Plus: some stunning harvest photos

As János Frittmann of Frittmann Winery commented in a recent interview, 2026 is probably the worst vintage in the past 50 years regarding quantity. As for quality, what is left, seems to be great and healthy, as the photos taken by the Frittmanns prove it (see photos below). Meet them in the city of Szeged, on 16–20 September, in the picturesque Dóm square!

Miserable and blessed times

Spring frost and hail, summer draught and the spreading disease called ‘grapevine flavescence dorée’ all add up to make winemakers’ life miserable. János Frittmann, who happens to be the president of the Hungarian National Council of the Wine Communities, claims that the crops of vintage 2026 is the worst in the past 40-50 years, especially in Kunság wine region, where the spring frost destroyed 50% of even more of the grapes in some places. Not to mention the decrease of consumption.
Yet, life goes on, the ripened grape has to be picked, there is no time to cry over the spilt milk – and though the quantity is behind the expected, the quality is great with healthy, beautiful bunches in the vineyard and by now mostly in the press and the vats. Frittmann team started this years’ harvest in the middle of August and it still goes on.

Wine & Food weeks and a hotel above the city

Sopron wine region started a joined restaurants & wineries campaign last year, and “Soproni Ízkavalkád”, the ‘Festivity of Flavours in Sopron’ has returned. Deák restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes paired with local wine, while the renewed Hotel Sopron promises relaxing stay, a great “house wine” and a stunning view of Sopron.
Background photo for the cover photo: Hotel Sopron.

Wine Paris is over, we can start preparing for ProWein, the Düsseldorf wine expo, which awaits trade visitors with completely new visuals and several novelties to make business easier. The Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency will present 11 exhibitors.

Location: Hall 3 / C41
Exhibitors: Bock Winery (Villány), Heritage Wines – Cabolo, representing several wineries, among others Vesztergombi Cellar (Szekszárd), Csányi Winery – Teleki Wines (Villány), Kancellár Estate (Somló), Pannonhalma Archabbey (Pannonhalma), Sauska (Tokaj / Villány), Eurobor – Tűzkő Estate (Tolna), Grand Tokaj (Tokaj), Maison aux Pois (Tokaj), St Andrea (Eger), Törley Pezsgőpincészet (Sparkling Winery) (Etyek–Buda).

See them on ProWein website here

During the next weeks we will tell our readers more about the exhibiting wineries, come back soon!

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.

Vino Vero Venezia

The trendy Vino Vero wine bar has a large selection of natural wines from all over the world, what is more, all of them are available by the glass. A friend of us has spotted Kristinus Irsai Oliver recently on the chalk written wine list. The biodynamic winery is situated in the South shore of Lake Balaton, and the estate is worth visiting: do not miss the spectacular animal farm and have lunch in the bistro with only local ingredients.

Wine bar with a personal touch

“Vino Vero Venezia opened in 2014 and today offers one of the best selections of natural wines in the world, in just a few years it has become a meeting place for producers and drinkers where they mingle in the discovery of our wild and vast array of natural wines by the glass, the ultimate motif of conviviality!” The founders were inspired by a Tuscan biodynamic winery, where they ae partners. Their story is displayed along with other staff members on their website. Read about Matteo, Mara, Stella, Camilla, Nicola and Esmeralda, so that you can feel you are visiting friends when you finally get to the bar. Vino Vero has a sister wine bar in Lisbon.

