A New Chapter in Wine Sustainability

The wine industry is undergoing significant change, particularly around sustainability in glass production. At the JRE-Congress in Paris earlier this year, JRE and Hrastnik1860, alongside leading wineries, signed a sustainability manifesto committing to the development of a new, eco-friendly wine bottle.

We are proud to share that this project has succeeded. The new sustainable bottle is ready to meet future international standards. Even more exciting, Puklavec Family Wines is the first winery to adopt it. To mark the occasion, they launched a new wine using the innovative bottle — inviting JRE-chefs and sommeliers to be part of the blending process.

Crafting the Perfect Blend

At Puklavec Family Wines, collaboration is at the heart of winemaking. The winery believes that the best wines come from bringing together passion, expertise, and the people closest to the market; chefs, sommeliers, and buyers.

This philosophy came to life during the visit, where three JRE-sommeliers, Nina Bratovž (SI), Katharina Röder (DE), and Bethany Delong (NL), joined forces with the Puklavec team to explore grape varieties, blend wines, and exchange knowledge. Over the weekend, they immersed themselves in the world of Puklavec Family Wines: strolling through the sunlit vineyards, tasting vintages both young and aged, and delving into the family’s archive wines in the historic cellars.

Every step of the journey reflected the winery’s philosophy of combining passion and precision. From vineyard rows to cellar doors, the sommeliers witnessed firsthand how tradition, innovation, and sustainability are woven into every bottle. The creation of the first wine in the new eco-friendly glass thus became more than a technical milestone. It turned into a story of discovery, collaboration, and shared vision.

About Puklavec Family Wines

The Puklavec family’s love for wine dates back to 1934, when Martin Puklavec envisioned creating outstanding wines built on teamwork and dedication. Today, this philosophy guides the winery’s approach: passion, hard work, and uncompromising attention to quality.

Located in the Ljutomer-Ormož wine area in Slovenia’s Podravje region, the vineyards benefit from an ideal microclimate for grape growing. The result is a portfolio of elegant wines that reflect both the land and the family’s commitment to excellence.

Looking Ahead

This vineyard visit represents more than a partnership; it symbolizes a collective step toward a more sustainable future for the wine industry. By combining innovation in glass production, passion for winemaking, and the culinary expertise of JRE, the collaboration with Puklavec Family Wines sets a strong example of what’s possible when tradition meets progress.