Wine of the Weekend: a “Grand” red from Mátra

Dominium is an organic family winery from the mountainous Mátra wine region. At the latest edition of VinAgora wine contest, the estate won two gold medals, one for Dominium Grand Feketeleányka 2022. Feketeleányka (‘Black Maiden’) is the same grape as the Romanian Fetească Neagră.

Two years ago, we reported that Dominium Grand Feketeleányka 2022 had been selected the best red wine of a Hungarian trade magazine, and it had also been chosen “The Wine of Gyöngyös” (the capital city of Mátra). We wrote the following: “The 2022 vintage was an excellent year, the fruit of it is called Grand Feketeleányka, a complex, barrel aged, organic wine with great potential.”
And yes, the tasters were right! Now, two years later, the same vintage got gold medal again at the prestigious VinAgora international wine competition! What is more, Dominium Merlot 2023 was also awarded gold.

Not cheap, not weak – so what?

Dominium Grand Feketeleányka 2022 is made of selected fruit from a vineyard cultivated with organic viticulture. It fermented spontaneously, and matured in new and second use 250 L and 500 L oak barrel for 11 months. Full-bodied, complex, layered wine abundant in forest fruits and spices. The alcohol is 16%, well, do not drive after that, you had better stay in one of the charming rooms of Dominium guest house, and the other day do not miss the sauna with view of the vineyard.
It costs 49 000 HUF / 138.5 EUR – but outstanding wines have their price… The other gold winner wine, Dominium Merlot 2023 costs only 99 000 HUF / 28 EUR.

More about Dominium Winery

Read an interview with Dániel Orbán, the winemaker of Dominium Winery

Organic wines and absolute “recharge” in Mátra

Dominium wines are available in several wine shops in Hungary, like Ab Ovo wine shop or the webshop of Dominium. In case you are interested in importing Dominium wines, contact Dániel Orbán. 

Dominium Guest House – the best place to taste

The well equipped, lovely guest house is ideal base for those, who plan to discover Mátra mountain. Recently the guest house has been equipped with three e-bikes and 2 bikes, thus friends and families have a new way to wander in the neighbourhood.

More about the guest house and booking

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

Dominium Wine Yard “After”

Dominium Winery holds several events throughout the year, the so called ‘Borudvar’, meaning ‘Wine Yard’ is probably the most popular. This year it was so successful, that the winery decided to add an extra evening. Dominium Wine Yard “After” awaits guests with the whole range of Dominium wines, DJ sessions and a live concert.

Borudvar (‘Wine Yeard’ After
Date and time: 27 September 2025, 17.00–until the guests can party…
Venue: Dominium Winery, Farkasmály (near the town of Gyöngyös), Mátra, Hungary
How to get there: Dominium Winery is about 70 minutes by car from Budapest via M3. By public transport take a train to Gyöngyös (Mátra InterRegio), then you can walk, ride a bike or take taxi. Gyöngyös taxi: 36 20 557 7733
Tickets: 2500 HUF / person
Order your ticket and reserve a table here.
More about Dominium Winery

Are you hesitating? Watch this short video!

Fekete Leányka aka Feteasca Neagra by Dominium

Black Maiden from Mátra: Dominium Feketeleányka

Our earlier article about Dominium guest house, and Dániel, the “engine” behind the winery

Organic wines and absolute “recharge” in Mátra

Farkasmály Wine Court

Dog-friendly, kid-friendly, charity, relaxed, picturesque, lively, familiar, affordable – just some of the adjectives that describe the annual wine festival organized by Dominium Winery. Guest wineries, cellar visits, mouth-watering cocktails, street food and live music – come end experience the unique atmosphere of this tiny villagein the volcanic Mátra wine region.

 

