Fine-tuned by architecture – Bock, Villány

The iconic cellar has two wings, a 30–metre and a 100-metre long, and the main attraction is the circular cellar at the end of the longer branch. It is made of 70 000 used bricks, lies at 10 metres under the ground, 200 square metres with 6 arches, and it has stunning acoustics – thus suitable for concerts, weddings. It is quite astonishing to hear a person from the other end of the circle as if he was whispering to our ear right next to us. And the best is that this architectural wonder (by Ferenc Heimann architect) is available to see without prior register every day, on Saturday twice a day, for only 2000 HUF / person, including two glasses of wine.

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Fun and adventure – Holdvölgy, Tokaj

The estate has just been awarded the prestigious title Winery of the Year, well deserved. The 1.7 km labyrinth, the most extensive cellar system of the estate is well worth a visit in itself, but Holdvölgy created an award winning, funny way of visiting the cellar, the Treasure Hunt. Participants can follow a map visiting 500-year-old cellar parts, altars built when locals hid in there during World War II and of course, they can find the treasures: the wines to taste. Prices are between 6900 and 13 800 HUF.

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Home-made delicacies – Heimann, Szekszárd

Above, at Bock Winery, we have already mentioned a Heimann, Ferenc Heimann, the architect. His brother, Zoltán Heimann has a winery, and – not surprisingly – it was built by Ferenc Heimann. The estate has a vibrant life with tastings, vineyard hikes, art exhibitions, and on top of all, Ági, Zoltán’s wife has a stunning garden, thus wine platters include vegetables from her garden, and meat products made by the family as well. Wine tastings cost 5500 or 7500 HUF / person, and the wine platter is available for 4500 HUF / person. Since the estate is the home of the family, prior booking is advised, but they are usually open for visitors on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons, evenings. The wine shop is open all day. Needless to say: the cellar is stunning.

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Paradise during heatwaves – Tűzkő, Tolna

“Tűzkő Estate winery owns a peculiar underground cellar behind the hill, carved of leoss and strengthened with bricks at the beginning of the 1700s. These cave cellars have kept the same temperature for the past 300 years…” The estate is owned by the iconic Antinori family, though Tűzkő functions independently in many aspects. The historic and cool cellar is just one of the attractions, the youngish and active team invites visitors for vineyard hikes, off-road tours, visit to the cooperage and certainly tastings from 5300 HUF to 9900 HUF depending on the number of people and wines.

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Double labyrinth – Gál Tibor, Eger

Gál Tibor wines have a circle shape label and they feature a labyrinth. “Beneath Eger lies thousands of kilometers of cellars, as intricate as life itself, winemaking, or the human search for direction. This symbol also guides us: through difficult turns, discoveries, and found centers – always toward wine and people.” The founder, Tibor Gál, known about his work not only in Hungary, but in Tuscany as well, had the cellar in Verőszala street, mentioned above at KNW. Tibor Gál Junior moved the whole winery to a new-old place in the centre of Eger city: new, more spacious and old, with a labyrinth mentioned above. The new location allows them to serve food as well, FUZIO bar offers small platters and functions as a vibrant meeting place for locals and tourists. Complete meals are also available on prior booking. Gál Tibor Winery offers several tastings from 5900 HUF to 14 900 HUF depending on the wines and number of participants.

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– Before you were invited to the Hungarian Wine Summit, had you known anything about Hungarian wines?
– Prior to 2020, my Hungarian wine knowledge was basic. Thanks to Zsirai, I had the opportunity to visit Hungary in 2021, where I discovered the regions of Tokaj and Szekszárd. When I attended the Hungarian Wine Summit in 2025, my knowledge expanded significantly by learned about more grape varieties, more regions, and by tasting plenty of wines!

– What caught your attention at Heimann and Zsirai?
– I thought the quality of wines from Zsirai was fantastic. I tend to favour wineries that are small and family owned, as well as great value for the quality – so they fit that profile.  When I was in Hungary in 2021, Máté from Zsirai introduced me to the Heimann family. I fell in love with their wines and the family and knew I had to add their wines as a compliment to what I already had from Zsirai.

