The Istenič family's love for bubbles is a heritage that transcends five decades - a testament to the enduring charm of sparkling wine, long before it was a fashionable 'must-have'. Janez Istenič was an enthusiastic sportsman before a love of oenology led him to a prestigious winemaking career in one of Yugoslavia's state cellars during the vibrant 1960s. After a visit to Champagne, he relaised that his father-inlaw's vineyard, acclaimed for its wines of "distinct freshness", mirrored the profile of the high-acid grapes nurtured in Champagne. In a leap of faith, Janez invested his savings to acquire land and equipment and became a pioneer of Slovenian sparkling wine.
