Podravje, located in northeastern Slovenia along the Austrian and Hungarian borders, is the country's second-largest wine region, covering approximately 6,100 hectares. Named after the Drava River, this region is best known as the birthplace of Slovenian sparkling wine Penina, as well as for its refined aromatic whites and award-winning sweet wines.

 

Podravje proudly holds the title of Slovenia’s oldest sparkling wine region, with production dating back to 1852 in Gornja Radgona. Here, the classical method sparkling wines often made from Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Furmint (Šipon).

​

Podravje region is home to:

Chardonnay, Modri Pinot (Pinot Noir), Blaufränkisch, Rumeni Muškat, Muškat Ottonel, Ranina (Bouvier), Rizvanec (Müller-Thurgau), Zeleni Silvanec (Sylvaner), Kerner, Portugalka, Kraljevina, Red and White Žlahtnina, Gamay, and Zweigelt.

​

Podravje is divided into two wine-growing districts:

​

Štajerska Slovenija (Styrian Slovenia)

​

This is Slovenia’s largest wine district, known for its rolling hills, terraced vineyards, and long-standing winemaking culture. It's home to the oldest grapevine in the world - Stara Trta, growing and bearing grapes since the 1657 in Maribor. 

 

In addition to penina, this district produces the region’s signature crisp, dry white wines, often fermented in stainless steel and bottled under screwcap to preserve their aromatics. Leading varieties include:​

​

Šipon (Furmint) – a regional classic, used in both dry and sweet wines.

 

Sauvignon Blanc, Renski Rizling (Riesling), Pinot Gris (Sivi Pinot), Pinot Blanc (Beli Pinot), Gewürztraminer (Dišeči Traminec), Laški Rizling (Welschriesling)

​

Prekmurje

Located in the far northeast, this smaller district sits on the edge of the warm Pannonian Plain, creating wines that are often richer and more full-bodied.

 

Prekmurje is gaining recognition for Blaufränkisch (Modra Frankinja). While white grapes still dominate, the hilly areas of Goričko and Lendavske Gorice are proving excellent for both still and sparkling wine production.

​

Podravje is also Slovenia’s premier region for botrytized sweet wines, especially from Šipon, Renski Rizling, and Laški Rizling.