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.
Dining and Cooking