Why Slovenia May Be Europe’s Most Underrated Wine Country

Slovenia is rarely the first country that comes to mind when discussing Europe’s great wine regions. For years, its international profile has been defined by natural wines, indigenous grapes, and experimental cellar methods—styles that earned niche acclaim but did little to build mainstream recognition. Now, as consumers look beyond traditional strongholds like France and Italy, Slovenian producers are beginning to push for a seat at the fine wine table. Among the clearest signals of that shift is ‘Ana,’ a Chardonnay that suggests the country can compete at the highest level.

The wine comes from Peter Gönc, a fourth-generation winemaker whose restless creativity has already helped Slovenia gain traction in international markets. Known for bold, modern wines that first found an audience in the United States, Gönc has often leaned on irreverent labels and unconventional styles. But his newest project, Ana, adds a classical expression to a portfolio known for creativity and edge. The wine is both a personal reflection and a declaration that Slovenia’s vineyards can produce wines to rival the world’s most established regions.

The inspiration struck abroad. On a trip to Tel Aviv, Gönc was served an Israeli wine instead of the international benchmark he expected. The encounter shifted his perspective. If Israel could produce a bottle of that caliber, Slovenia—with its centuries-old viticultural history—could as well. What followed were two years of research, careful barrel selection, and patient cellar work. The finished wine bears the name Ana, in honor of the women in his family, and represents the most ambitious expression of his career.

For Gönc, the project began as a reflection of his own journey. “The response has been beyond what I expected. It started as something deeply personal—more of a reflection of my life or journey than a project. So seeing people connect with Ana not just technically but also relating their life to the story she brings means a lot,” he says. At the same time, the Chardonnay has sparked broader conversations about the potential of Štajerska, Slovenia’s northeastern wine region.

Critics and importers who have tasted Ana argue it can hold its own among the world’s elite. JP Bourgeois, who has represented Gönc’s wines in the United States since 2018, says the Chardonnay is nearly indistinguishable from some of Burgundy’s most revered villages.

“In a blind tasting, most people would likely place it in Côte de Beaune, specifically Meursault, given its structure and elegance,” he says. That comparison is not made lightly in the American market, where Burgundy reigns supreme and Chardonnay remains one of the most competitive categories. For Bourgeois, that is exactly why Ana matters. “To enter the conversation, Slovenia needs a bottle that can hold its own against the established elite, and this is that bottle,” he says.

He also acknowledges the challenge of visibility. “American buyers are flooded with Chardonnays, both domestic and imported, and most have little to no knowledge of Slovenia as a serious source of the grape. Ana will not sell itself,” Bourgeois says.

His plan is to place it in high-end restaurants with tasting menus, as well as boutique wine shops where sommeliers and owners can tell the story directly to customers. With a suggested retail price of around sixty dollars, Ana is positioned to compete with entry-level Burgundy while distinguishing itself through rarity and narrative.

Scarcity is central to its identity. With only 2,000 bottles produced, Ana enters the market as a collectible rather than a commodity. “Ana will always stay small and intentional. With the Chardonnay I have set the tone for precision and patience. But Ana is growing into a collection that will show the depth, breadth, and meaning of this region,” Gönc says.

Kevin O’Sullivan, Director of Sales at Prime Wine & Spirits in Georgia, also sees Ana as a pivotal moment not just for Gönc but for Slovenian wine more broadly. Having worked in the industry for nearly two decades, he has watched consumer preferences shift from conventional Cabernet-driven lists to a far more exploratory outlook.

“Ana is world-class, with a level of refinement that will resonate with both sommeliers and consumers once they taste it,” O’Sullivan says.

“Natural wines and indigenous grapes have their following, but they also limit Slovenia’s identity in the broader market,” he adds.

O’Sullivan underscores his confidence in its potential. “I’ve already asked for nearly a quarter of the U.S. allocation. That’s how strongly I believe in this wine.” He envisions the wine approaching one hundred to one hundred twenty-five dollars on restaurant lists, which puts it in a competitive but promising niche.

More broadly, the project marks a crossroads for Slovenian wine. Since independence in 1991, winemakers have enjoyed creative freedom that fueled experimentation but did little to cement the country as a source of classic fine wine. Now, with producers like Gönc applying meticulous craftsmanship to create prestige, Slovenia has an opportunity to expand its influence.

As Gönc puts it, “I don’t think Ana has to choose between the two. If it can stand on the world stage while still speaking clearly about where it’s from, then it’s done its job. I believe Ana shows that Slovenia can produce wines that belong in global conversations—not because they imitate others, but because they represent something that is speaking from this land.”

For Gönc, Ana is just the beginning. He recently released Blanc, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, and has a rosé and Pinot Noir launching soon. These projects reinforce Slovenia’s ambition to be part of the fine wine conversation.

Whether Ana ultimately becomes known as Slovenia’s best wine is still uncertain. For Gönc, it is the culmination of years of reflection and the pursuit of permanence. For Slovenia, it may be the bottle that finally shifts its reputation from niche curiosity to world-class contender.