I’m grateful for the storytellers.

Few were better than Miha Istenic, the innovative winemaker behind one of my favourite sparkling wine producers, Istenič. We met when Novel Wines took over the exclusive import of his wines to the UK a number of years ago. His sparkling wines were served across the country in wine merchant vinotecas, first class restaurants, and exciting bars focused on sourcing the best bubbly from both the classic and esoteric.

Not only were (and are) Miha’s wines exceptional, but when you’re selling something of Slovenian origin up against Champagne grand marques and a booming home-grown English sparkling wine trade, it is the story behind each bottle that really matters.

Hand selling wines is storytelling. It’s the passion behind every great merchant, especially the specialists. It is the experience your sommelier gives at the dinner table at your favourite restaurant, or a loved one shares with you at home. It’s the story you read on a product page on the internet when you buy your first bottle of something different.

Miha was a true storyteller. Every meeting was a joy. He had met so many wonderful personalities and experienced so much that every time I met him I learnt something new. I will remember how he would light up, lean in, and share another tale – and often with a good glass of fizz to accompany his words.

He has bestowed that same storytelling talent on his two sons, Mark and Nik, who are leading the next generation of their family winery and now Miha’s legacy.

The wonderful thing about great storytellers is they live on as characters in others’ stories.

I’m grateful to have met and befriended Miha. He has passed away too young and we are all less rich for it. But I am honoured to have been a small part of his incredible story.