– Have you already introduced these wines to your partners? What feedback did you get?
– By late 2020, the Zsirai wines had arrived in my market. Heimann wines followed in early 2022. Both wineries received very positive feedback!  In 2021, during the pandemic, Salivate co-hosted a virtual consumer tasting as well as a virtual dinner with Máté from Zsirai. Consumers were very impressed with the wines!
The Heimann wines have also been well received, especially the Kadarka, as many consumers are choosing to drink lighter, fresher reds. In November of 2025 Zoltán (Zoli) Heimann Jr. came to the Alberta market, where we did a winemaker dinner and a trade and consumer tasting. One trade guest said to me following the tasting that it was the first Hungarian tasting he had every been to in 30 years of working in the industry! Just this past June, Máté Csanaky from Zsirai came to the market to do a trade tasting, as well as store and media visits.  Again, everyone was impressed!  Both Zsirai and Heimann wines are also in the province of Saskatchewan and are gaining greater awareness.

– Which wines sell the best?
– For Zsirai, the dry whites and late harvest Tokaj have been the most popular, followed by Olaszrizling from Somló.  For Heimann, the Kadarka, Piros (Siller) and Kékfrankos are the best sellers.

– Do I understand correctly that you sell to wholesale and retail as well? Or due to the Canadian liquor boards, do you have to enter a tender to get to retail?
– I am the importer/wholesaler, so I sell directly to wine shops, restaurants, and hotels.  In Alberta we have a more open system, so we do not have to wait for tenders. All retail shops are privately or publicly owned.  As the agent, we can list whatever we want, and we are solely responsible for selling the products.

“Hungarian wines now have more of a presence in the Alberta market where I am based, as well as in Saskatchewan.  So far, I have ordered a total of 36 pallets between the two wineries, so I think it’s going well!”

Congratulations, Christina, and thank you for being the ambassador of Hungarian wines in Alberta!

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Borbély Karós Olasz rizling Limited Selection, 2021, Badacsony

This wine has reached the position of the 5th best white wine at the contest (since 505 wines entered the contest, this is quite a thing!). The estate is specialised in Olaszrizling (they use an archaic spelling written separately), they have several wines made of the variety. Karós is a single vineyard wine from a small, half hectare vineyard on Gulács mountain. Old plantation with vines from the 1960s, thus the roots go extra deep resulting complex and mineral wines, the training system is also old, goblet. The wine was fermented in 500 litre new oak and aged on fine lees for about 6 months. Concentrated wine with characteristics of the variety, subtle oak spices and deep reflection of the terroir.

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If you are interested in importing, contact Tamás Borbély

Babarczi Aeternum 2022, Pannonhalma

The family winery has collected two gold medals, one for the red Aeternum and one for Babarczi Sauvignon Blanc 2025. The white wines have long been the favourites of many wine connoisseurs, but the Babarczi estate has also been making serious red for a while.
“This premium wine is about perseverance. About values that do not fade, do not go out of fashion, and are not made for the moment. Just as family ties are not for a short period of time, Aeternum also requires time and gives time. Attention, patience, presence. A wine that stays with us. In aeternum.” Aeternum is a Bordeaux blend aged in French oak for 12 months.
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Feind & Feind Balaton Rosé, 2025, Balatonfüred–Csopak

This rosé is actually the best rosé after the special award winner Babiczki wine, so it received the second highest score out of the 100 entered rose wines. Balaton Rose 2025 is a Blend of Kékfrankos, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Feind & Feind has won another gold for their Merlot 2021, and a silver for the aerated sparkling Bollicine Rose 2025, this latter one is in the photo. The winery has all the most modern equipment to produce sparkling wine from the aerated wines through charmat method to the traditional method. “A light pink, gently sparkling wine with aromas of fresh red berries, lively acidity, and a crisp, fruity finish.” And Bollicine costs only 1899 HUF at the winery webshop! (Around 5.5 EUR.)

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Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery Rajnai Rizling 2024, Pannonhalma

This Rhine Riesling wine received the 8th most points among white wines, thus obviously gold. Earlier the same wine received gold at VinAgora wine contest. The Archabbey won two more gold medals: Prior 2024 is another Rhine Riesling of the winery, it won Vince Magazine panel tasting earlier this year, and this wine is also featured in the cover photo. The third gold winner is Infusio 2023, the flagship red blend of the winery. Though it is not much of a piece of news, Infusio always wins, undoubtedly one of the best red wines of Hungary. Funny enough, the Rhine Riesling with the highest score is the cheaper one for only 4550 HUF! (Around 13 EUR.)

