Draga

Early 1900s

Draga di Miklus was founded when Ivan Miklus bought land to grow grapes. With the help of his son Franz, he restored one hectare of vineyard, digging the hard ground by hand to a depth of 80 cm. Soon afterward, Franz was called up for a long period of military service. A few years later, he was offered a command position in aviation, but despite his father's wishes, he turned it down and chose the much harder life of a winegrower because he found it more rewarding. Working the land required far more effort and sweat then than it does today.

Early production

Wine production began in a small garage at the family home, first with wine sold in bulk and later in bottles.

1990s

The garage was expanded and turned into a small wine cellar, and several vineyards were acquired in the Draga area. Regular sales of wine under the Draga name began in 1992. Later, Ivan's grandson Milan and his wife Anna also began making wines under the Miklus label. In 1997, Milan started building a larger cellar with modern equipment.

2000s

Orange wines and traditional-method sparkling wines joined the winery's range.

Today

The winery is run by Ivan Miklus's great-grandson Mitja, who works almost entirely on his own in the vineyards and cellar, overseeing every stage of winemaking.

Vineyards are located in the Draga area. The estate's first vineyard was restored on ground so hard it had to be dug by hand to a depth of 80 cm.

The vineyards are farmed organically. Most vineyard work, including harvesting, crop thinning and grape selection, is done by hand with respect for tradition.

Wine production began in a small garage at the family home, first sold in bulk and later in bottles. In the 1990s the garage was expanded into a small wine cellar, and in 1997 Milan Miklus started building a larger cellar with modern equipment. Orange wines and traditional-method sparkling wines were added to the range in the 2000s. Very little sulfur is used in the wines, and production involves minimal human intervention.

Draga di Miklus describes itself as a true boutique winery, producing limited quantities of wine with minimal human intervention. The family holds that a high-quality wine begins with excellent grapes, and for many years has focused on giving greater care to the vineyards and the harvest.