Vodopivec is a stoic character, but he’s not shy. However his feeling that ego should not dominate the wine extends to a dislike of giving interviews, or receiving journalists – or having his picture taken. He makes a valid point, yet his wines are so unique – perhaps even peerless – that it is hard to separate them from their maker. Maybe Vodopivec has kept his ego out of the wines, but his keen sense of balance and single-minded character transmits loud and clear. Everything from the immaculate yet austere cellar, to starkly stylish labels chimes perfectly with the contents of the bottle. He’s probably less than thrilled to be included in my book about orange wine, but I think he got his point across.