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Vesztergombi St László Bikavér, 2021, Szekszárd

Csaba Szekszárdi, the founder Ferenc Vesztergombi’s son has his nameday today – happy nameday Csaba! The winery must have a separate cellar for the gold medals: whenever they enter a contest, gold medal is guaranteed. This Bikavér is actually the best Bikavér of the National Wine Contest, it received the highest score among the entered Bikavér wines. St László Bikavér 2021 is made of Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. After fermentation in stainless steel tank, ageing took place in wood for 24 months.

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– Gere Tamás & Zsolt Páratlan 2024, Villány – gold medal

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Kékfrankos, Merlot and Portugieser for only 2990 HUF / around 8.3 EUR! ‘Páratlan’ means ‘Unparallel’, and it is, indeed with notes of rose hip, sweet spices and much more.
VinAgora fact sheet
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– Jackfall Grand 2018, Villány – gold medal

The flagship wine of this artisan winery made of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Decanting is advised! Jackfall won 3 gold medals altogether at VinAgora.
VinAgora fact sheet
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– Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery Rajnai Rizling 2024, Pannonhalma

The title of the Best Rhine Riesling in Hungary (Vince wine magazine panel tasting 2026 March) went to this estate, to a wine called Prior.  Well, it seems that the entry level Rhine Riesling of the winery is stunning as well–at a more approachable price! Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery has won 3 gold medals altogether at VinAgora.
VinAgora fact sheet
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Teleki Tradíció Malbec 2023, Villány – grand gold

Obviously, Malbec is not a usual variety in Hungary, only a few wineries grow it. Csányi Winery tries to adapt to the climatic changes, and Malbec proves to be a good solution even in Villány, the southernmost wine region of Hungary. The grand gold medal is a huge acknowledgement, and keep in mind that this super premium wine costs only about 24 EUR in retail. “A lush, Mediterranean-style aroma, with notes of sun-dried forest fruits, and piquant oriental spices. Full-bodied, richly textured, harmonious wine, with vitality and appealing fruitiness.” Another accolade: Teleki Kővilla Syrah 2024 received gold medal.
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Vesztergombi Cellar, Szekszárd – 4 gold and 1 silver medal

Vesztergombi winery was the most successful winery of the previous edition of Berliner Wine Trophy winter tasting, and probably he is the most successful again (we are still counting). So, Ferenc and Csaba Vesztergombi are “regular winners”, but this is the first time that they win gold medal with a white wine. Szekszárd is more focused on red and rosé wines, thus this acknowledgement has special importance. Királylány, the white wine is the blend of Cserszegi Fűszeres and Királyleányka, and the retail price is around 5000 HUF! More about the grape varieties here. And the winners are:
Vesztergombi Királylány 2025 – gold
Vesztergombi Vintage 2021 – gold
Vesztergombi Kerékhegy Shiraz 2022 – gold
Vesztergombi Porkolábvölgy Kékfrankos 2022 – gold
Vesztergombi Csaba 2022 – silver

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Thummerer Winery, Eger – 4 gold medals

József Lamport head winemaker is the latest Winemaker of the Year, a well-deserved title, as it is proved again at the winter edition of Berliner Wine Trophy. (The founder, Vilmos Thummerer was chosen Winemaker of the Year in 1995.) The winery celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and these medals fit well on the birthday cake. The Bikavér wines and the Chardonnay are obvious, but Rébus may need some explanation. Rébus is a superior wine of the estate from two precious vineyards (Noszvaj Tekenőhát and Szomolya Nagyvölgy). Selected fruit, a blend of Merlot, Syrah és Cabernet Sauvignon, long barrel ageing. The result is a complex, soft textured, full bodied, yet elegant wine with long finish. It is only around 17 EUR in retail! And the winners are:
Thummerer Egri Bikavér Classicus 2022
Thummerer Egri Bikavér Superior 2022
Rébus Egri Cuvée Superior 2021
Thummerer Chardonnay Batonnage 2024

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Danes vacationing at Lake Balaton have their wish fulfilled

