Whispers of Izola – Live from the Orange Wine Festival

In the new episode of Whispers of Izola (Šepet Izole), we take you straight into the heart of the action – to the International Orange Wine Festival 2025, which once again took place in Izola on April 25! This episode is special also because it’s recorded in English. And the location is just as exciting as the conversations.

We recorded the podcast in Podestat’s Palace – Izola’s former town hall, currently undergoing renovation. By next year, it will open its doors as a new cultural venue for the town, and hopefully, as an additional location for future editions of the Orange Wine Festival, which is growing more popular each year.

This year, the festival hosted no less than 70 winemakers from various countries. In a relaxed rhythm, we had the opportunity to chat with exceptional winemakers, sommeliers, and wine storytellers. Each guest shared a unique glimpse into the magic of orange wine – and their impressions of Izola.

Who did we talk to at the Orange Wine Festival?

Meet our guests!

Gvanca Abuladze, Baia’s Wine (Georgia)

Sisters Gvanca and Baia from Georgia are passionately continuing a winemaking tradition that stretches back thousands of years. Their story is a tribute to nature, family, and the strength of women in the wine world. We’ve had the opportunity to talk with lovely Gvantsa Aladasturi, who believes that wine quality knows no gender — only craftsmanship. What is it like to be a woman in the mostly male world of winemaking? Find out in our conversation.

Raffaele Bonivento (Italy)

Raffaele Bonivento is one of the pioneers of the “Natural Wine Revolution” in Italy. He’s a true ambassador of authentic flavors – and a great friend of Izola. As a wine distributor under the Meteri brand, Raffaele helps orange wines find their way into top restaurants, passionately exploring perfect pairings between plates and glasses. If anyone knows how orange wines behave at the table, it’s him. Has he ever experienced a truly bad pairing? Tune in to find out!

Matej Zaro, Zaro Wines (Izola, Slovenia)

Matej Zaro is a young winemaker from the renowned Zaro family and the recognizable face behind Zaro Wines. He is also the twin brother of Luka Zaro, whom we spoke with in an earlier episode, and one of the main organizers of the Orange Wine Festival. With his commitment to organic viticulture, Matej helps shape Izola’s modern wine identity while staying deeply rooted in tradition. His focus is on Malvasia and Refošk grapes, with a particular pride in their macerated expressions. What does the festival mean to him, and why does he believe in its future? Find out in our 10-minute chat.

Ian Dai, XiaoPu (China)

Visiting Izola for the first time, Ian Dai from Shanghai brought with him a breath of fresh energy. After years working as a sommelier, wine educator, and Amazon wine buyer, Ian founded XiaoPu (which means Small Garden) in 2017 — a nomadic natural wine brand based on his "slow wine" philosophy. At the festival, he showcased wines that reflect a deeply personal, experimental, and culturally rooted approach to winemaking. Ian says that wine has taught him above all else patience. Beyond winemaking, he now hosts his own podcast, where he tells the story of natural wine in Asia and builds a new wine culture. Meet our cheerful and inspiring guest!

Val Ivan Rojac, Rojac Wine (Slovenska Istra, Slovenia)

We also had a wonderful chat with the new generation behind the Rojac Wine label from Slovenian Istria. Val Ivan Rojac brings a fresh perspective to winemaking while respectfully preserving the rich family tradition of macerated wines. Even before turning 18, he was actively helping his father Uroš, soaking up knowledge and experience. Currently studying computer science, Val is at a crossroads — contemplating whether to pursue technology or dive into the world of agronomy and wine full-time.He says he would regret it forever if he didn’t at least try to continue the family story.

Martin Gruzovin, Guerila (Vipava Valley, Slovenia)

Our final guest is a sommelier, wine storyteller, and part of the biodynamic winery Guerila from the Vipava Valley. Martin Gruzovin is known for his sharp, honest takes on the future of Slovenian winemaking, often shared in his widely-read wine columns. In our conversation, he spoke openly about the challenges facing the industry and why greater unity is crucial for Slovenian wine’s future. When asked what orange wine had brought into his life, he smiled and said: "Everything. Really, everything."

Each of our guests ended their interview by answering two signature questions. Curious what they said? Tune in to the new episode and discover why orange wine remains such a fascinating phenomenon — and why Izola is the perfect place for it year after year.

Listen to Whispers of Izola on all major platforms or directly at visitizola.com!