7 Hungarian highlights

1054 wines from 17 countries were entered into the 27th edition of VinAgora international wine competition, held in Budapest, Hungary. Champion winners were announced in 8 categories this year, while 17 Grand Gold medals were awarded. A total of 220 wines received Gold medals, representing more than one-fifth of all entries, while 100 wines were awarded Silver medals. In addition, 315 wines received the Commended distinction.

Wines of our cover photo

– Vesztergombi Vintage 2021, Szekszárd – Grand Gold winner

This vintage has several vintages–since here Vintage is the name of the wine. It is a blend of five grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Kékfrankos. The wine named Csaba also received gold medal.
VinAgora fact sheet
More about Vesztergombi Cellar

– Vylyan Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Villány – The Best Hungarian Sauvignon Blanc

It is the VERY FIRST Sauvignon Blanc of Vylyan, it has just debuted, and it costs only 2790 HUF / around 7.8 EUR on the webshop of the winery! Vylyan won 3 gold medals alogether at VinAgora.
VinAgora fact sheet
More about Vylyan Vineyard and Winery

– Frittmann Hajnal 2025, Kunság – gold medal

When an easy-going, affordable wine gets gold medal, there is hope for humanity. Yes, every-day, thirst quenching, charming wines can also be appreciated. This white blend costs only 1700 HUF / less than 5 EUR on the webshop of the winery!
VinAgora fact sheet
More about the wine

– Garamvári Mimi Blanc de Blancs brut NV, Balatonboglár – gold medal

Garamvári Vineyards is one of the most successful wineries of VinAgora–this year with 5 gold medals! Mimi is a special traditional method sparkling wine, actually, it is a love message made of Pinot Blanc…
VinAgora fact sheet
More about Garamvári Vineyard

5 Hungarian wines dedicated to women

Olívia from Kunság, Hërka from Villány, Adél from Mátra, Gabriella from Badacsony and Katinka from Tokaj – five lovely wines with enchanting stories, from Hungarian winemakers.

Olívia, Irsai Olivér’s bride (Frittmann Winery, Kunság wine region)

The family winery in Kunság wine region has been working with Generosa, a less known variety for a long time. The Hungarian Generosa is a cross between Ezerjó and Piros Tramini (Savagnin Rose). This pink-berried cross was obtained in 1951 by Bíró Károly in Hungary, tested since 1976 by Edit Hajdú at the Kecskemét viticulture research centre, and finally christened Generosa in 2004. In 2020 they blended Irsai Olivér with Generosa, and thus Olívia was born! The wine is charming, intense on the nose but not overwhelming, like a gracious young lady. Refreshing, juicy and the aromas of ripened grape linger on in our mouth. The two varieties work together perfectly, the result is a super balanced, wonderful summer wine made in every vintage.

More about Frittmann Winery

16th edition with estates from ALL the 22 wine regions of Hungary

More than 150 wineries will exhibit at Borjour Magnum, the annual tasting of not only the well-established, famous wineries, but also of the ones yet to be discovered. Literally all the 22 wine regions will be represented including the rarely mentioned Csongrád and Bükk, along with some Hungarian wineries from beyond the borders. Early bird tickets are on sale!

Date and time: 14 February 2026, 15.00–21.00
Venue: Budapest Congress Centre, 1123 Budapest, Jagelló út 1–3.
Tickets: an early bird ticket is 16 900 HUF (instead of 30 000 HUF), it is approximately 44 EUR. The best value ticket is the limited-edition dual ticket (Valentine Ticket) for only 39 900 HUF / 2 people (approximately 103 EUR).
Website of the event

Truffle-seeking demonstration and other extras

Borjour Magnum offers some side programmes, for example a little show with Samok, a dog will demonstrate in every hour how he finds truffles in the forest. Glass test, Coravin show, olive tasting, cheese premier and tasting of delicacies made of plants grown in the wild by Dzsindzsa.

Some of the exhibitors:

Borbély Family Winery (Badacsony), Dominium Winery (Mátra), Feind Winery (Balatonfüred–Csopak), Frittmann Winery (Kunság), Gál Tibor Winery (Eger), Garamvári Vineyard (Balatonlelle), Homola Winery (Balatonfüred), Koch Winery (Hajós–Baja), Kovács Nimród Winery (Eger), Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery (Pannonhalma), Sabar Wine House (Badacsony), Szeleshát (Szekszárd), Taschner Winery (Sopron), Teleki Wines (Villány), Tűzkő Estate (Tolna).

