Istenič: Our Story
Three generations of innovation
Introducing Slovenia’s best kept secret
For over five decades, the Istenič family have been dedicated to crafting exceptional sparkling wines and they have become one of the greatest winemaking families in Slovenia. Today the family wine estate is in the hands of third generation twins Mark and Nik Istenič, who continue the family legacy under the watchful eyes of their father Miha and grandfather Janez.
Istenič combines their heritage as one of Slovenia’s first and most celebrated sparkling wine producers with modern innovation. From showcasing mature, vintage sparklings, critically-acclaimed low sulfite wines, and celebrating Slovenia’s golden grape: Rumeni Plavac.
The wines are in demand the world over and we’re now proud to introduce them to passionate sparkling wine fans here in the UK.
Janez Istenič
Our story starts with Janez Istenič, the main character in our fairytale. First an enthusiastic athlete, he changed paths towards the world of wine, working in one of Yugoslavia’s state wineries in the the 1960s. It was here that he discovered a fascination with the effervescent fance of bubbles in sparkling wine. Fate offered Janez the chance to study in the heart of Champagne – an experience that would change his, and his family’s, life forever.
Bizeljsko
Bizeljsko, a wine region in the east of Slovenia near the border with Croatia, is where Janez began his new legacy. His father-in-law’s vineyard produced grapes befitting of traditional method sparkling’s high acidity profile, and so Janez found an opportunity, to produce wines with the finesse of Champagne but the heart of Slovenia. His venture first bore fruit in 1968, a year marked by the birth of his daughter and his first sparkling wine, both of which he named ‘Barbara’.
Rumeni Plavac
Janez Istenič’s new venture made him one of Slovenia’s very first wine producers of traditional method sparkling. The family’s focus has been on sparkling wine ever since. Today, with modern equipment, Istenič presses only the purest juice and invests in the secret to all great fizz: patience. Slow maturation on lees and under cork brings us a library of truly stunning wines. And yet there’s more: a mastery over Slovenia’s indigenous golden grape: Rumeni Plavac. Blended into some of their wines it adds a signature flavour that makes for memorable, uniquely delicious wine.
A visit to Istenič
Each generation of Istenič grew up amongst the vines, connected with the terroir and a deep respect for the art of winemaking.
The family have opened a centre for visitors, located in Bizeljsko, in the heart of Slovenia’s Posavje wine region. The centre is in a typical old thatched house, a local cultural monument, and represents a typical Bižice house from the 19th century.
It is in this very house where Istenič’s story and their love for bubbles began more than fifty years ago. Alongside the wines, they offer guests information about the region, including options for leisure activities, heritage sightseeing, and details about other producers and experiences in the Municipality of Brežice.
Istenič in the UK
If you know, you know.
This Is Our Secret
We’re excited to be bringing the range of Istenič wines to the UK market. Despite worldwide demand, we have worked hard to secure Istenič’s top releases for serving here in the UK.
Nik & Mark Istenič
Co-CEOs, Third Gen Istenič
Ben Franks FRSA
UK Brand Ambassador
Dan Farrell-Wright
Importer, Wickhams Wine