Stainz Castle - Vinofaktur Genussregal - Maribor

Route: Graz - Stainz Castle - Vinofaktur Genussregal - Maribor - Graz
Duration: 9 h
Our first stop i this tour will be at the residence of the "Styrian prince" -  Stainz Castle. On the southern foothills of the "Rosenkogel", in the heart of western Styria, this historic building sits enthroned above the roofs of the city of Stainz, surrounded by its own vineyards and orchards. The castle was built in 1229 as an Augustinian monastery by Luitbold of Wildon. Its roots are the splendid Baroque and Renaissance complex, which is particularly evident in the church of St. Catherine, with its magnificent stucco work. In 1784 Emperor Francis II secularised the canons of the monastery and in 1840 Archduke Johann bought the castle from the state property for 250,000 guilders. Since then, Stainz Castle is owned by Archduke Johann's descendants, the Counts of Meran, for whom it is not just a residential but also an economic seat. Franz of Meran leads the legacy of his famous ancestors with the utmost commitment and modern business principles. In addition to the owners' living spaces, there is the castle, the hunting museum and the agricultural museum, both belonging to the Styrian Joanneum Universal Museum.Our next stop will be in the small town Vogau in South Styria, where lies Vinofaktur Genussregal, Styria’s largest wine shop which offers more than 2,500 different regional wines and delicacies from South Styria. What makes a visit to Vinofaktur essential is its unique architecture and its exhibition area which not only celebrates the culinary achievements of the region but also gives you a chance to experience them. What makes the shop’s architecture intriguing is the numerous shipping containers stacked on top of the store like a shelf. The interactive exhibition is thoroughly enjoyable and explains how high-quality raw products are processed into unique foods, using special production processes. The presence of 40 tasting stations gives you the unique opportunity to sample products from various manufacturers such as pumpkin seed oil, nibble kernels in many flavors, numerous oils, different vinegar flavors, honey, jam, volcano ham, chutneys, different kinds of pumpkin, pesto, chocolate, etc. Along the way, you get to sample some Styrian white wine as well! The tour ends with the possibility to purchase some wine and culinary products. It’s a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs. Our last stop in tour will be at Maribor which is a second largest city in Slovenia, surrounded by Pohorje mountain on one side and vineyards on the other. Cultural importance and value of Maribor are evidenced by the fact that in 2012 the city was awarded the title of the European Capital of Culture. The Lent, which is also the oldest part of the city, best describes its rich cultural heritage. This is also the site of production of the oldest wine in the world, with an old tradition of over 450 years. Maribor and its old town core will enrapture you with cultural-historical sights and the warm hospitality of the Mariborians. Take time and discover the most attractive corners of the city: wonderful city squares with notable buildings, Lent with the oldest grape vine in the world, the City park with three ponds and  Piramida…  In little streets there are numerous inviting coffeehouses and teahouses. During the tour zou will see Trg svobode Square,  Franciscan Church, Castle Square, Maribor Castle, St. Florian, Vetrinjska street, Vetrinjski Dvor Mansion, Salzburški Dvor Mansion, Jewish Square, Synagogue , Jewish Tower, Water Tower,Old Vine House, Judgement Tower, Minorite Monastery, Main Square, Aloysius Church, Plague Column, the City Hall, Slomšek Square, Cathedral, Slovene National Theatre , street Gosposka and Slovenska. After we will return to Graz.
Price: Per person