Interview with Stobi Winemaker Dane Jovanov
Posted on Mon 13th Jul 2015 at 15:56
Following his father’s passion for winemaking, Dane Jovanov has travelled widely in pursuit of his craft, visiting the regions of Bordeaux, Italy and South Africa. In 2005 he received his wine making degree from his home town University of Skopje, Macedonia.
This year he finishes his Ph.D. in micro and macro oxygenation and the impact on oak in winemaking. Dane is committed to creating the best wines possible that reflect the terroir of Tikveš. He uses his experience to get the best from both the indigenous and international varieties, which are both used, at the Stobi winery and works alongside his father Gjoko Jovanov whose knowledge of the region is second to none.
As part of a series of interviews with the experts used by Signature Wines, Dane was posed these questions:
What is your responsibility at Stobi?
I am the Managing Director of the Stobi winery, which is located in Macedonia in the Eastern Mediterranean.
How long have you been working for them?
Since the winery was established in December 2007.
What made you decide to follow this particular career path and how did you get into it?
My family has been dedicated to winemaking for generations, and so it was as a natural choice for me to continue this heritage. Also I love wine and the natural sciences.
Which is your favorite grape variety and why?
Vranec. It represents Macedonian red wines and also presents our tradition and native roots which is very important to me and my family.
Which five famous people would you love to have over for dinner and why?
Robin Sharma, Richard Branson, Al Pacino, Roger Federer, Warren Buffet – because they are brilliant at what they do, and because they have created many masterpieces in their professional lives.
Name five things you ‘can’t live without’
My family, sports, travelling, newest technological releases and jazz.
What is your favourite aspect of working in the wine industry?
Partly the constant education but also the implementation of new practices along with the globalisation of the wine industry.
Finish this sentence: “wine is best drunk with…..
…..sincere and beloved friends.