Jeruzalem Wine Route

Jeruzalem is a village on a ridge in the Ljutomer-Ormož hills, in the north-east of Slovenia, in the region of Prlekija, and it is one of the best-known wine locations in the country. The ridge rises above the flat Pannonian plain, and its slopes are covered with vineyards, many of them on steep terraces, with small cellars, farmhouses and a church at the top. From the viewpoints at the village, the vines roll down to the plain, and on a clear day, the view extends far across the Mura and Drava valleys. The name, which is the Slovene form of Jerusalem, has a legend attached to it, and it is the first thing most visitors learn about the place.

According to the story, crusaders returning from the Holy Land in the Middle Ages passed through the area, and they were so struck by the quality of the local wine, and by the similarity of the landscape to the one they had left, that they stayed and gave the place its name. The tale is a legend, not a documented fact, but it reflects the age and reputation of the region as a wine country, and winegrowing in these hills certainly has a long history. The Romans are believed to have planted vines in the area, and monasteries and noble landowners in the Middle Ages developed the vineyards that survive today.

The wine route follows roads and paths through the hills and villages, with signposts that lead to cellars and farms offering tastings and meals. The best-known local grape is Šipon, the name used in Slovenia for Furmint, a variety that yields dry, firm, mineral white wines with good ageing potential and, in some years, sweet wines made from late-harvested grapes. Other varieties in the district include Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat, and many cellars make sparkling wines as well. Growers are generally welcoming, and many invite visitors to taste at their own tables, often with cold platters, home-baked bread and local specialities, so a visit can be a meal as well as a tasting.

Spring and autumn are the most attractive seasons, with fresh green leaves in April to June and the colours of harvest in September and October, and the landscape changes with each. The route is open all year, though many small cellars operate on a seasonal basis or by appointment, so it is wise to call ahead. Drivers should arrange alternatives to tasting, since roads are narrow and winding. The route fits into a wider exploration of Štajerska, which includes the Pohorje Mountains, Authentic Štajerska Cuisine, Boat Trips On Drava River, the Kurentovanje carnival and Wine Routes of Jeruzalem, and the town of Ljutomer is a short drive away.