Nine winemakers from Slovenia traveled to South Korea: Benedetič from Goriška Brda, the wine cellars of Ferjančič, Krapež, Pasji Rep, Sutor, Sveti Martin and Žorž from the Vipava Valley, Kobal from the Štajerska region and Frelih from the Dolenjska region. David Bratož from the ROD agency was happy with the selection of wineries: "The response we got from the winemakers pleasantly surprised us. It proves that they are well aware of the importance and usefulness that mutual cooperation brings. We welcome the joint presentations of winemakers from different Slovenian regions, as it is the only right way to promote Slovenia outside as a wine country. The selection of the particular wines was made according to the trends and tastes of the Asian market."

Evaluations and a three-day fair
The evaluation of 4,000 wine samples from 29 countries was followed by a three-day wine fair, which featured more than 200 wine exhibitors from 17 countries. Among the most distinguished winemakers from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Moldova, Georgia and other countries, also present at the fair were extremely interesting and inspiring winemakers from Slovenia - mostly from the Vipava Valley. Martin Krapež, from Vina Krapež in Vrhpolje said: "I decided to take part in the fair because we have to look at foreign markets in order to spread the sale of our wines. Such a far away and specific market presents a special challenge for us. We took part in the fair with our Lapor belo 2012 wine, made out of chardonnay, pinela and rebula varieties, and our Merlot 2011."

Peter Stegovec from Sveti Martin, Brje, said: "I decided to go to South Korea because we see it as a very interesting region in search of special wines for its market. It also represents an additional market for wines with a higher added value. At the evaluation we sent in our Barbera, which is the most recognized wine from our wine cellar. It's from 2013 and spent two years in oak barrels. The other wine we took with us was a five-day macerated pinela from the year 2012, which was kept for two year in acacia wood barrels."
As part of the South Korean wine fair there were also workshops for Asian wine importers. One of the workshops - presenting Slovenian wines - was led by renowned enologist Uroš Bolčina. "Our workshop was well-attended, which is proof of the improvements the Asian market has made in the field of wine. At the same time it's also a reflection of the great interest Asian importers have for Slovenian wine," said Bolčina.

Top wine experts
The wine evaluation at the South Korean fair was carried out under the guidance of renowned and distinguished organizations and associations. Present at the fair was the International Organization of Vine and Wine - OIV from France, which is considered to be the highest authority in the field. Its presence guaranteed the highest quality evaluation of wines. Also taking part in the fair were members of the International Union of Oenologists, the most important association of oenologists in the world. The World Federation of Major Wine and Spirits Competitions - VinoFed - with its headquarters in Canada, was also at the Korean fair. The Vino Ljubljana international wine competition, which is otherwise the oldest wine competition in the world, is also a member of VinoFed.
Visitors at the fair were also impressed by the picturesque Slovenian showroom, decorated with motives from the Vipava Valley. A reason for the large crowd at the Slovenian wine corner was also the fact that Slovenia is well promoted in South Korea. Slovenia is already a very popular tourist destination in Korea.

Koreans coming to Slovenia
David Bratož from the Ajdovščina-based ROD agency, which organized the presentation of Slovenia's winemakers in Daejeon, had this to say after his return: "The interest for Slovenian wine and knowledge about Slovenia pleasantly surprised us all. It turned out that every wine with an 'author's' approach has a buyer, regardless of its price and origin. Presenting wines made from autochthonous and international grape varieties, the complexity of wines, the maceration of grape mash, the small volume of production - all those are factors which attract the attention of people coming from different backgrounds. In our talks with wine importers and the management of the wine fair, we agreed that a delegation of Asian wine importers, sommeliers and journalists come to visit Slovenia."

The group is to visit Slovenia at the end of April next year. The visit will also be an opportunity for new deals between Slovenian winemakers and Asian importers, and the additional presentation of Slovenia's beauties.