Slovenia opens the world’s first olive oil fountain
On World Olive Day, the village of Marezige near Koper (Slovenia) stepped into the spotlight with the official opening of the world’s first olive oil fountain. This unique tourist and culinary attraction will offer year-round tastings of premium extra virgin olive oils from local producers.
The event coincided with the World Olive Day, a UNESCO event, underscoring the cultural and economic importance of olive growing for both Istria and Slovenia.
Despite relatively small production volumes, Slovenian olive oils stand out for their exceptional quality, distinct aromas and rich flavors – characteristics shaped by Istrian tradition, natural terroir and high processing standards.
The opening ceremony brought together the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Mateja Čalušić, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Koper, Mateja Hrvatin Kozlovič, and Patrik Babič, director of the company that also manages Marezige’s well-known wine fountain.
They emphasized that the olive oil fountain is designed as a space for tasting, learning, socializing and celebrating Istria’s olive-growing heritage. Visitors can sample olive oils from three local producers – Pr’ Rojcu, Sveti Kancijan and Sabadin – alongside selected young oils honored at this year’s Young Olive Oil awards. Tastings will be available every day of the year, while the shop will operate seasonally.
Olive Growing as Part of Istria’s Identity
Minister Čalušić underlined the symbolic significance of the project and its role in elevating the visibility of Istrian gastronomy. She also highlighted the recently adopted Food Act, which introduces a stricter system for verifying the sensory characteristics of virgin and extra virgin olive oils, further strengthening Slovenia’s olive oil sector within the European context.
The opening of the fountain also marked the conclusion of the Days of Young Olive Oil, held between 22 November and 7 December in selected restaurants across Koper, where guests enjoy special tasting menus featuring award-winning young oils.
With the world’s first olive oil fountain, Marezige has gained a new attraction that blends local tradition, modern gastronomy and tourism – reinforcing Istria’s reputation as one of Europe’s most distinctive and celebrated olive-growing regions.
newadmin
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers