Two Labels, One Master: Nature

The story of Draga-Miklus begins in the early 1900s, when Ivan Miklus acquired land in the Collio hills to devote to vine cultivation. With the help of his son Franz, he renewed one hectare of vineyard by digging the solid land with his own hands as deep as 80 centimetres — a labour of love that set the foundation for generations to come. Soon Franz was called for military service, and after a few years he was offered a position as commander in aviation. Even against his father's will, he refused, choosing a much harder life but one that gave him more satisfaction. Working the land at that time required far more effort and sweat than today.

In 1950, in a small house garage, the production of wine started — first in bulk, later also bottled. In the 1990s the garage was enlarged and transformed into a small wine cellar, and some vineyards were purchased in the Draga area. In 1992, constant wine commerce began with the first labels named Draga. Later, grandson Milan — with great help from his wife Anna — started to produce wines labeled Miklus as well. In 1996, the construction of a new cellar began with modern equipment and much greater capacity, and in 1997 Milan started producing wines in wooden barrels. The modern era of the estate was born.

In 2006, the estate began producing orange wines — long-macerated whites that have since become their signature. In 2012, they started production of classic method sparkling wines, adding another dimension to their portfolio. Today, the winery is run by Mitja Miklus, who leads with the passion and determination of his ancestors, alongside his tireless parents Anna and Milan. The family has been awarded several eco-friendly prizes for their sustainable practices. Their grandfather Franz's words still echo through the cellar: "If you respect the nature and the land, they will never betray you."

At Draga-Miklus, the cellar philosophy is a balance between tradition and innovation, guided by a single master: nature. The family produces two distinct lines of wine, each reflecting a different facet of their terroir and winemaking philosophy. The "Draga" label represents fresh, fragrant, and more modern wines vinified in stainless steel — wines of immediacy, purity, and youthful energy. The "Miklus" label is a tribute to tradition — fuller-bodied wines that undergo long maceration on the skins and extended ageing in large oak barrels or barriques, sometimes for up to 48 months. Together, they offer a complete portrait of what Collio can achieve.

The techniques are precise, demanding, and deeply respectful of the raw material:

Harvest & Selection: All grapes are hand-harvested due to the steep slopes of the vineyards. Crop thinning and grape selection are performed manually with meticulous care. The family has long aimed at increasing attention to the vineyards and grape selection, understanding that a high-quality product can only come from high-quality raw material. Specific vineyards are dedicated to specific wines; there are no multiple passes through the same vineyard for different cuvées.

"Draga" Label — Fresh & Modern: These wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness, primary fruit, and the crystalline minerality of the ponka soil. The Draga line includes fresh whites and light reds that are approachable young — wines that showcase the immediacy and purity of the Collio terroir without the weight of oak or extended ageing. They are vibrant, aromatic, and unmistakably mineral.

"Miklus" Label — Traditional & Aged: These wines undergo long maceration on the skins and are aged in large oak barrels or barriques for extended periods — some cuvées spending up to 48 months in wood before bottling. This is the traditional face of Collio winemaking, producing wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and ageing potential. The Miklus line includes the estate's renowned orange wines, long-macerated whites that have become iconic in the natural wine world.

Orange Wines: Since 2006, Draga-Miklus has been a pioneer of orange wine production in Collio. Their long-macerated whites — Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Pinot Grigio — spend extended periods on the skins, extracting colour, tannin, and complex phenolic compounds. These are not trendy experiments; they are deeply considered wines that honour ancient winemaking traditions while expressing the unique character of Collio's varieties and terroir.

Classic Method Sparkling: Since 2012, the estate has produced classic method sparkling wines — bottle-fermented, aged on the lees, and finished with zero dosage (pas dosè) or minimal dosage. These sparkling wines demonstrate the family's commitment to precision and their belief that Collio's grapes can achieve greatness not only in still form but also as méthode champenoise expressions of minerality and finesse.

Reds: The red portfolio includes Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in the Breg vineyards where the stronger winds favour the most resistant varieties. These are handled with the same meticulous care as the whites — hand-harvested, carefully selected, and vinified to express the earthy, mineral character of Collio's red wines. The Collio Rosso blends indigenous and international varieties with balance and restraint.

Pét-Nat: The estate also produces pétillant naturel wines — bottled before primary fermentation is complete, trapping natural bubbles. These are fresh, youthful, and vibrant expressions of Collio's natural wine spirit, adding another dimension to the family's experimental yet grounded approach.