St. Martin’s Day 2026 in Prlekija: Events, Young Wine, and Where to Stay

St. Martin’s Day is the feast day of St. Martin, the bishop of Tours, celebrated on November 11. In Slovenian wine-growing regions, this is the day when the fall work in the vineyard and the cellar comes to an end: the must has fermented, the barrels are full, and the winegrower can toast the harvest. That is why St. Martin’s Day is often called the “Styrian New Year” in many places.

The central ceremony is the christening of the must. In a playful yet solemn ceremony, “St. Martin’s Bishop,” along with the godfather and witnesses, names the must and declares it wine. At the same time, the christening certificate is read aloud, the vintage is blessed, and, of course, the first toast is raised. In Prlekija, must christenings are part of town St. Martin’s Day celebrations, village festivals, and family cellar gatherings.

This fall, they also take down the last klopotce—wooden wind chimes that have spent the entire summer chasing birds away from the grapes with their clattering.

According to legend, Martin, who had hidden himself so that he would not be elected bishop, was given away by cackling geese. That is why the St. Martin’s goose remains the queen of the festive table to this day: roasted until the skin is crispy, served with mlinci soaked in the rich juices from the roast and stewed red cabbage. In Prlekija, it’s often served with kisla župa—a hearty soup cooked in large cauldrons during St. Martin’s Day celebrations.

Young wine is this year’s vintage—fresh, fruity, and lively—intended to be enjoyed in the first few months. It is officially “christened” on St. Martin’s Day. In the Jerusalem Hills, mature wines of characteristic varieties are also served alongside it: Šipon (Furmint), Welschriesling and Riesling, Sauvignon, and Pinot Gris.

Martinovanje is a festival of wine tasting: a glass of must in the town square, two samples in the cellar, and young wine with dinner. The roads through the vineyards are narrow, winding, and often foggy in November, so driving after a tasting is risky and unnecessary.

Even a single drink can exceed the legal limit, and there is a zero-tolerance policy for novice drivers.

A St. Martin’s Day celebration with an overnight stay means that after dinner, you simply head to your room with a view of the vineyards, and in the morning, breakfast awaits you instead of a drive through the fog.

For groups of friends, Sibon is both a starting point and a place to return to: you can take a taxi or organized transportation to Ptuj, Ormož, or Ljutomer, and then return to the hotel feeling relaxed.

You can choose from the following room types: Classic, Comfort, Deluxe, and Suite—all with a view of the vineyards and access to the spa.