Vesna Maras: Wine is the philosophy of life
We continue our series with inspirational women in the wine industry featuring Vesna Maras. Vesna has been part of the judges’ panel at the Balkans International Wine Competition several times. Her passion for wine is enormous, and her contributions to the industry are invaluable. Read more about her journey and insights below.
What is wine for you?
For me – wine is culture, history, the strength of the variety and the land, the philosophy of life, an inevitable companion of man from birth to death.
How did you enter the wine industry?
As someone who did not plan to study vines and wine, I can say that I had the privilege of having this world discovered and introduced to me in the most beautiful way by my professors, for which I am immensely grateful. Through my work, together with my colleagues, I discovered the secrets of wine, which definitely conquered me and tied me to this wonderful world.
What is your philosophy in making wine, and how is it reflected in your product?
I insist that the strength of the grape variety, the land on which it grew, that specific terroir that gives the wine its uniqueness should be immersed in the wine itself and make it recognizable and seductive to admirers, lovers and consumers of wine.
How important do you consider education and training in the wine industry, and are there any special programs for women?
Wine culture is part of the general culture of every human being. In order for wine to be nicer to us and to enjoy it, we must know it and constantly improve. That’s why I believe that education in the world of wine must be constant, because discovering the secrets of wine we encounter, challenges that force us to know and learn about it even more.
It is known that women are better tasters and it would be really interesting to organize special educational programs for women, who want to learn more and enjoy it.
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter the wine business?
It is a very nice and demanding job. At the same time, very inspiring, interesting, creative, but it requires commitment from you. It is not only the result of a professional challenge, but also of great love and knowledge and developed passion for wine. That’s why only the brave enter and conquer that world, get to know its beauty and strength, which inspires them for new endeavors in life and work.
