Winter Winescapes

Beyond the Box

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  MAROF

  Among the most celebrated wineries in Eastern Slovenia, Marof is also perhaps the most ambitious in the Prekmurje region and its Goričko subzone. The winery is a collaboration between founder Stanko Polanič, who dreamed of demonstrating the tremendous potential of this long overlooked region, and Uroš Valcl, who grew up in his mother’s vineyard and joined Marof in 2009 for its third vintage. Valcl and Polanič steward their land with a gentle hand, seeking minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar, where they focus on both native Slovenian and international grape varieties.

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  STOBI

  Founded in 2009 in North Macedonia’s acclaimed Tikveš wine region, Stobi Winery is among the country’s finest modern wine producers. Today, Stobi Winery continues its dedication to local winemaking traditions, with over half of red plantings across its sprawling 500 hectares of vineyard dedicated to Vranec, the North Macedonian specialty. Among the most globally decorated wineries in North Macedonia, with recognition from Decanter and Mundus Vini, Stobi is a benchmark for both Tikveš and the region at large.

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  MERAYO

  With an unwavering commitment to winemaking, the Merayo family proudly holds deep-rooted connections in the world of wine. They served as proprietors of Bodegas Merayo, one of the region's most distinguished wineries until 1989. In response to the changing times of the late 1990s, the family made a resolute decision to reclaim their roots. In 2010, Pedro Merayo founded Bodegas y Viñedos Merayos and resumed winemaking on their ancestral estate, marking the culmination of two decades dedicated to the recovery and maintenance of his vineyards.

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  BODEGAS VERUM

  Verum Wineries and Vineyards, located in Tomelloso within the renowned wine region of La Mancha, is a family-owned winery deeply rooted in tradition. With a clear focus on the vineyard and a commitment to authenticity, Verum produces exceptional wines that reflect the truth of the grapes. Bodegas Verum was founded on the belief that the true essence of wine resides in the vineyard. It is within the vines, many of which are over 50 years old, that their fullest expression is achieved. Their dedication to reviving traditional local varieties and exploring diverse grape varieties has garnered international acclaim. In a region dominated by large-scale producers, Verum stands as a distinguished and innovative family winery.

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  TÓTH FERENC

  Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, Tóth Ferenc Winery is a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of its founders, Tóth Ferenc (affectionately known as Uncle Feri) and his wife. Their journey from ordinary jobs to esteemed winegrowers began in the early 80s, culminating in the establishment of the Áfrika Vineyard. Feri stood at the forefront in the 2000s, advocating for the cultivation of rare grape varieties like Kadarka and Leányka in the Eger region. The next generation, represented by Ferenc’s daughter Katalin and son-in-law Zoltán, joined hands in 2005, helping to extend the winery’s cave system, modernize the tasting room, and increase vineyard holdings in Eger’s prime sites.

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  DOMAINE POIRON-DABIN

  With nearly two centuries of winegrowing under their belt, the Poiron-Dabin family’s roots in the Loire Valley run deep. The family’s history as vignerons is documented as early as 1858, though it remains likely that their experience in the area extends back further. The modern winery traces its origins to the marriage of Jean Poiron to Thérèse Dabin in 1962. Jean and Thérèse each retired around the turn of the millennium, passing the baton to their two sons, who continue to steward the estate today.