The Gorizia hills straddle Collio on the Italian side and Brda on the Slovenian side in this eastern-most corner of Italy. The Keber family settled at Zegla 300+ years ago, when Collio and Brda belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. These lands, which saw much fighting during both World Wars, has been Italian, Yugoslav and Slovenian. Today, the Keber family have been instrumental in the push for a new DOC, one that would be a world first between two countries, that would unite Collio and Brda once more.

When Edi inherited the family winery in 1980 they were, like most in the region, making wines from international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon. However, Edi believed in the regions native varieties and began replanting with Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia. In 2008, when he handed over to son Kristian, they decided to go a step further and make just one wine, a blend, that would celebrate their viticultural heritage. Edi says “I renounced my business to make wines of our territory, for our future. “Why in Champagne do they make Champagne? Why in Chianti do they make Chianti? Territory is greater than man.”

The vineyards are all terraced and the climate is moderated by two competing elements, warm breezes from the Adriatic and the chilly Bora from continental Europe. Farming is certified organic and Kristian uses some biodynamic preparations.