Vitomarci

Vitomarci is the main settlement of the Municipality of Sveti Andraž v Slovenskih goricah in northeastern Slovenia. Located in the heart of the Slovenske Gorice (Slovenian Hills) wine region, the village sits among rolling hills covered with vineyards, orchards, and fields. The settlement is named after Saint Thomas (Sveti Tomaž), though the municipality derives its name from the nearby Church of St. Andrew (Sveti Andraž).

Vitomarci has a long history as a wine-growing settlement, with archaeological evidence of viticulture dating back to Roman times. The village is characterized by traditional Slovenske Gorice architecture, including well-preserved wine cellars (kleti) built into hillsides for natural temperature regulation. The landscape of terraced vineyards stretching to the horizon is the defining feature of the area.

The climate is continental, with warm summers averaging 24–28°C and cold winters. The best time to visit is April to October, with the grape harvest in September–October being the most vibrant period. The village is very small and can be explored on foot in under an hour.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX), approximately 28 km west. Graz Airport (GRZ) in Austria is about 85 km north. Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is 145 km southwest.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Lenart (8 km south), on the Maribor–Murska Sobota line. Trains run several times daily. From Lenart station, a taxi is required to reach Vitomarci.

By Car / Road

Vitomarci is reached by local road from Lenart (8 km, 12 minutes) and Maribor (30 km, 35 minutes). Public bus connections are very limited. A car is essential for reaching the village.

The village is small and walkable. The surrounding vineyard landscape is ideal for cycling, with quiet country lanes connecting to neighbouring wine-producing villages. There is no public transport within the municipality.

• Church of St. Andrew (Sveti Andraž) — Hilltop church with panoramic views over the Slovenske Gorice, the municipality's namesake landmark

• Traditional Wine Cellars — Many cellars carved into hillsides are architectural attractions in themselves

• Vineyard Panoramas — The surrounding hills offer sweeping views across the Drava Plain toward Maribor and the Pohorje range

• Wine tasting at local cellars — Sample Šipon (Furmint), Laški Rizling, and Sauvignon Blanc from family producers

• Cycling the Slovenske Gorice Wine Route — Well-marked cycling route connecting Vitomarci with neighbouring wine villages

• Autumn harvest celebrations — Participate in grape picking and traditional must (mošt) tasting in September–October

• Photography — The rolling vineyard landscape is especially photogenic in autumn with golden vines

• Walking and hiking — Quiet country trails through the hills with viewpoints at every turn

Dining options are very limited in Vitomarci itself. The best culinary experience is wine cellar tastings with accompanying local food platters:

• Wine cellar tastings — Most cellars offer degustation with cured meats, local cheeses, and fresh bread; prices vary, typically €10–20 per person
• Gostilns in Lenart (8 km) — Several traditional inns serving hearty Prekmurje and Štajerska cuisine

Wine is the focus, with the Slovenske Gorice producing outstanding white wines. Šipon (Furmint) is a local speciality. Some cellars produce excellent sparkling wines made by traditional method. Homemade fruit brandies from pears, plums, and apricots are also common. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Tourist farm accommodation in the surrounding area; from €35–50 per night
• Mid-range: Rooms at wine cellars or guesthouses in the region; from €50–70 per night
• Upscale: The nearest upscale accommodation is in Maribor (30 km) or the Radenci spa resort (35 km)

Vitomarci has no shops. The nearest shopping is in Lenart (8 km). Local wine is the primary purchase, available directly from producers. Some cellars also sell apple juice, pumpkin seed oil, and honey. The weekly market in Lenart (Saturday morning) offers local produce.

• Lenart (8 km south, 12 minutes) — Historic market town with a Renaissance castle and Gothic church
• Sveti Andraž Church (2 km) — The namesake hilltop church with panoramic views over the wine region
• Maribor (30 km west, 35 minutes) — Second city of Slovenia with the oldest vine (Stara trta), Lent riverfront, and a vibrant food scene
• Ptuj (35 km southeast, 40 minutes) — Slovenia's oldest town with a medieval castle, Roman remains, and the famous Kurentovanje carnival
• Gornja Radgona (22 km north, 25 minutes) — Border town with a castle and exhibition grounds hosting the Pomurski sejem trade fair
• Radenci (35 km northeast, 40 minutes) — Spa town famous for Radenska mineral water and thermal wellness centres