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The Simčič family has been producing wine for over 160 years, and their dedication to the craft is evident in every bottle they produce. It all started back in 1860, when Jožef Simčič purchased a farm in the Medana region and began cultivating vines. The family’s deep connection to this land and their unwavering commitment to quality have made Simčič wines a cornerstone of Slovenia’s wine reputation.

The winery’s roots are in Medana, a village in the Brda region, an area that has been historically significant for winemaking. As early as 1786, Emperor Joseph II’s Classification of Wines recognized the Medana vineyards as being among the finest in the region, a designation that holds true to this day. These vineyards sit on the border of Slovenia and Italy, and their unique microclimate—characterized by warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights—creates the perfect environment for producing wines with remarkable balance and character.

The Simčič family’s winemaking journey was not without challenges. After World War II, the family faced hardship when part of their land, as well as their inn and store, were nationalized. Despite this setback, the Simčič family carried on, and in 1988, Marjan Simčič took over the management of the family estate. With his visionary leadership, Marjan modernized the winery, building a state-of-the-art wine cellar in 1997 and setting the stage for the wines to receive international recognition.

In 2008, Marjan's Opoka line was introduced, marking the beginning of a new era for the winery. The Opoka wines were a bold step forward, capturing the essence of the Brda region with exceptional precision. Marjan’s work brought Brda to the global wine stage, and the region’s wines began to be recognized as some of the best in Europe. The 2022 Pinot Grigio Sivi is a continuation of this legacy, a wine that reflects Marjan’s meticulous attention to detail and his deep connection to the land.

Today, the Simčič winery is run by Marjan, his wife Valerija, and their son Leonardo, representing the sixth generation of winemakers. Each wine produced is a reflection of the family’s ongoing commitment to excellence, combining traditional methods with modern winemaking techniques to create wines that express the very best of the Brda terroir.

The Brda region, though often overlooked, has a long and storied history of winemaking, and the Simčič family is at the heart of it. Their vineyards are not just a source of exceptional wines, but also a symbol of resilience and dedication to preserving the region's winemaking heritage. With every sip of the 2022 Marjan Simčič Pinot Grigio Sivi, you’re not just tasting a wine—you’re experiencing over 160 years of history, family tradition, and a deep love for the land.

100% Pinot Grigio. A striking pale pink wine, with copper highlights, expressing the natural colour of the pink or “grigio” skins of the grape variety. Fine aromas of red apple, wild strawberry and a twist of spice invite on the nose.  The palate is full and long, with smooth, rounded texture, with hints of ripe pear, cinnamon and a touch of wet-stone grip on the finish. This is Pinot Grigio as it should be – with real character.

A beautiful pinot grigio with beeswax, green apple, light ginger and spice. Some white pepper. Medium body. Dry and vertical. Shows structure. Drink now. ~92 James Suckling

Very light copper yellow colour with silver reflections. Delicate herbal savouriness, white apples, tangerine zest, somewhat shy bouquet. Medium complexity, fine pears, well-integrated acidity, mineral and salty finish, balanced and already well-developed. ~92 Falstaff

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