There’s something special happening in Friuli. It’s more than the stunning landscapes and world-class wines—there’s a vibrant spirit of community and a new wave of young talent stepping up to shape the region’s future. Among them are friends of ours like Isabella Lupi and Ana Tercic, two rising stars helping lead Friuli into its next chapter.

We were introduced to Ana through Isabella, who told us, “You NEED to try these wines.” So we did—and it was immediately clear why she pointed us in Ana’s direction.

The Tercic estate is tucked into the Collio region, just steps from the Slovenian border—literally, the family speaks both Italian and Slovenian at home. Their 10 hectares of vineyards are planted around the village of San Floriano del Collio, surrounded by rolling hills and rich history. Just 20 km south is the Adriatic Sea; 30 km north, the first slopes of the Alps. It’s a place where nature truly shapes the wine. The soils here—known locally as Ponca—are a unique blend of marl and sandstone, packed with minerals that lend complexity and structure to the wines. 

The Tercic family has deep roots in this land, but it was Ana’s great-grandfather, Alojz, who first planted vines. Fast forward a few generations: her father Matijaž officially founded the winery in 1993, shifting the family’s focus from farming to full-on winemaking.

They specialize in the local classics: Chardonnay, Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Ribolla Gialla, and a bit of Merlot for good measure. Ana studied oenology and returned home in 2020 to work side by side with her father.

What’s most inspiring is how Ana balances deep respect for her father’s legacy with a fresh vision for the future. She’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—she’s just giving it a new spin. And judging by the wines we tasted, the future of Tercic is in very good hands.