Zsolti (Strekov1075 website) represents a key figure in our Central European region. A Slovak-Hungarian character that has shaped many people, including me. His sincerity and humanity are fully reflected in his bottles; no wonder we often look up to him and seek his advice.
He always sees another dimension than others do, but he doesn't force his opinions on anyone, rather subtly inspires, which makes him a good leader in my eyes. That's why it's always such a pleasure to talk to him—whether on stage in Tábor at the recent Sold Out Talks conference during the Bottled Alive festival, or just the two of us, as part of our series of wine interviews here. (But the best thing is to drink wine with him: an one-of-a-kind experience that will make you realise how much he loves it.)
Words by Milan Nestarec / Photos courtesy of Strekov1075 and Lucie Kohoutová
How are you? Is it still true in 2026 that people in agriculture have less work and more time for themselves in winter, or does everything blend together nowadays and we have the same amount of work all year round?
I had a little more time to read and reflect on how life around me is changing. I wondered whether I should just accept it or put my energy into consciously trying to influence my surroundings according to my views. I came to the conclusion that all the challenges of our time relate to whether we as a community can work together. The era of individualism and self-improvement has given rise to a "bubble society." I see bubbles all around me, and there is no consensus even on basic life issues. I asked myself whether I had enough credibility to try to bridge and connect. We are already editing, and for me, this is the most beautiful time of year, which also gives me space for meditation and time to listen to podcasts.
