OPG Ivan Poleis

Poleis Wines

The Poleis family upholds a long tradition of agriculture, like many other families in the village of Markovac near Višnjan. In 1880, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Janez Poleis moved from Slovenia to Markovac and worked as a cobbler. As a respected craftsman, he did not have to work the land himself; it was done by other laborers. 

The family continued to be involved in winemaking and viticulture, and modern history began in the early 1990s when Ivan Poleis Sr. started the renewal of vineyards. Soon, his son Ivan Poleis Jr. joined him, leaving his job in hospitality to build a modern cellar in the family home and elevate the business to a higher level. After the death of his father, Ivan Poleis Jr. took over the business, with the help of his wife Vesna and daughter Ilaria.

Today, they cultivate four hectares of vineyards and one hectare of olive groves on deep red soil. The assortment in the vineyard includes Istrian Malvasia, Chardonnay, Yellow Muscat, Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon, Burgundy, and Teran. They are present on the market with seven wine labels, with the most sought-after being fresh Istrian Malvasia, elegant rosé, and aged Istrian Malvasia "San Marco".