Maja Roy was already interested in organic wine production while studying geography in Koper, so she completed a master’s degree in wine geography at the University of Tennessee. After that, she and her husband lived between Slovenia, his native Tennessee and Asia for several years.
“My husband works a lot with social enterprises in underdeveloped countries. When he got a project in Burma, we moved there for two years. I was then working as a sommelier in one of the local restaurants and on a private luxury yacht. So I sailed the entire Andaman Sea and visited many places that I wouldn’t have otherwise,” she recalls.
When they returned to Slovenia, the interviewee, originally from Rogaška Slatina, started working as a sommelier at Hiša Franko. “We focused mainly on Slovenian natural wines and pairing them with dishes. It was a good experience, but it is true that living in Kobarid was a challenge. My husband had to return to the United States for work, and we lived apart for quite some time.” A few years ago, they, therefore, decided to create a base in the American South, in Knoxville in East Tennessee at the foot of the Appalachians.
“I think we have an extraordinary future in the field of boutique wines from small, unknown places. There is also an opportunity for Slovenian growers,” says Maja Roy.
Maja works for a wine distribution company that focuses on natural wines, mainly from Europe, but also some from South America and California. At the same time, within the framework of his company Wine Forté, she organizes natural wine-related events and guided wine-culinary tours.
“During the summer months, I bring small groups, in principle no more than ten people, to Slovenia. These are rather intensive ten-day tours, where every day we visit several winemakers, see vineyards, cellars, and try local food. We also have other activities and tours, but the focus is on natural wines,” she explains.
Source: Anja Zaletel, Finance. The complete article in the Slovene language is available HERE.