How about celebrating this year’s World Food Day myself? Since I’m much better at typing on a keyboard than wielding a hoe (and honestly, I don’t even have any land to farm!), I’ve decided—after some thought—to write a short article on the topic of food and local tourism. It’s a subject that’s close to my heart, maybe a little too close considering my waistline !;-)
As a small municipality on the outskirts of the city, Kungota is an attractive place to live, located just a 15-minute drive from the center of Maribor, the second-largest city in Slovenia. This proximity gives Kungota the advantage of being non-industrialized. Home to 5,000 residents, the community is closely integrated with nature, despite its urbanized settlements.
The local economy is marked by agriculture, particularly food production (as nearby municipalities supply their surplus to the city) and agritourism. The entire municipality falls within a wine-growing region, featuring excellent sunlit slopes ideal for producing premium white wines. The border area with Austria runs along the South Styrian Wine Road, which, on fine days, sees traffic nearly at a standstill as tourists from both Austria to the north and Slovenia to the south flock to the area.
Most wine producers here are still farmers who supplement their income with beekeeping and tourism. The majority offer a quality selection of wines. Pure winemakers invite visitors for tastings in wine cellars and produce enough for sales as well. Farmers often serve local delicacies like home-cooked meals and cured meats. About half of them also provide accommodations.
What about the culinary offerings? A typical Sunday meal features three courses: beef or mushroom soup, followed by a main course of meat (pork, beef, or poultry) with a side (potatoes or pasta) and a salad (seasonal), and, of course, dessert (like the traditional gibanica pastry). Guests may have specific requests, but the menu is shaped by local ingredients. Here, the concept of “from garden to table” is truly literal! And no meal is complete without a glass of wine or, for children, local apple juice.
Kungota’s appeal extends beyond its culinary offerings. Four historic churches, ranging from 600 to 800 years old, the Svečina Castle, and a viticulture museum are cultural magnets for visitors. They can enjoy hiking, electric bikes, and horseback riding, which builds up an appetite. Across the rolling hills of this 50 km² area, there are 15 wine cellars and 10 tourist farms, along with a handful of bars and inns in the villages. While local bars are open regularly, the farm-based offerings are generally reserved for weekends and holidays.
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