A combination of two Slovak brands with a love for nature, sustainability and the highest quality. In collaboration with TAJNA, we have created products that embody purity, nature and honesty. Read more about our collaboration and the TAJNA winery.

What is the long tradition of wine growing in TAJNA?

" Our ancestors identified the Vrábel region as ideal for growing grapes, and the tradition of growing grapes in our region dates back to the 12th century. In Vrábel and the surrounding villages, it was natural that every family owned a vineyard, and the method of wine production was instilled in everyone from a young age. The first known owner of vineyards in the vicinity of our winery was the Tekovský župan Ján Tajnai, who built a mansion in the village of Tajná in 1840. With his death, the estate in Tajná passed to the prominent Hungarian noble family of the Revays. Count Šimon Révay, the Prime Minister of Hungary, owned vineyards on the same Sari hill where the vineyards of our winery are located today."

What makes TAJNA unique?

" The Nitra wine-growing region is overall one of the most picturesque and diverse in terms of exposure, soil and macroclimatic conditions. Thanks to this, varieties with different environmental requirements can be grown here."

Our vineyards are located in the cadastre of the wine-growing village of Tajná, which lies in the Pohronska pahorkatina region, in the valley of the Širočina river. The vineyard in this location is situated on a southwestern slope with sufficient sunlight. The orientation of the vineyards is planted in the direction of the prevailing winds, which ensures sufficient aeration of the vegetation.

We grow our 25 hectares of vineyards on 2 vineyard plots – Sari plot (16 hectares) and Nad Hoferskou plot (9 hectares). To celebrate this exceptional terroir, we created the SUNSET wine collection , which reflects the sunlit nature of our vineyards.”

What should one imagine under the term ecological economy?

" This is a long-term sustainable way of growing grapes with the aim of using the land for future generations. In conventional viticulture, the intention is to exploit the soil to the maximum extent possible so that the vines produce the largest possible volume of grapes. In the organic approach to viticulture, the so-called soil management plays an important role. Winegrowers regularly check soil nutrients and take care of the vineyard without the use of pesticides and herbicides. In organic viticulture, any substances and fertilizers that are used in the vineyard are strictly determined. The inspection body regularly carries out inspections and strictly supervises the entire vineyard care system.

Good soil condition plays a key role in the quality of grapes. Not all vineyards are in a suitable location for organic cultivation. In Tajná, we are lucky that our vineyards have good air circulation thanks to the sloping terrain, which, combined with the intense sun, creates ideal conditions. Organic cultivation is a straightforward path for us to the highest quality grapes with their own taste profile. From them, we can then create a wine that has a unique varietal character. Organic viticulture in Slovakia is still in its infancy and compared to the rest of Europe, we still have a lot to catch up on. Only 2.2% of all Slovak wineries have the status of organic vineyards.”

What are the pitfalls of growing grapes without chemicals (pesticides and herbicides)?

The biggest risk to vineyards is disease. Chemicals can stop diseases in their infancy with high efficiency. In the case of an organic vineyard, the biggest challenge can therefore be the attack of the vine by a disease that the organic product is unable to suppress or stop, and this can mean a loss of harvest. All organic products are based on the contact principle, they are not systemic products, therefore, in the event of heavy rain, re-entry into the stand is necessary. In this case, planning treatment and agronomic work in the vineyard is very important. With an organic approach, we support the process of strengthening the immunity of the vine itself, so that the vine is as resistant to diseases as possible.

What do you perceive as the biggest positive aspect of a family business?

" Family and family business are two connected vessels. A family business is always about the values ​​that are shared in the family. If obstacles in the company are overcome, it will also bring benefits to the family in the form of stronger family relationships. You will suddenly find that you can rely on your partner unconditionally, that he will support you in other situations that would not occur in the family. The same joys, successes and sunny days are more beautiful and intense if you experience them in the family and in the company."

Why did you choose the MALINNA° brand for collaboration?

" We decided to cooperate with the MALINNA° brand mainly based on the same approach to products and the similarity of our values. We perceive the MALINNA° brand as an ambitious family business with a strong emphasis on the quality, origin and sustainability of products. We see this as an interesting approach to let Tajná customers learn about quality cosmetics and, conversely, let MALINNA° customers learn about quality wine. We believe that combining quality brands in Slovakia is the future."

We worked with the essence of grapevine, which is present in the new soap and candle TAJNA x MALINNA°, for the first time. Since it was an unusual scent for us, it was a big challenge. Were you afraid to experiment with the scent at the beginning?

" We want each of our products to "transport" the customer to our vineyard. That's why we trusted that the authentic scent of the grapevine would be a success with our customers. However, it is true that it is a little easier with wine. In the end, the grapevine seemed to us to be the ideal way to get a person, even after washing their hands, to the TAJNA vineyards with at least one sense."

Why do you think we, as everyday consumers, should indulge in quality sensory experiences through the products we surround ourselves with?

" We think we are over-saturated with consumerism. We should go back to the good old saying, "Less is sometimes more." We should start appreciating the little things more and be strict as consumers in choosing the products we pay for. We should have higher demands on (local) producers.

"As a wine producer, we have the highest demands on ourselves and therefore feel a responsibility to bring products that will enrich our customers. With every product, we want to bring the customer an emotion and a story."

For the Demešová family from the Tajna winery

Annette and Sarah
mom and daughter