Our wine story
Our wine story
A scion of a vine represents the beginning of something new. In our desire to create new experiences, we at the Mond Gaming and Entertainment Centre designed an idea about a modern hotel, the first Slovenian wine resort.
Driven by a desire for new experiences, we at the Mond Gaming and Entertainment Centre created the story of a modern hotel – Slovenia’s first wine resort – which we began writing in 2016. This vision was inspired by the rich winemaking traditions of the local area. In Mond’s vine motif, numerous wine and other local specialties come together, offering guests a unique experience throughout their stay, encouraging them to explore the wine routes on both sides of the border, including the world-renowned South Styrian Wine Road, just a five-minute drive away.
The wine story through architecture
When designing the exterior of the Mond hotel, the Omnia Arching Architecture Bureau was inspired by the wine-growing environment and they incorporated the shape of a wine-making barrel with accentuated circular lines into the design of the building, which is reflected in all the hotel spaces. As the heart of the hotel, a wine bar was placed, which opened its doors in December 2016, together with an event hall, spa, 35 hotel rooms and 5 suites.
Rebstöcke statt Grundstein
When the construction of Mond Hotel started, we planted two vines at the construction site instead of a foundation stone. The godmother of the Slovenian vine (Laški rizling variety) is the Doppler Winery, while the godmother of the Austrian vine (Sauvignon variety) is the Polz Winery. Today, these two wines welcome the guests upon arrival at the Hotel, introduce the Hotel’s wine theme and illustrate the cross-border connection between the Slovenian and Austrian Southern Štajerska Wine Road.
The oldest vine in Mond
In the spring after the opening of the Mond Hotel, the vines were proudly joined by a descendant of the oldest vine in the world, the Žametna črnina variety from Maribor’s old city centre Lent, which was gifted to the Mond Hotel by the Municipality of Maribor. The oldest vine, which holds a Guinness world record, is more than 400 years.
The hotel vineyard
The Hotel vineyard, located on the slope under the hotel rooms, was planted in May 2017. 100 scions of the Muscat Ottonel variety were planted. Every vine bears the name tag of its owner, our loyal guests. Throughout the year, we happily and responsibly take care of the scions on their behalf. The four pavilions in the vineyard are intended for pleasures such as wine tastings, picnics with a basket of local delicacies and, for the most beautiful start to the day, a breakfast between the vine scions.
Opulent comfort, house flavours
At the hotel reception, guests receive a warm personal welcome with energising water and raisin cookies from the Mond pastry shop. In their rooms, they are greeted by a carefully prepared local surprise, created in collaboration with selected local producers.
In this way, we also create our own signature flavours, including jam made from Jurka grapes, a distinctive local grape variety.
Opulent comfort, hotel rooms, and the wine story
All hotel rooms feature a grapevine leaf, an element that is also incorporated into the hotel’s overall visual identity. For an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, we have selected bedding made from 100% mercerised cotton sateen, complemented by extra-high beds with ergonomic mattresses.
Nine of the hotel’s rooms are particularly inspired by the world of wine, each named after a renowned local winemaker. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by the name of the room and by elements of its individual wine story, thoughtfully woven into the room’s ambience.
The wine-themed rooms are named after four Slovenian winemakers from the local area – Doppler, Valdhuber, Dveri Pax and Gaube – four Austrian winemakers from the South Styrian Wine Road – Polz, Tement, Skoff and Gross – as well as Hiša Stare trte (Old Vine House) on Maribor’s Lent waterfront.
The wine bar
The wine bar is the heart of the hotel. In front of the bar there is a summer terrace, which has a connection to the hotel vineyard. The wine list features local Slovenian and Austrian wine producers, as well as producers from other Slovenian wine regions. Guided wine tasting performed as a form of wine duel game enables the guests to discover and compare the flavours of these superb wines, accompanied by some typical Štajerska and Styrian food.
*Our first house wine was bottled in collaboration with the local winemaker, Doppler Wine House, at the hotel’s grand opening. The white cuvée harmoniously blends Styrian wine varieties such as Welschriesling, Furmint, and Muscat Ottonel, while the red cuvée combines Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt for a fresh and velvety red wine.
Hotel cosmetics
The hotel cosmetics, intended to pamper all your senses, have the scent of grapes.
Spa
At the Sky Wellness Spa, guests can enjoy complete relaxation in two saunas and whirlpool baths, as well as on the sun terrace surrounded by grapevines and offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
A range of massages is available, tailored to each guest’s individual wishes and needs. High-quality oils are used to enhance the relaxing experience and provide a truly holistic sense of wellbeing.
Styrian wine tales from the local area
For an authentic experience of the local area and its rich wine culture, guests can set out independently to explore the Slovenian and Austrian sections of the South Styrian Wine Road. Renowned vineyards and wine cellars await nearby, including Weingut Erich & Walter Polz, Weingut Tement, Weingut Gross, Srce med vinogradi (Heart among Vineyards) in Svečina, Vino Gaube, Hiša vina Doppler and Vinska klet Dveri Pax, where tradition meets an exceptional wine experience.
Wine packages for a good cause
Cross-border collaboration is a core part of Mond’s wine journey, forming the backbone of a charitable project launched by the Štaierska-Steiermark Rotary Club. Alongside winemakers and businesses from both sides of the border, Mond is proud to support this initiative, which aims to help young people from both countries on their path to a brighter future. By purchasing special “cross-border wine packages,” guests can contribute to aid for children from families in the Municipality of Črna na Koroškem, who were affected by the recent devastating floods.