What happens: It is a small scale, relaxed, friendly wine event with live music, local wines. Cellar visits are also carried on in the historic cellars, at 7 pm on Friday and at 8 pm on Saturday. The brain behind the event, Dániel Orbán speaks good English, but it is required to contact him in advance to organize a cellar tour in English.
Contact Dániel Orbán here.
Wines from the village: Guests can taste wines from four local wineries – Ákos Cellar, Bárdos Winery, Szőke Mátyás Winery and Dominium Winery.
Entrance ticket: 2500 HUF / day (6.5 EUR) or 4500 HUF / 2 days (12 EUR). Tickets are to be bought on the spot.
Wine glass: You can bring your favourite wine glass or you can get one for 1500 HUF (3.8 EUR).
Getting there: The village of Farkasmály is only 2 km from the town of Gyöngyös and 3 km from Mátrafüred. You can ride a bike on the bike route or take a taxi, but you can walk as well. The town of Gyöngyös is only one hour’s drive on motorway M3 or 1.5 hours by train from Keleti railway station.
Food: At the “Gastro Court” burgers, pulled pork, pies and craft cheeses will be available.
Cocktails: A novelty this year is the cocktail bar with five cocktails: Porn Star Martini, Aperol Spritz, Gin&Tonic, Virgin Gin&Tonic and the creation of the organizer: Muscat Breeze.
Accommodation: The organizer Dominium Winery has 8 stunning guest rooms, it is definitely the most comfortable option.
This year’s charity: The organizers aim to collect money for a talented 11-year-old ballet dancer, Bertalan Máté Vincze, who was admitted to the Royal Ballet School of London, and he needs support to attend the prestigious institute. The price of a bottle of wine can help! Guests can donate during the event.
The website of the event (in Hungarian, but Google can help)

From 2024 barrel sample to the legendary vintage 2014

Syrah is the favourite grape variety of many wine enthusiasts with reason: it impresses us with rich aromas, luscious fruits and invigorating spices, and then it conquers us with a serious body, velvety smoothness and endless aftertaste. At Dominium we can enjoy the tasting of 11 Syrah wines making us fascinated by the uniqueness of each vintage. The winery guest house is the best place to stay after event!

Date and time: 18.00, 24 April 2025
Venue: Dominium Winery, Farkasmály village, Mátra wine region, Hungary
How to get there: From Budapest an hour by car via M3, by public transport by train or bus to the town of Gyöngyös and then walk 1.3 kilometres (17 minutes)
Programme:
– The vertical tasting with 11 wines
– Guided winery tour
– Beef stew cooked in Syrah with “lángos” (a fried, salty flatbread)
– Tasting of barrel samples with some wine bites
– The cigar room of the guest house will be open during the whole evening
– Premium rums will also be available to taste
– The price of the tasting (including the wines, the guided winery tour and the food): 19 000 HUF (approximately 46 EUR)
To book or ask for more information write an email or call 36 30 570 3849

The wines to taste

? Syrah barrel sample 2024 (3 different samples)

? Syrah Ikigai 21/22

? Syrah 2020

? Syrah 2019

? Syrah Grand 2019

? Syrah 2018

? Syrah Grand 2018

? Syrah 2016

? Syrah 2014

A recent article about Dominium Winery

Organic wines and absolute “recharge” in Mátra

Dominium Winery and Guest House

What does it take to make a winery a must-visit destination these days? Excellent wines, friendly hospitality and local accommodation for sure. But what if a place has even more to offer? We looked at one of the most versatile estates in the Mátra wine region, Dominium Winery.
The article was written by Bence Sólyom for hellowine.com.
The original article is available here.

 

“Let’s go to the Mátra!” – that’s what more and more people say today when they think of a weekend getaway or a team-building event for all needs. In addition to the natural features, the wines and the hospitality are at a premium level here without exaggeration. And Gyöngyös, the “gateway to Mátra”, just over an hour from Budapest, is the perfect stop if you want to see Mátra from all sides.

Dominium Winery in particular has done and continues to do a lot to ensure that we talk about Gyöngyös and Mátra wines at the highest possible level. Their wines win gold medals year after year and at the winery they don’t just talk about a sustainable future: they are now officially an organic winery.

From the very beginning, Dani Orbán and his family have built the estate in Mátra so that guests can taste more than “just” excellent wines. More than 10 years since the first steps were taken and as a result of the conscious construction, today you will find yourself in an estate centre that meets all your needs, where you will not only find wine tasting, a cellar visit and a gourmet cold platter, but much more.

The grandiose French wine expo begins today, and for the first time in Paris, Hungary is represented by the national wine marketing agency showcasing wines from 25 Hungarian estates. Wines of Hungary booths are located in HALL 4 / C 153. If you hurry, you can catch the Uncorking volcanic wines masterclass by Konstantin Baum MW from 10 am (Room 3, Hall 4). Find all the exhibiting Hungariasn wineries here.

Dubicz Vineyard and Winery, Mátra

This family winery in Mátra produces aromatic white wines typical of the region, but also single vineyard, complex beauties like Sárhegy Olaszrizling. The grape is Olaszrizling, and ‘Sárhegy’ (something like ‘Mud Mountain’ is the name of the vineyard. The current vintage is 2021, and this barrel aged wine has collected several gold medals. We visited the estate with Valeria Tenison wine writer, she was impressed by the wine and she gave it 89 points. “The palate is round and creamy with a perceivable oak influence, well-balanced by the refreshing acidity and bright fruitiness of garden pears and white apples.”

