November in Slovenia comes with a good reason to head into wine country. As the harvest season gives way to autumn feasts, Martinovanje — Slovenia’s St Martin’s Day celebrations — brings young wine, local food and lively gatherings to towns, villages and wine cellars across the country.
In 2026, St Martin’s Day falls on Wednesday, 11 November, with events taking place on the surrounding weekends as well. From Maribor’s city-centre festivities to celebrations among the vineyards of Brda and the Karst, there are several ways to experience the tradition.
What is Martinovanje?
Martinovanje celebrates the new wine harvest. According to Slovenian tradition, 11 November marks the symbolic moment when grape must becomes wine. The occasion is associated with St Martin and often includes a ceremonial blessing or humorous “baptism” of the must.
For visitors, it is an opportunity to meet winemakers, taste the new vintage and experience the social side of Slovenian wine culture. Celebrations range from public festivals with music and food stalls to meals and tastings hosted by restaurants and wine cellars.
When is Martinovanje in 2026?
The central date is 11 November 2026, but individual events have their own schedules. Some celebrations take place before St Martin’s Day, while others continue into the following weekend.
Here is a selection of officially announced events. Dates include events that have already taken place earlier in November, so check the calendar carefully when planning your visit.
| Destination | Dates in 2026 | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Maribor | Main celebration: 11 November; additional events around the date | Young wines, food stalls, a traditional must ceremony and live music |
| Ptuj | 11–14 November | Wine market, wine blessing, concerts and cultural events |
| Šmartno, Brda | 7–8 November | Wine tastings through the village, local food and cultural activities |
| Karst and Brkini | 5–15 November, depending on the event | Cellar visits, regional food and celebrations across several locations |
| Ljubljana Wine Route | 7 November | Wine and food tasting in the old town |
| Semič | 13–15 November | St Martin’s Day and autumn celebrations |
| Sečovlje | 13–15 November | A celebration of wine, local traditions and community |
Dates are published by the respective organisers and official tourism portals; programmes may change. Martinovanje v Mariboru 2026
Martinovanje in Maribor: celebrate on St Martin’s Day itself
If you want to celebrate on 11 November, Maribor is a strong choice. The city’s 41st Martinovanje takes place on Trg Leona Štuklja, with wine and food stalls, the traditional must ceremony and live performances.
The published 2026 entertainment programme includes Mladi Asi at 13:30, Čuki and Eva Potrebuješ at 16:00, and Vzrock at 18:30. There is also wine and food activity on Grajski trg.
A useful detail for visitors: Maribor’s city buses are free from 09:00 on 11 November, according to the official event announcement. Martinovanje v Mariboru 2026
Martinovanje in Ptuj: wine, music and culture
Ptuj’s celebrations run from 11 to 14 November 2026, combining public festivities with smaller cultural experiences.
On Wednesday, 11 November, the wine market on Mestni trg opens at 10:00, followed by the official opening at 10:45, including the crowning of Ptuj’s new wine queen and a wine blessing.
The programme continues with a cinema-and-wine evening on Thursday, a gallery visit with wine tasting on Friday, and another wine market and live music on Saturday, 14 November. This makes Ptuj a useful option for visitors who cannot attend on St Martin’s Day itself. visitptuj.eu
Martinovanje in Brda: wine tasting in Šmartno
The medieval village of Šmartno hosts its 2026 celebrations on 7 and 8 November. Tastings take place through the village’s streets and cellars, alongside local food, roasted chestnuts, music, exhibitions and workshops.
The published programme schedules wine tastings from 11:00 to 22:00 on Saturday and 11:00 to 19:00 on Sunday. Entry and tasting arrangements apply, so consult the official Brda programme before visiting. brda.si
Martinovanje on the Karst and in Brkini
Across the Karst and Brkini, events run from 5 to 15 November 2026, with different dates for individual venues.
The programme includes KRASno martinovanje from 6 to 15 November, connecting locations including Sežana, Dutovlje, Pliskovica, Lipica and the Karst Wine Road.
On 11 November, Kozina hosts Brćinsko martinovanje from 14:00 to 21:00 on Mestni trg, with local wines, regional food, roasted chestnuts and music. Check the official Karst and Brkini programme to choose a specific event. visitkras.info
Martinovanje in Ljubljana
The Ljubljana Wine Route’s St Martin’s edition was scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026, bringing wine producers and food providers to the streets and squares of the old town.
The event forms part of November Gourmet Ljubljana. Entry is free, while wine tastings require separately purchased vouchers and a tasting glass. As this year’s Wine Route date has passed, visitors arriving later in November should check the wider festival programme for other food and wine events. ljubljanskavinskapot.si
How to plan your visit
Choose a specific event before arranging transport: a regional celebration may cover several villages, while a city festival usually has a central meeting point. Book restaurant meals and cellar tastings ahead where reservations are required, and check whether admission, glasses and tastings are charged separately.
If you plan to taste wine, arrange public transport, a taxi or an overnight stay. Bring warm layers for outdoor events and check the organiser’s latest programme before setting off.
