Fall Getaway · Prlekija, Slovenia

Welcome to Fall: A Guide to the Grape Harvest and Wine Culture of Prlekija

As summer gives way to fall, the most magical time of the year begins in Prlekija. The vineyards turn shades of gold and copper, the air is filled with the scent of grape must, and the villages come alive with one of the region’s oldest traditions—the grape harvest. Below you’ll find everything you need to know: when the grape harvest takes place, what to experience, which events to include in your visit, and where to stay amidst the vineyards.

A Brief Overview of the Grape Harvest in Prlekija

The grape harvest is the picking of ripe grapes, which in Prlekija takes place from early September to late October —the exact dates depend on the variety and the harvest. It is not just a farming task, but a social event filled with songs, good cheer, and local cuisine.

For guests seeking an autumn getaway in the wine-growing hills, this is the time when the region reveals its true spirit: family-run wineries around Jeruzalem and Kog open their doors, winemakers invite visitors to try their hand at harvesting grapes, and the fall season culminates with St. Martin’s Day celebrations.

Region Prlekija, Ljutomer-Ormož Hills, northeastern Slovenia
Grape Harvest Season early September – late October
Typical varieties Šipon (Furmint), Laški and Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon
Highlight of the Season St. Martin’s Day, November 11 – the transformation of must into wine
Starting Point Jeruzalem, Municipality of Ljutomer (approx. 345 m above sea level)
Recommended length of stay 2–3 days (long weekend)
Reservations Dates during the grape harvest and St. Martin’s Day celebrations fill up as early as summer

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Days for the Perfect Fall Getaway

What Is the Grape Harvest and Why You Should Experience It

The grape harvest is the picking of ripe grapes, which in Prlekija takes place from early September through October, depending on the variety and the vintage. Early varieties are harvested first, while Šipon and Riesling usually wait for the longer, sunnier days of October.

Anyone looking for a true wine tourism experience in Slovenia this fall should definitely watch the grape harvest—or even take part in it—as many local winegrowers are happy to invite guests to try their hand at picking a few bunches of grapes, push a full crate to the tractor, and then sit down at the table.

In the fall, the winemakers of Prlekija take center stage more than ever. Family-run wineries around Jeruzalem and Kog open their doors for young wine tastings, and in many places, guests can even participate in grape pressing or barrel filling. This represents generations of winemaking expertise—from stories about the vineyard’s location to explanations of why this particular slope of the hills produces such distinctive Laški Riesling and Šipon.

Grape Harvest in the Vineyards of Jerusalem in Prlekija

Fall Calendar in the Wine-Growing Hills

Period What’s Happening Who will enjoy it the most
Early September harvesting of early varieties, first must for those who want to experience vineyard work up close
Mid-September and late September the height of the grape harvest, village harvest festivals, open-cellar days for a festive atmosphere and local cuisine
October harvesting Šipon and Riesling, golden hillsides for scenic views, photography, and peaceful walks
The first half of November St. Martin’s Day celebrations, must christening, young wine tastings in keeping with tradition, roast goose, and wine evenings
Late November serene hills, fog over the valleys, wellness season for a slow, quiet getaway for two
The Infinity Pool Above the Vineyards in Autumn at the Sibon Wine & Spa Resort

A hotel with a view that comes alive in a different way in the fall

Fall at the Sibon Wine & Spa Resort is a visually completely different experience from summer. The same view of the vineyards, which glows green in the summer, transforms overnight into a mosaic of gold, copper, and brown hues. From the terraces and their rooms, guests watch as the hills change from day to day—a sort of natural autumn calendar.

  • The heated infinity pool remains open even in the fall
  • Swimming at sunset, when the light bathes the hills in a reddish-gold glow
  • A cozy indoor spa with panoramic windows for cooler days
  • Private sauna sessions, massages, and facials after a day spent among the vineyards
  • A restaurant featuring contemporary Prlekija cuisine and seasonal dishes

Fall Activities for Guests

An active daytime experience and wellness in the evening—a combination that makes for the perfect fall getaway. All of the following are located no more than 20 minutes from the resort.

Grape Harvesting in the Jerusalem Area

1. The Grape Harvest Experience

For guests looking for an authentic grape-harvesting experience, we can help organize a visit to nearby wineries right during the harvest—with the chance to pick up a pair of shears yourself and taste the first must.

Fall Wellness and Sauna at the Sibon Wine & Spa Resort

2. Fall Wellness Getaway

After a day spent among the vineyards, it’s time to unwind: a private sauna, a massage, and a warm pool with a view of the colorful hills. It’s precisely this change of pace that makes a fall getaway different from a summer one.

A view of the autumn vineyards from the resort's pool in Jerusalem

3. Wine, Wineries, and Views

Wine safaris, e-bike rides along the wine route, and tastings at local wineries—enjoy the fall with a glass of young wine and pumpkin seed oil from a local oil mill.