Read the whole wine description by Valeria Tenison here:

3 great Hungarian wines picked by Valeria Tenison

Eszterbauer Winery, Szekszárd

“Stories sell the wines”, this is the Number1 marketing rule, and this family from Szekszárd is full of stories! Actually, every single wine has a tale, heart-warming stories about long gone ancestors and funny figures of the society. The winery has won several national and international awards, and one of their specialities is Kadarka, they make several varietal wines of this variety, and obviously Szekszárdi Bikavér is a key product.

The estate has undergone a rebranding recently, read more about it here:

Eszterbauer – a good example of rebranding

Sauska, Villány / Tokaj

This estate “cannot not win” when it comes to CSWWC, the most important contest of sparkling wines. The winery has a “leg” in Villány, in the southernmost wine region of Hungary with subtle, serious red wines, while the brand new Tokaj estate is a landmark now, an unmissable place. The third leg is the sparkling cellar in Budafok (within the capital, Budapest), where the traditional sparkling wines age patiently.

Read about the latest Sauska success at CSWWC here:

And the “Oscar” goes to Sauska Brut Magnum again!

Tűzkő Estate, Tolna

Dr. Erdélyi Árpád, estate manager of Tűzkő Estate has explained in a recent radio interview that 140 hectares of their 180 hectares in total are located in the Szekszárd hills, even though the wine region is Tolna. He has also revealed that the Italian owners–Antinori and Mazzei–let the team make as Hungarian wines as they want.
Read more curiosity about Tűzkő Estate here:

Wine of the Week: Tűzkő Kékfrankos Selection

Tóth Ferenc Winery, Eger

Eger is the Number 1 tourist destination in Hungary after Budapest, no wonder, the city is full of cobblestoned little streets, baroque buildings, all around the medieval castle of Eger. And of course, the wineries with their legendary red blend, the Egri Bikavér (Bulls’ Blood), and also the white counterpart called Egri Csillag (‘The Star of Eger”). Tóth Ferenc Winery makes a classic and a superior of this white blend, both of them are great at different levels. Egri Csillag Superior 2022 “is a superb reflection of Eger wine region, the cool climate, it reveals beautiful, ripened fruit and the refreshing acidity in a deep, layered wine. Our objective was to create a superior quality elegant white blend with long ageing potential.” A blend of Hárslevelű, Olaszrizling, Leányka and Rhine Riesling. Plus, the winery is an expert of chocolate and wine pairings, they work with a Hungarian chocolate manufacture.
Read more about the chocolate and wine pairings of Tóth Ferenc Winery here:

Enjoy Wine & Chocolate pairings delivered to your home!

Heimann & Fiai, Szekszárd

Zoltán Heimann junior never stops, just like his parents. He awaits guests at Wine Paris, his new vintage siller wine called Piros is about to be released, and he keeps his followers posted on his lively Instagram page. Meanwhile Zoltán Heimann, the founder of the estate is selling the last bottles of the 2018 vintage and the first bottles of 2020 of the iconic Barbár blend, with his wife, Ágnes they are preparing for their first “Pizza & Wine Fair & Art” event on 1 March, and the whole family is planning the annual “Heimann Estate Tour” on 3 May in Szekszárd, Hungary. Oh, almost forgot: their website has just been renewed.
Read more about the novelties of Heimann & Sons:

Learn the word ‘Piros’

Homola Winery, Balatonfüred

At the last edition of Winelovers Wine Awards international competition, the organisers launched a Buyers’ Program, which proved to be successful. More than a dozen importers / distributors were speed dating with the participating wineries, each encounter had to be done within 10 minutes. Half a year has passed, the organisers surveyed the buyers, and it turned out that the most successful winery was Homola Winery from Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region, Homola shipments have left–among others–to Taiwan and the USA.

Read more about the success of Homola:

Homola: the most loved brand of a “speed dating” session

Dominium event and guest house

It is not the first rum-focused event at Dominium, and quite likely not the last one either. This time participants can taste 30-40 quality rums by Premirum Europe in a relaxed walk-around tasting. Dominium wines will also be available, of course. The event is a good argument for visiting Dominium estate, but if you do so, stay for the night at least and enjoy the stunning view from the sauna, the cosy rooms and the fabulous atmosphere of the village in Mátra, in the largest mountainous wine region of Hungary.