See all the exhibitors here
(Click on ‘KÖVETKEZŐ’ meaning ‘NEXT’ at the bottom of the page to see more)

A place to find new favs

Borjour Magnum is huge indeed and features several relatively or actually unknown and / or new wineries, thus it is the best place to discover new favourites. For example, we have not heard of Rózsa Winery (Tokaj), Katalin Rábai (Neszmély), Neiner Cellar (Szekszárd), just to mention a few.

Winelovers Sparkling Night

Not everyone can afford to stay at Hotel InterContinental in Budapest, by the Danube, just above the iconic Chain Bridge. However, many can afford an entrance ticket to the grand sparkling wine tasting with more than 50 sparkling wine brands. Apart from the 35 Hungarian sparkling brands, guests can taste bubblies from France, Italy, Spain, Romania, Austria and South Africa. Frittmann Gold, a true rarity will also be available.

Date and time: 29 December 2025, 17.00–22.00
Venue: Hotel InterContinental Budapest, 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere J. u. 12-14, Hungary
Pre-sale price until 28 December: 15 900 HUF/person (approximately 41 EUR), 29 800 HUF / 2 people (approximately 77.6 EUR)
Tickets on the spot: 18 900 HUF / person (approximately 49.2 EUR)
More information and ticket order here
Contact

Bottle fermented sparkling made of Ezerjó grape

Most wine enthusiasts have not even heard of Ezerjó grape, and it is quite likely that only a small minority have ever tasted it in sparkling version. Ezerjó is almost exclusively grown in two wine regions out of the 22 in Hungary, in Mór and Kunság. Frittmann Winery is the only one to our knowledge that makes méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine of this grape.
“The acidity structure of Ezerjó wines is a key factor. This, together with the restrained aromas typical of the grape variety, is also a basic requirement for making sparkling wine. We have been making traditional sparkling wine since 2013, and experimenting with different grape varieties has taught us that Ezerjó can produce a truly unique Kunság sparkling wine that also matures and evolves beautifully in the bottle.“

More about Frittmann Gold

Get to know our Ezerjó grape!

Experts’ opinions, places to buy, recipes with Ezerjó here

Olívia, a “pop icon”

Leading Kunság winery has released many of their 2025 vintage wines, among others with Olívia, a white blend. The juicy, crispy, refreshing aromatic wine is a true favourite of Frittmann fans, a pop star. Not like the provocative Lady Gaga or the sexy Shakira, more like the golden voiced Ariana Grande or the lovable, “one-of-us” Taylor Swift. A blend of Irsai Olivér and Generosa at around only 4.5 EUR in retail!

 

Blending two crosses

Frittmann is a family winery founded by two brothers. János Frittmann was awarded Winemaker of the Year in 2007 and in 2015 the winery was chosen Winery of the Year. Besides the owners, the two brothers, the wives also participate in the management, they run the guest house and the catering of the estate. Both couples have a son, who are deeply involved in the life of the estate.
Irsai Olivér is an indigenous Hungarian grape, a crossing between Pozsonyi Fehér and Csabagyöngye, whereas Generosa is a cross between Ezerjó and Piros Tramini (Savagnin Rose). Frittmann Winery first blended bottled Olívia on 2020, and within the past five years it has become more and more popular.

The Frittmanns about vintage 2025

“We finished the 2025 harvest season at the beginning of October. Despite the dry summer, it was an excellent vintage, the grapes were healthy, and we were able to harvest the bunches at the optimal time. We wanted to preserve the fruitiness, lightness, and vibrancy that characterize Frittmann wines, and we succeeded. The early varieties performed excellently once again, and they never disappoint us.”

Frittmann Olívia 2025

“Intense, floral notes complemented by citrus fruits, pear and peach. Charming palate, vibrant, lively structure with feather light body and lower alcohol. Serve it chilled at 9-10°C. Recommended to pair with poultry and fish dishes, salads and fruity desserts.”
Find it on Frittmann webshop
More about grapes of Hungary

An easy-to-make salty pancake with Olívia

Meat stuffed pancake with Frittmann Olívia

A recent article about Frittmann Generosa

Generosa: a generous young lady

Frittmann wines are available in several countries, for example in Poland (2Bratanki). If you can’t find an importer near your home, order Frittmann wines from Winelovers Webshop. They ship to every European country. Check shipment rates here.

A sip of knowledge

Have you heard about Generosa grape variety? If not, don’t worry, it is less known yet, though it is worth getting acquainted with it. Frittmann Winery in Kunság wine region has produced a successful, refreshing and charming white wine of the variety for several years.

