The association of the most prestigious family wineries

25 years ago, 10 prestigious family wineries founded Pannon Wine Guild, an association to represent quality grape growing and winemaking in Hungary. The association is active with several events and great ideas like the Pannon Wine Pass – a “passport for great estates”, check it out now! The members have recently elected the new president: Andrea Gere from Gere Attila Winery in Villány!

Following the path of the pioneers

Hungary has been a wine producing country for centuries, Tokaj was the first wine region defining the borders of its appellation, and there are vineyards almost in every corner of the country. However, the second half of the 20th century was marked by mass production due to the Communist rule, and to serve the Soviet market. After the fall of the Iron Curtain life went back to normal, but it was not easy. Just think of it: while in Bordeaux or Tuscany wine knowledge and records of the vintages were passed from father to son, from generations to generations, we had a gap of 40 years, and winemakers had to start almost from scratch. Attila Gere was one of the pioneers to travel abroad to learn how to rebuild a wine country on the ruins.

Andrea Gere, her daughter is the first second generation president of Pannon Wine Guild, and with reason. She and her husband are taking over the winery while still working closely with Attila, the founder. Yet, Andrea and her husband, Kristóf Csizmadia are not just following the father’s heritage, they are true innovators. They introduced organic viticulture in the estate and created several new brands, like the single vineyard Villányi Franc (Cabernet Franc) from Ördögárok. The winery boasts a gorgeous wine hotel, the subtle interior design was created under Andrea’s guidance. She also has a high-quality skin care product line based on grapes – proving her creativity and great sense of business.
We are looking forward to see activities of Pannon Wine Guild under her presidency.
The new vice-presidents are Ottó Légli and Tamás Thummerer.

“I have always held in high esteem the pioneering work of my father’s generation, the founding members of the Pannon Wine Guild, who later joined. The goals and tasks were different then, and they are different now, but the wonder and cohesiveness of wine remains the same. It is a privilege to continue the work begun by our predecessors, now as the president of the association.” – commented Andrea Gere.
More about Gere Attila Winery

What to know about Pannon Wine Guild

– See the members of Pannon Wine Guild here (the presidency is not updated yet)
– More information about Pannon Wine Pass – ideal if you have the chance to visit several estates.
– The annual Christmas tasting is an event to look for!
– Bussay Award – this award commemorates one of the founding winemakers, the late László Bussay. The award goes to non-winemakers: wine writers, actors or other renowned people, who contributed the wine culture in Hungary.