and unique form of an active sports-tourism event. In the past year, more than 30 wine marathons were held across Europe in 12 different countries. These events are not traditional competitive races; instead, they combine running and walking in a relaxed atmosphere where thousands of participants gather for recreation, socializing, wine tasting, and fun.

 

Many participants arrive in creative costumes, travel with friends, and often stay for several days to enjoy the local wine culture and hospitality. Some of the most popular wine marathons take place in France, including the Beaujolais International Marathon, Marathon du Médoc, Marathon des Vignes de Blaye (Bordeaux), Marathon de Chablis, Marathon du Vignoble d’Alsace, Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon (Burgundy), La Champenoise, and the Marathon du Cognac. In Germany, the well-known Marathon Deutsche Weinstraße (Riesling) is very popular, while in Italy events such as the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Run and the Montepulciano Run (Tuscany) attract many participants. In Austria, the Blaufränkischland Marathon takes place each October.

 

The city of Maribor has been named the best European Wine Capital for 2026. In this special year, the Maribor Tourist Board aims to attract lovers of authentic wine, culinary, and cultural experiences, while further positioning the wider Styrian region together with Slovenia on the global map of wine destinations.

 

The VINOTEK event represents an important addition to this program and an excellent opportunity to promote Svečinske gorice as an attractive wine destination. By combining active leisure, local gastronomy, and premium wines, the event offers visitors a unique experience in a picturesque wine-growing landscape.

 

Just as with the popular hiking events, it is impossible to imagine this running event without the participation of local associations and winemakers. The involvement of the local community gives the event its special character—through joint promotion and an enriched offer for runners, spectators, and all visitors.

 

The event will conclude at Svečina castle, where a vibrant finish-area program will await participants, featuring live music, local cuisine, and of course excellent wines from Svečina. The event will thus bring together sport, social gathering, and wine culture, offering visitors an authentic experience of the Styrian wine-growing landscape.