Christened only two decades ago

The Portugese Generosa is a cross between Fernao Pires and Sultana Moscata, and planted in less than 1 hectare. The Hungarian Generosa is a cross as well, but between Ezerjó (important in Mór and Kunság wine regions) and Piros Tramini (Savagnin Rose). This pink-berried cross was obtained in 1951 by Bíró Károly in Hungary, tested since 1976 by Edit Hajdú at the Kecskemét viticulture research centre, and finally christened Generosa in 2004.
Because of its great characteristics – its resistance to diseases and severe weather conditions, plus its lovely flavours – its popularity keeps increasing. At the moment Hungary has around 1050 hectares planted with Generosa (in 2017 there were only 400 hectares). Wine regions: Kunság, Hajós–Baja and Mór.
Generosa resist winter, its buds survive severe frost. It has relatively high yield, and resistant to rot and powdery mildew. Its wine has aromas of that of the flower of the vine, juicy, grapey with vivid, crispy acidity.

A fun wine!

Frittmann philosophy regarding Generosa:
“Barely a generation has passed since its birth, so it was our job to discover its needs and ways to highlight its best qualities, the light, fruit forward character.”
And what it is like?
“It is a wine with a pale straw yellow colour. Its bouquet is dominated by fruit, especially peach and pear. Alcohol, acidity and body give the structure a mild but beguiling character. On the palate, yellow-fleshed fruits and refreshing citrus aromas emerge. All these characteristics make it an easy-drinking, fun wine. Serve it chilled at 12-14°C to accompany poultry and fish dishes.”
It costs only 1700 HUF (around 4-5 EUR) on the webshop of the winery!

More about Frittmann Winery

Frittmann is just one of the 13 wineries pouring their wines on the board of Zsófia Event Boat next week in Budapest,on the river Danube, so that guests can enjoy great wines and the gorgeous view of Budapest simultaneously. At the latest edition of the Hungarian National Wine Contest the Frittmanns have won 4 gold medals, one for the Generosa. Read more about this unknown grape!

Update: Yesterday, when we posted this piece, only 2/3 of the tickets were sold out for the event called Borjour Borhajó, but by today the event got sold out, we are very sorry. We will let our readers know earlier next time.

Generosa, the generous star of our cover photo

Frittmann Winery in Kunság has released several wines made of unknown varieties, Generosa is one of them. There are about 400 hectares of Generosa in Hungary, however, Frittmann is the only winery producing it at quality level. At the latest edition of the Hungarian National Wine Contest the Frittmanns have won 4 gold medals, one for the Generosa. “Barely a generation has passed since its birth, so it was our job to discover its needs and ways to highlight its best qualities, the light, fruit forward character.” – say the Frittmanns.

So, what is Generosa?

The Portuguese Generosa is a cross between Fernao Pires and Sultana Moscata, and planted in less than 1 hectare. The Hungarian Generosa is a cross as well, but between Ezerjó (important in Mór and Kunság wine regions) and Piros Tramini (Savagnin Rose). This pink-berried cross was obtained in 1951 by Bíró Károly in Hungary, tested since 1976 by Edit Hajdú at the Kecskemét viticulture research centre, and finally christened Generosa in 2004.
Generosa resist winter, its buds survive severe frost. It has relatively high yield, and resistant to rot and powdery mildew. Its wine has aromas of that of the flower of the vine, juicy, grapey with vivid, crispy acidity. Frittmann Generosa is a great example.

More about Frittmann Winery

Frittmann Winery offers wine tasting and accommodation as well

An article about Frittmann wines on the GlassOfBubbly.com

 

Wines and sparkling wines & music

Young, creative, passionate and make great wines – these are the Junibor member winemakers. Meet them, taste with them at Szabadság square in Budapest at this relaxed outdoor wine festival.
Scroll down to see our cover photo girls and guys!

– Date: 4–9 June 2025
– Opening hours:
Wednesday: 12.00–00.00
Thursday: 12.00–02.00
Friday: 12.00–02.00
Saturday: 12.00–02.00
Sunday: 12.00–00.00
Monday: 12.00–00.00
– Venue: Szabadság square, Budapest
– Entrance: The event is entrance free, almost: there is a festival glass obligatory for tasting, it costs 4250 HUF (approximately 11 EUR)
– Type of event: Relaxed walk-around tasting in one of the most beautiful squares of Budapest. Food will be available at street food vendors. Wines and dishes are to be paid directly to the exhibitors.
– What is special about this event? Junibor is an association of young winemakers of family wineries. Most of the Junibor members will be present, so guests can meet these cool young wine guys and girls personally. Andrea Gere from A. Gere Winery, Titi Gál, who has just been chosen Winemakers of the Winemakers, Pálma Koch, the brand new president of Junibor – they will all be there.
– More information (in Hungarian, but google can help)
– Junibor winemakers presenting their wines at the event:

Péter Frittmann (Kunság), Csaba Gál, Betty Darabont (Romania), Gergő Böjt (Eger), Ákos Kamocsay Jr. (Mór), Stefan-Wille Baumkauff (Tokaj), Ádám Várkoly, Attila Szentpéteri (Kunság), Pálma Koch (Hajós–Baja), Ferenc Bujdosó (South Balaton), Dániel Konyári (South Balaton), Bence Laposa, (Badacsony), Tamás Kovács (Balatonfüred–Csopak), Mihály Figula (Balatonfüred–Csopak)), János Bolyki (Eger), Péter Gál (Eger), Marcell Bukolyi (Eger), Titi Gál (Eger), László Babiczki (Mátra), Barnabás Cseri (Pannonhalma), Angelika Árvay (Tokaj), ifj. István Szepsy (Tokaj), Hajnalka Prácser (Tokaj), Gábor Kardos (Tokaj), Kata Zsirai (Tokaj), Zsolt Gere (Villány), Zsolt Tiffán (Villány), Gábor Kiss (Villány), Andrea Gere (Villány), Ákos Vabrik, Tamás Dúzsi (Szekszárd), András Takler (Szekszárd), Zoltán Heimann Jr (Szekszárd), Csaba Vesztergombi (Szekszárd), Csilla Sebestyén (Szekszárd), Csabi Miklós (Mór), Tamás Hernyák (Etyek), Palkó Rókusfalvy (Etyek), Előd Szijjártó (Etyek), Károly Csernus.

Wine girls and wine boys from our cover photo

Péter Frittmann (in the top left corner)

Frittmann Winery

Csaba Vesztergombi (in the middle, on the top)

Vesztergombi Cellar

Kata Zsirai (in the top right corner)

Zsirai Winery

Pálma Koch (in the middle row on the left)

Koch Winery

Winelovers Grand tasting

We could have picked other letters of the alphabet, the range of wines offered to taste at this grand tasting is quite wide. Apart from the 83 individual exhibitors from all over Hungary, the Hall of Top Wines also awaits wine enthusiasts with international samples at discounted price. The venue is again the glamorous 5-star Corinthia Hotel Budapest.

Date and time: 29 March 2025, 12.00–21.00
Venue: Corinthia Hotel Budapest, Erzsébet krt 43–37, Budapest, Hungary
Tickets:17900 HUF / person, more information here.
List of exhibitors (tasting at their booth is included in the ticket)
List of wines in the Hall of Top Wines (price of sample is paid separately, samples are for 2–5 EUR / 50 cl

Fehérvári Wine Estate, Somló

A quite young estate, though based on family traditions and with strong passion towards the volcanic Somló wine region and its authentic varieties. The estate has gained its reputation with the elegant, traditional method white and rosé sparkling wines, they have collected several international and national accolades in the past few years. However, they equally pay attention to the still wines of indigenous grapes. Juhfark, the icon grape of Somló is obvious, but they also cultivate a much less-known grape called Arany Sárfehér as well.

More about Fehérvári Wine Estate

Feind Winery, Balatonfüred–Csopak

The family estate is located right at the “edge” or “corner” of Lake Balaton, in the village of Balatonfőkajár. If you drive from Budapest towards Balaton, the modern estate building with its tempting wine bar is your ideal “first stop”. The winery has a wide range of affordable, lovely wines of both local and international grapes. Feind Chardonnay 2023 has just won gold medal at Berliner Wine Trophy. Berekszél Rhine Riesling is another excellent example of how famous grapes can adapt Balaton terroir. The winery makes superb red wines as well, we can honestly say that Feind Shiraz is the best all around the lake.

More about Feind Winery

Frittmann Winery, Kunság

Frittmann is a family winery founded by two brothers, and currently the second generation is also active in the life of the estate. The largest Hungarian wine region is most known about the easy-to-drink, aromatic white grapes, like Cserszegi Fűszeres, an indigenous grape in Hungary. The winery has just won a gold medal at Berliner Wine Trophy for its Cserszegi Fűszeres 2024 along with Néró Rosé 2024. The winery also makes a bottle fermented sparkling wine of the authentic Ezerjó grape. Red wines are also important, Kadarka is a star and also look for their complex reds like Cabernet Franc Selection from vintage 2020.

More about Frittmann Winery