“We import all our wines ourselves, and thanks to our close relationships with the wineries, we guarantee our customers the best quality at the best price.”
That’s where they are now, but how did it all begin? A good ten years ago, Patrícia was working in the hospitality industry, and guests would often ask her, upon hearing her distinctive accent, where she was from. Whenever Hungary came up, guests would regularly share their experiences of what a wonderful vacation they’d had, what delicious wines they’d drunk, and what a shame it was that these weren’t available in Denmark.
“Back then, you could only get Tokaji dessert wines, or dry Szepsy wines, but at very high prices. Anyone who hadn’t heard of Furmint wouldn’t buy such an expensive wine.” The idea became a plan, and the plan—not quickly, but rather thoughtfully—finally gave birth to PaTrioVin in 2015.
When putting together their portfolio, they were careful not to encroach on anyone else’s business; under no circumstances did they want to work with a winery that already had a representative somewhere in Denmark. The wines of Bock from Villány and Kovács Nimród from Eger were already represented by someone Patrícia and her team knew, and since that person had just retired, PaTrioVin took over these two wineries from them.

Danes tend to drink red wine

Patrícia remembers how it all began with each of their partners. Gróf Degenfeld in Tokaj is one of their oldest partners, while they sought out the Dúzsi family in Szekszárd because of their wide variety of rosés. They found Feind at Lake Balaton through an acquaintance, while they discovered Etyeki Kúria and Konyári wines through Bortársaság. And what sells best for them?
“The Danes primarily drink red wine, though light whites are also very popular in the summer. The Etyeki Kúria Frizzante and the Feind Irsai Olivér were very popular, but Hungarian varieties aren’t typical here.”
PaTrioVin focuses on international varieties because they believe their customers are more likely to try a wine made from a familiar grape variety. The Kovács Nimród Battonage Chardonnay is a real star, but Nimród’s Pinot Noir is also popular, and they love Etyeki Kúria’s Pinot Noir as well. As for Hungarian varieties, there’s Furmint, of course, and Sárgamuskotály, but it’s not their goal to stock wines from every domestic variety.

He drinks water, but thankfully preaches wine

The current ambassador representing Hungary in Denmark isn’t exactly a wine lover, but thank goodness he understands just how important the wine industry is, and the economic attaché is active, putting principles into practice. One example of these actions is the recent Bock masterclass, as the Bock family happened to be in Denmark for a PaTrioVines tasting and wine dinner. The masterclass was a success, and Patrícia hopes that as a result—and generally speaking, thanks to their work—their wines will find their way into larger wine retailers; they are currently working tirelessly toward this goal, and we wish them every success.

The Best White: Heimann Viognier 2023, Szekszárd

Viognier was first planted by late Tibor Gál in Eger, whose son with the same name continues running the estate (he makes three white wines using Viognier). There are 14.45 hectares under Viognier in Hungary, with 13.28 growing in 2025 (source: HNT).
Zoltán Heimann Jr about Viognier:
“The Viognier was planted in the Bati-kereszt vineyard by my parents. Since the region lacks a distinctive white variety, Viognier has become a Heimann specialty. It offers honeyed sweetness with aromas of white flowers and white-fleshed fruits. The 2023 vintage holds a special place in our hearts as it is our first organic Viognier. This is our only white wine.”
Borsmenta description:
” The grape was harvested by hand, soaked on the skin for 2-3 hours, then pressed and fermented in stainless steel tank at low temperature. Half of the wine matured in large, 5 HL cask for 6 months on the fine lees. The result is an elegant white wine with a full body and aromas of autumn fruits, apricots, and basil.”
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The Best Red: Vesztergombi Malbec, Szekszárd

For some unknown reason Malbec variety is missing from the statistics of HNT. We have sent a question, as soon as we get answer, we will update this article. For sure there are producers growing the variety both in Villány and Szekszárd wine regions.
Csaba Vesztergombi about Malbec variety:
“In 2015, we planted half a hectare on the fabulous Kerékhegy. We used the first harvest to feed the deer, so unfortunately there was none left for winemaking. In 2018, we managed to preserve the grapes, but it was the harvest that made the vintage special, as my seventh-grade daughter and the entire 7B class did the work.”
Borsmenta description:
“The grapes were harvested in the Kerékhegy vineyard in Szekszárd, at an altitude of 260-290 meters above sea level, where the loess soil is rich in red clay and limestone. This is a Mediterranean-style wine that has been aged for a year in 300- and 500-liter oak barrels. Its aroma is characterized by raspberry and plum fruitiness, complemented by dark chocolate bitterness, cinnamon, clove spiciness, and a hint of smokiness. A soft, rich, and round Malbec that is very easy to enjoy.”

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