Meet the Founders
“Some dreams are meant to be anchored in the sea.”
Mare Santo began with a bold vision — one that connects innovation, heritage, and the depth of the Adriatic.
At the helm stands Igor Tomažič, a respected Slovenian winemaker whose focus on detail and respect for nature shaped something original.
He drew from old Slovenian traditions, long-practiced techniques, and the steady rhythm of natural cycles.
In collaboration with Ivo Boscarol, a global pioneer in aviation and entrepreneurship, a new project took form: a sparkling wine aged beneath the surface of the Adriatic Sea.
There, where pressure builds and time moves slowly, a distinctive expression takes shape.
Ivo Boscarol
Mr. Ivo Boscarol is a pilot, flight instructor, test pilot, five-time national champion, leader in electric aviation, and the founder and co-owner of Pipistrel Group, known for producing advanced light aircraft in Slovenia, Italy, and China.
Pipistrel aircraft hold world titles, global records, and achievements recognized throughout aviation.
As the first private aircraft producer in the Balkans, Boscarol has influenced microlight aviation standards worldwide since the early eighties.
He is one of Slovenia’s most recognized entrepreneurs.
He has received the Reader’s Digest “most trusted businessman” award nine years in a row, the Golden Order and honorary doctorate from the University of Nova Gorica, multiple entrepreneurship awards, and the title of “Business Leader.”
He has been honored with commemorative stamps, national awards, and international recognition for his contributions.
His work and achievements are also recognized abroad.
Politico magazine listed him among Top 28 most influential people in the European Union, and Bloomberg Adria among the 50 most influential individuals in the region.
The New Europe organization ranked him among the top 100 innovators in Europe.
The Republic of Italy decorated him with the Order of the Italian Star, and the USA Kiddie Hawk Academy awarded him the title of “Living Legend of Aviation.”
He was awarded with the highest FAI award for the contribution to aviation, and the Experimental Aircraft Association of the United States (EAA) awarded him the “August Raspet Award” for his outstanding contribution to the development of aviation.
Under his leadership, Pipistrel earned major international awards, including the European Business Award for innovation and three consecutive victories in NASA competitions.
He has dedicated much of his work to making aviation efficient and environmentally responsible.
Over three decades, Pipistrel has produced some of the world’s most energy-efficient aircraft and pioneered electric aviation.
Boscarol and his team designed the first fully electric two-seat aircraft in 2007, followed by the first electric four-seat aircraft in 2011, which won the NASA Challenge.
They continued innovating with hybrid and hydrogen propulsion, making significant steps toward cleaner aviation.
With the first-ever type certification of an electric aircraft in 2020, Boscarol achieved a major milestone in aviation.
This certification opened the door to emission-free air transport.
In 2022, he sold the majority stake of Pipistrel Group to Textron in the USA and continued his mission as President Emeritus of Pipistrel.
He also became widely known for the largest individual donation in Slovenia’s history — €30 million for major public projects.
To manage the assets from this sale, he founded the family company Boscarol d.o.o., investing in high tech, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, sports, medicine, alternative food production, hospitality, wine, and various financial and real estate ventures.
He personally manages many companies within the Boscarol group and supports young businesses with his experience.
Across all of his ventures, his work remains guided by the same principle that defines Mare Santo: respecting nature and shaping something meaningful — a philosophy that also drives our sparkling wine and its underwater aging process.
