Špela Vaupotič crowned Ptuj’s new wine queen

Špela Vaupotič has taken on the role of Ptuj’s wine queen, succeeding Klara Sužnik at a ceremony held on the city’s Mestni trg during the Martinovanje celebrations. Vaupotič will represent the area’s wine-growing heritage for the next two years, according to the report. The new queen comes from a family with deep roots in viticulture. The public institute for youth, sport and tourism in Ptuj said that caring for nature, working on the family farm and preserving family traditions are part of her everyday life. Vaupotič has been connected to vineyards since childhood and sees them as much more than a source of work. She described the vineyard as an important part of her family’s tradition and connection to the land. She also said that producing quality grapes and wine requires considerable effort, knowledge and commitment, and expressed respect for the growers who help preserve the region’s wine heritage. As part of the tradition, each Ptuj wine queen selects a ceremonial wine. Vaupotič chose a semi-dry Yellow Muscat, saying its aroma, gentle sweetness and freshness appealed to her. Her coronation gown, created by fashion designer Sabina Hameršak Zorec, was presented as a tribute to the Haloze region, its vineyards, people and landscape. The ceremony also marked the start of the pre-Carnival season, known locally as “mali fašenk.” The report says the festivities connect Ptuj’s winemaking traditions with its carnival heritage, ahead of the 67th Kurentovanje, scheduled for February 3 to 9, 2027.