A Dinner with Purpose: Where Knowledge, Flavor, and the Elegance of Service Meet
In a world where gastronomy increasingly celebrates the overall experience, JRE-Slovenia has chosen to shine a light on an often-overlooked part of that journey—service and wine culture. On November 12th, the iconic JB Restaurant in Ljubljana hosted a unique event titled “A Dinner with Purpose”, which blended top-tier cuisine, sparkling wines from Radgonske gorice, fashion inspiration, and symbolic gestures into one seamless, holistic hospitality experience.
The evening’s host, Nina Bratovž—Gault&Millau’s 2025 Sommelier of the Year, 2024 JRE Sommelier, and a board member of JRE-Slovenia—opened the night with a thought-provoking message:
When we talk about an exceptional experience, we talk about people. Food is wonderful, but without warmth, attentiveness, and knowledge in service, it never truly comes to life. That is the message of our evening—to elevate the service profession to where it truly belongs.
JB restavracija
Through five carefully curated courses by chef Tomaž Bratovž (JB restaurant) each glass of sparkling wine revealed not only new flavors but also deeper insights into the role of service—as the bridge between the kitchen and the guest, between art and emotion.
The evening also served as a tribute to the future of hospitality. JRE-Slovenia and the Sommelier Association of Slovenia awarded two rising stars, Nik Pečnik and Patricija Oblak—winners of the “Young Talents in Service” competition—with Level I sommelier course scholarships, encouraging them to pursue their careers with passion and expertise.
Valentin Bufolin, President of the Sommelier Association of Slovenia, emphasized:
Wine knowledge is not a privilege, but a responsibility. It strengthens both the professionalism and the confidence of service staff—foundations of a world-class dining experience.
Društvo Sommelier Slovenija
The sparkling wines of Radgonske gorice, the evening’s featured winemaker, added an extra touch of elegance. Among them was a special presentation of Untouched by Light—the world’s first sparkling wine made entirely in complete darkness—offering guests an unforgettable sensory journey. We share a common vision with JRE-Slovenia—to create stories that unite tradition, knowledge, and courage,” said Borut Cvetkovič, CEO of Radgonske gorice.
At Radgonske gorice, we believe the best stories are born when heart and wine meet at the same table.
CEO of Radgonske gorice
A truly unique surprise came in the form of a fashion show – but far from a traditional one! This time, the models were none other than bottles. Renowned Slovenian designers – Maja Ferme, Matic Veler, Maja Štamol Droljc, and her daughter Žana, who is boldly following in her mother’s creative footsteps with dreams of becoming a fashion designer – were invited to create a special "outfit" for the Black&White bottle, the signature sparkling wine of JRE, an association that shares the same values as the selected designers: innovation, creativity, quality, tradition, and a strong sense of family.
A Dinner with Purpose was more than just an event—it was a tribute to those who, with knowledge, presence, and grace, shape unforgettable hospitality experiences. Because the future of Slovenian gastronomy can only shine if those who serve it from the heart shine too.
See photos HERE.
Read the interview with award winners Patricija Oblak and Niko Pečnik, as well as Valentin Bufolin from the Sommelier Association of Slovenia.
