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What: Charity Auction of Barrique Barrels Vinakoper 2025
Text: Jože Rozman, Senior Editor
Photo: Staša Bizjak
Where: Kempinski Palace Portorož
When: December 16, 2025
What is all about: Charity auction of barrique barrels
The event took place for the twenty-sixth time on December 16 at the Kempinski Palace Hotel in Portorož. This year, 46 bidders competed for twelve selected barrique barrels (225 liters each). Conceived back in 1998 by then-director Nevio Pucer and oenologist Iztok Klenar, the auction has clearly stood the test of time. One of the key reasons for its lasting appeal is its charitable mission: everything above the starting price — set this year at €17 per liter — is donated to the pediatric department of the Izola General Hospital. With this year’s record contribution of approximately €200,000, the cumulative proceeds of all auctions are now approaching the one-million-euro mark.
Following an engaging and expertly guided introduction, which included a simultaneous tasting of the twelve samples, the bidding began. Once again, Vinakoper’s head oenologist Boštjan Zidar led the presentation, subtly unveiling the sensory character of each wine. He explained the type of barrel in which each wine is currently maturing, how long it should continue aging before bottling, and occasionally enriched the narrative with a touch of Istrian context.
The auction itself was anything but calm. Right from the first lot — a base wine for sparkling production, predominantly Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay, both sourced from Vinakoper’s highest and coolest vineyard site, Labor (320 meters above sea level) — the atmosphere heated up. Bidding climbed to €63 per liter, where a representative of the Idrija-based Kolektor held firm the longest.
All previous records, however, were shattered by a Chardonnay from the same Labor vineyard. Izola entrepreneur Simon Vabič was willing to pay an impressive €135 per liter. Among the red wines, the highest price — €100 per liter — was achieved by a Cabernet Franc from Lazaret, now acquired by Luka Koper.
In addition to these highlights, bidders also vied for two Malvasias, a white and a red blend, Refošk, Tannat, Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All were from the 2025 vintage, with the exception of the Merlot and the red blend, which were one year older.
My TOP 3
Malvazija 2025, terroir Izola-Ricorvo
Bela zvrst cuvee 2025 (malvazija, chardonnay, Pinot Gris), terroir Izola, Labor, Santoma
Merlot 2024, terroir Purissima
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