More about Vino Vero Venezia

Oliver by Kristinus

Irsai Olivér is one of the most popular white grapes in Hungary, but, in spite of the usual simple, fresh, aromatic wine, Florian Zaruba and his team created an orange wine with much longer drinking potential, than that of a typical Irsai Olivér. The website of Kristinus is under construction, but you can find information about their wines on Bortarsasag.com, one of the most important wine store chain and webshop in Hungary. The shop offers 2023 vintage of the wine, but apparently 2021 is still in good shape. (2021 vintage received 91 points by Falstaff Wein Guide.)
“Lively and pure aromas, restrained grape flavours, fine haziness and a light palate. Here is the new vintage of Kristinus Oliver, the third with us. Another step towards lightness, with the white grape flower aroma of the variety matching the fresh acidity and loose texture. Also modest in alcohol content, at barely 10%. The organic yield of young vines growing on limestone and loess soil was hand-harvested, then the fresh must was fermented spontaneously along with the grape berries in cooled tanks. After a few months of ageing on the lees, it was bottled unfiltered and unfined with minimal sulphur in early April 2024.”
Find the wine on Bortársaság webshop

239 wineries entered 890 wines, all the 22 wine regions were represented. The Best Aerated Sparkling Wine is Feind Irsai Olivér 2024, the Best Traditional Method is Garamvári Furmint Brut 2019 – both bubblies are from Balaton. The Best Aged White is Tornai Hárslevelű 2021 from Somló (also Balaton), the Best Kékfrankos Based Blend is Vesztergombi St. László Bikavér 2021, while the Best Red Wine is Bock Magnifico 2020 from Villány. The Most Successful Winery of the contest overall is Bock Winery.

Scroll down to see all special prizes

The stars of our cover photo

Garamvári Furmint Brut 2019, Balatonboglár

The estate centre is in South Balaton (Balatonboglár wine region) and the sparkling cellar is in Budafok (Etyek–Buda wine region). A traditional method sparkling wine made of 100% Furmint from Boglárlelle. Typical Furmint notes along with quince, citruses, mango and pear. Vibrant acidity.
More about Garamvári Vineyard

Feind Irsai Olivér 2024, Balatonfüred–Csopak

Feind Irsai Olivér “Gyöngyözőbor” 2024 is an aerated sparkling wine made of 100% Irsai Olivér grape. Quite dry, there is only 6.5 g/L sugar in it, which is not so typical in case of entry level sparkling wines. However, Irsai Olivér is a grape variety with flamboyant aromas, the wine in good hands can be attractive without sugar – as this Feind Irsai proves it. And the indicative price is only 4 EUR! The wine won VinAgora trophy as well in the same category, read more here about it along with info about Feind wine bar and Irsai Olivér grape.
More about Feind Winery

Tornai Premium Hárslevelű 2021, Somló

“The variety which is so kind to our heart is dressed up like Somló. It is characterized by a bright straw yellow color and legs that run evenly down the inner walls of the glass. In addition to its high viscosity and crystal clear color, its bright floral, acacia and lime honey nose, mixed with dried flowers and pleasant vanilla, show a unique salty-sweet character. Tasted bone dry, the salty, mineral character is strong. With a medium alcohol sensation, the wine is balanced and has a long finish. The finish is dominated by peach and ripe lemon.”
More about Tornai Winery

One of the 7 champions

VinAgora is one of the two most important international wine competitions held in Hungary. The results have been announced! Altogether 929 wines were judged from 16 countries, 7 champion awards, 15 grand gold medals, 187 gold and83 silver medals were given. We will soon report more, but let us share now one of the 7 champions – a lovely, easy-going bubbly for the upcoming summer!
To read about Irsai Olivér grape variety, scroll down.

Pearls in the glass

Feind Irsai Olivér “Gyöngyözőbor” 2024 is an aerated sparkling wine made of 100% Irsai Olivér grape. (The traditional method sparkling champion is Kreinbacher Brut Classic from Somló.) The estate is capable of making traditional method as well, and they make great bottle fermented sparkling wines, but Feind is equally outstanding when it comes to the easy-going bubbles. This wine is quite dry, there is only 6.5 g/L sugar in it, which is not so typical in case of entry level sparkling wines. However, Irsai Olivér is a grape variety with flamboyant aromas, the wine in good hands can be attractive without sugar – as this Feind Irsai proves it. And the indicative price is only 4 EUR!
See the VinAgora info about the wine
See the 7 champions and all VinAgora results here
More about Feind Winery

Feind wines are available in several countries, for example in the United Kingdom at Wine Society and in the USA by Credo Imports. If you are interested in importing Feind wines, contact Andrea Sajó of Feind Winery.