Date and time: 14 December 2024, 18.00–24.00 (arrival from 17.00)
Venue: Dominium Winery, Gyöngyös-Farkasmály, hrsz: 067/50, 47.805N 19.951E, Hungary
Accommodation: The best option is undoubtedly to stay in one of the 8 guest rooms of Dominium Guest House. Do not miss the fairy-tale like nights of the Advent season!
Tickets for the tasting cost 13 900 HUF / approximately 35 EUR.
See the rum selection below.
Food will also be available purchase, mainly premium ham and cheese.
Order your ticket here.

Dominium Winery and Guest House is an ideal place for smaller company and family gatherings with extras like a skillfully devised table game with blind tasted wines – for people with gambling spirit combined with some wine knowledge. 

A recent success of Dominium Winery

Black Maiden from Mátra: Dominium Feketeleányka

Some of the rums to be tasted (the list will be updated)

RUM NATION PANAMA 10 YEARS 40%
RUM NATION DEMERARA 14 40%
RUM NATION GUATEMALA XO 40%
ROSEMONT PINEAPPLE RUM 40%
RUM NATION TRINIDAD 12 YEARS 53,4%
RUM NATION METICHO CHOCOLATE TOFFEE 40%
RUM NATION RARE RUMS – JAMAICA 10 YEARS 2013–2024
RUM NATION RARE RUMS – VERSAILLES 18 YEARS 2004–2022 59%
RUM NATION RARE RUMS – ENGENHO NOVO MADEIRA 2017–2023 65%
CIHUATÁN INDIGO 40%
CIHUATÁN ARTESANO PINEAPPLE 40%
CIHUATÁN SAHUMERIO – LIMITED EDITION 2020 45,2%
CIHUATÁN NANTLI – LIMITED EDITION 2004 40%
HIDDEN LOOT DARK RESERVE 41%
AUTÉNTICO NATIVO 20 YEARS 40%
AUTENTICO NATIVO SALVAJE 40%

Thanks, Dubicz Vineyard and Winery

Do you feel alone? Call your friends today! International Friendship Day is celebrated today, on the 30th of July. I have not even heard of Friendship Day until I came across a blog post of Dubicz estate in Mátra. Their journalist, Anna Winkler provides the readers with valuable content regularly – a great way of promoting Dubicz wines!
By Ágnes Németh

Too many best friends? No problem!

As Anna Winkler pointed out, Friendship Day originates in Paraguay, and later many United Nations personalities joined forces, and A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh has become the ambassador of the day. The writer also suggests different Dubicz wines to celebrate Friendship Day
– with you best friend: talk for hours and refresh with a playful, vibrant, but at the same time complex Dubicz Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé,
– with some great friends of yours: organise a game evening and elevate the cheerful atmosphere with the joyous Dubicz Zsizsi Frizzante semi dry aerated sparkling wine (in our cover photo),
– with a party with your many friends: find some great price-value wines, like the pack of 6 bottle of wines or the Bag-in-Box wines, like the juicy, flavoursome Dubicz Irsai Olivér BiB!

Mátra is the largest mountainous wine region of Hungary, and also one of the most romantic ones with its forests, lovely springs, picturesque villages. Farkasmály is a charming village as well, and it hosts an annual wine festival now for the 4th time. Last year around 2000 people participated the 3-day, familiar festivity.

 

What happens: it is a small scale, relaxed, friendly wine event with live music, local wines. Cellar visits are also carried on in the historic cellars. The brain behind the event, Dániel Orbán speaks good English, but it is required to contact him in advance to organize a cellar tour in English.
Contact Dániel Orbán here.
Wines from the village: guests can taste wines from four local wineries – Ákos Cellar, Bárdos Winery, Benedek Cellar and Dominium Winery.
Entrance ticket: 2500 HUF / day (6.5 EUR) or 5500 HUF / 3 days (14 EUR). Tickets are to be bought on the spot.
Wine glass: you can bring your favourite wine glass or you can get one for 1500 HUF (3.8 EUR).
Getting there: The village of Farkasmály is only 2 km from the town of Gyöngyös and 3 km from Mátrafüred. You can ride a bike on the bike route or take a taxi, but you can walk as well. The town of Gyöngyös is only one hour’s drive on motorway M3 or 1.5 hours by train from Keleti railway station.
Food: at the “Gastro Court” burgers, pulled pork, pies and craft cheeses will be available.
Accommodation: The organizer Dominium Winery has 8 stunning guests rooms, it is definitely the most comfortable option.
The website of the event (in Hungarian, but Google can help)

Our latest article about Dominium Winery

Black Maiden from Mátra: Dominium Feketeleányka