Marof Winery

The Marof (Maierhof) in eastern Slovenia has existed for 120 years. Its composition of a country manor house and outbuildings lies on the ridge west of Mačkovci village in Prekmurje. Complete revitalization of the complex reinstates the manor house to its original condition; the outbuildings are replaced with new structures, adapted to new functions and technologies, all under supervision of Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage. First of these is the winery; its form follows terrain topography, its volume composition is subordinated to the adjoining manor house. In accordance with the Cultural Heritage guidelines, the roof is finished in red brick, the roofing material of the old outbuildings. Fragmented facade surface sets up a multitude of vertical bars embraced by grapes. The visible part of the structure above ground comprises only the visitor reception area (northern side) and grape reception (southern side). The rest is hidden below ground: technological areas consist of grape press, metal and wooden wine canisters, a laboratory, bottle filling station and storage areas. Viewing portholes in visitor reception area provide views of the cellars below. Vineyards surround the building on all sides; they are all that can be seen from within.