Winery Marof

Marof is a wine estate in the Goričko hills, in the far north-east of Slovenia, in the region of Prekmurje. Goričko is a quiet upland of rounded hills, woods and meadows lying against the Austrian and Hungarian borders, and it is among the least-visited landscapes of the country. The area has a long tradition of winegrowing on its sunny southern slopes, and the vines here produce fresh, aromatic white wines as well as some reds. The estate stands near Mačkovci, close to the castle village of Grad, and it combines a renovated manor-style homestead with a modern cellar.

The winery presents itself as a family-run business with a focus on quality and a careful approach to the vineyards. Visitors can taste the estate's wines, which usually include several varieties of white, and learn about the winemaking process from the vine to the bottle. The cellar is modern and designed to let the wine mature in cool, controlled conditions, while the older buildings give the place a sense of history. The terrace looks out over the hills, and in warm weather it is a very pleasant place to sit with a glass of wine and a plate of local food.

Food is a central part of the visit. The restaurant serves dishes based on seasonal local produce, with game, poultry and pork from the area, mushrooms from the forests and vegetables from the gardens, accompanied by the estate's wines. The cuisine of Prekmurje is known for its pumpkin-seed oil, its dumplings and its layered desserts, and many places in the region combine these with modern cooking. The estate opens to guests mostly at weekends, so it is wise to check the days and book a table, especially in the high season.

There is plenty to see nearby. Grad Castle, the largest castle in Slovenia by number of rooms, stands a short drive away, and the Goričko Nature Park offers walking and cycling routes through quiet villages and meadows. Other places to taste wine in the area include the Gesamtsteirische Vinothek, Posestvo Gjerkeš and Weinhof Platzer, which reflect the cross-border wine culture of the Styrian and Pannonian hills. A visit to Marof pairs well with a day of exploring the countryside, and it suits couples, small groups and anyone who wants to sample the wines of the north-east in a relaxed setting.