Behind the Curtain: Central European Wines

There is a massive, centuries-old wine secret hiding in plain sight, and it’s time we let you in on it.

While the wine world has spent decades obsessed with the classic houses of France and Italy, countries like Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary have been quietly perfecting their craft for thousands of years. For decades, these exceptional bottles remained virtually impossible to find in the U.S.—partly due to tiny, highly limited production runs, and partly because prior governments simply didn't permit exportation.

But the curtain has finally lifted.

These are wines of incredible tension, history, and soul, often outperforming their Western European neighbors at a fraction of the price. If you love discovering new grape varieties, ancient winemaking traditions, and unbelievable value, this is the tasting you’ve been waiting for.

Every single producer we are featuring for this tasting shares a common bond: a deep respect for the land. These are small-scale, family-run estates practicing strictly organic farming. No heavy machinery, no industrial shortcuts—just passionate growers making wine by hand, the way their ancestors did.

Join us as we explore indigenous grapes and unique styles that are finally making their way to American shores.

We are still finalizing this year's lineup, but previous seminars have featured the following: 

Pikasi - 2020 Barbera, Vipava Valley, Primorska $23.99
Sanctum - 2022 Pinot Noir, Stajerska $28.99
Pullus - 2023 Pinot Grigio, Stajerska $20.99

Bura-Mrgudic - 2023 Plavac Fresh:  Peljesac, Dalmatia $21.99
Zlatan - 2019 Plavac Mali, Hvar Island, $31.99
Zlatan - 2023 Posip, Makarska, Dalmatia $28.75

Kobal - 2023 Blaufrankisch Wild Ferment “Roots”, Haloze, Stajerska $25.99
Pullus - 2023 Halozan Red 12/1.0lt $18.99
Pikasi - 2020 Zelen, Vipava Valley, Primorska $21.99

All prices listed shown are regular retail. Significant discounts offered on all wines at the tasting. Due to the their highly allocated nature, some wines may change without notice.