Fall Events in the Jerusalem Area

  • The Oldest Vine Festival in Maribor. A festive grape harvest from the world’s oldest grapevine, accompanied by wine tastings and culinary delights.
  • The Lendava Grape Harvest. One of the region’s biggest ethnological events—featuring a parade, music, and wine.
  • Village grape harvests and open-cellar days. Small, authentic events throughout the Jerusalem Hills in September and October.
  • St. Martin’s Day, November 11. The highlight of the season: the transformation of must into wine, a traditional dinner featuring roast goose, and a tasting of young wine.

A Three-Day Fall Weekend Itinerary

The grape harvest lasts only a few weeks each year. Three days are just enough to get into the rhythm—and to get some rest along the way.

Day 1

The Arrival and the Golden Hills

An afternoon arrival, a walk through the vineyards to the lookout point when the colors are at their most vibrant. In the evening, dinner featuring Prlekija specialties and a glass of Šipon as the sun sets.

Day 2

Grape Harvest and Winery

In the morning, visit a winery in the middle of the grape harvest; if you’d like, you can even help with the harvest. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of young wine; in the evening, relax in the sauna and warm pool with a view.

Day 3

The Surroundings and Departure

A trip to Ormož and the lagoons, an olive oil mill, or Ptuj. Return for a late lunch and departure—with a crate of young wine and pumpkin seed oil in the trunk.

Sibon Wine & Spa Resort Jeruzalem this fall, featuring a pool overlooking the vineyards

Where to Stay During the Grape Harvest

Sibon Wine & Spa Resort is a boutique 4-star resort in Jerusalem, designed for adult guests (ages 15 and up). It’s nestled right among the vineyards, which means that in the fall, the day begins and ends with the same view—only a little more golden each day.

  • 25 individually designed rooms and suites with a view
  • Heated infinity pool, open even during the fall months
  • Indoor spa with panoramic windows, saunas, and massages
  • A restaurant featuring contemporary Prlekija cuisine and a seasonal menu
  • Organizing visits to wineries during the grape harvest

Practical Tips for a Fall Visit

  • Book early. Events during the grape harvest and St. Martin’s Day celebrations are already sold out by summer.
  • Please schedule your visit to the wine cellar in advance. During the grape harvest, winemakers are in the vineyard—the date is set a few days in advance.
  • Take care of the driver. The roads through the hills are narrow and winding, and you’ll soon find yourself making more stops than you planned.
  • Dress in layers. Fall mornings in the hills are cold and foggy, while afternoons are often sunny.
  • Wear something that can get muddy. Vineyards after it rains aren’t the place for new sneakers.
  • Cash comes in handy. Smaller farms and market stalls don’t always accept cards.

Experience the grape harvest where it’s at its best

Sibon Wine & Spa Resort · Jeruzalem 18, Ivanjkovci · Reservations: +386 31 379 752 · sales@sibon.si

Frequently Asked Questions About the Grape Harvest in Prlekija

When is the grape harvest in Prlekija?

The grape harvest usually begins in early September and lasts until the end of October. The exact timing depends on the variety and the harvest: early varieties are picked first, while Šipon and Riesling often wait for the longer, sunnier days of October.

Yes. Many local winemakers are happy to invite guests to try their hand at harvesting grapes. At Sibon Wine & Spa Resort, we help guests organize visits to nearby wineries during the grape harvest—we recommend letting us know when you make your reservation.

Yes, the heated infinity pool remains open even in the fall and offers one of the most beautiful views at the resort: swimming at sunset, when the light bathes the vineyards in a reddish-gold hue. For cooler days, there’s a warm indoor spa with panoramic windows.

St. Martin’s Day is on November 11, when, according to folk tradition, the must is officially “baptized” into wine. It is one of the most popular holidays in Slovenian wine-growing regions—featuring the christening of the must, a traditional dinner of roast goose, and a tasting of young wine.

In the fall, the focus is on young wines from this year’s harvest, alongside the region’s signature varieties: Šipon (Furmint), Laški and Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon, and Pinot Gris. In the wineries around Jeruzalem and Kog, tastings are available, accompanied by explanations about the vineyard’s location and the vintage.

The Oldest Vine Festival in Maribor, featuring a ceremonial grape harvest; the Lendava Grape Harvest, with a parade and music; and smaller village grape harvests and open-cellar days throughout the Jeruzalem Hills. The season concludes with St. Martin’s Day celebrations in mid-November.

One day is enough for a quick glimpse, but for the full grape-harvesting experience, we recommend two to three days: one day for picking grapes and visiting the winery, one for wellness and sightseeing, and one for a trip to Ormož or Ptuj. Most guests opt for a long weekend.

As soon as possible. Dates during the grape harvest and St. Martin’s Day celebrations are often sold out as early as summer, since this is the most popular time of year in the wine-growing hills.

In the fall, the region is open to everyone—wine tours, cycling, and grape harvests are all family-friendly. Sibon Wine & Spa Resort, however, is designed as a peaceful oasis for adults and welcomes guests ages 15 and older, so families with younger children in the area tend to choose other accommodations.

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