Feind wine bar – the first stop to Lake Balaton

Find winery is located at the east corner of Budapest, in Balatonfőkajár, which means that this estate is the first one if you are driving from Budapest (92 km). At Feind wine store the whole range of Feind wines is available, while in the wine bar guests can taste the wines with cheese or ham platters. The wine bar can seat 40 people ideal for smaller events, gatherings. From spring to autumn, the terrace is also available. Guests are welcome to taste wines and enjoy the atmosphere without prior reservation.

More info here

The gambler’s grape

Have you not heard of Irsai Olivér grape? We are here to help you:)
Irsai Olivér grape is planted widely in Hungary due to its popularity. Wonderful examples of the grape are produced in Kunság region, where the best winemakers can hold in check the aromatic character of the variety. Also popular in Mátra, Balaton, Etyek–Buda, Neszmély, Sopron.
Ripening early, it gives a very aromatic, intense wine with grapey aromas, delicate spices. Easy drinking wine with medium-low acidity and alcohol, almost always vinified reductively for instant consumption.
Irsai Olivér is a crossing between Pozsonyi Fehér and Csabagyöngye created by Pál Kocsis in 1930. There are several legends of the naming of the grape, one says that Kocsis was a passionate gambler and he gave away the name of the crossing due to his massive debt, but the truth is likely to be much simpler: Irsai Olivér was of the son of a respected wine merchant friend of Kocsis.

Borjour, a company organising wine events, holds its annual sparkling wine tasting on the 28th of December – just in time to taste and buy the favourite ones for the New Year’s Eve. Aerated or bottle fermented,fresh or long aged – visitors can taste a whole range of bubblies from several wine regions of Hungary and also from France, Italy and Spain. The venue is the “Whale”, the building called Bálna on the bank of the river Danube.

Date and time: 28 December 2024, 17.00–21.30
Venue: Bálna (‘The Whale’), Fővám square 11-12, Budapest, Hungary
Ticket price: 11 900 HUF / approx. 28 EUR (It includes all the Hungarian sparklings and some mineral water. Foreign sparkling wines are to be purchased on the spot.)
Get your ticket here (click on ‘Jövök’ meaning ‘I will participate’, first you have to register)
Glass rental: To rent a glass you should prepare 2500 HUF in cash, you will get it upon returning the glass.
Exhibitors: 17 Hungarian wineries plus Champagne, Prosecco and Cava
Food: Oysters will be available!

The sparkling wines from our cover photo

Click on the name of the wines for more information

– Babarczi Buborczi, an aerated sparkling wine made of Cserszegi Fűszeres, Irsai Olivér, Tramini from Pannonhalma
– Dubicz Zsizsi Frizzante, an aerated sparkling wine made of Sárgamuskotály, from Mátra
– Fehérvári Extra Dry, a method traditional sparkling wine made of Chardonnay grape, from Somló
– Fehérvári Brut Nature Grand Reserve 2021, a method traditional sparkling wine blend from Somló
– Frittmann Frisecco, an aerated sparkling wine made of Irsai Olivér grape, from Kunság
– Frittmann Gold, a method traditional sparkling wine made of Ezerjó grape, from Kunság
– Garamvári Brut Nature, a method traditional sparkling wine made of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape, from South Balaton
– Garamvári Mimi, a method traditional, limited edition sparkling wine made of Pinot Blanc grape, from South Balaton
– Koch Chardonnay Brut, a method traditional sparkling wine made of Chardonnay, from Hajós–Baja

The very first new vintage wine

Harvest took place on the 6th of August and the wine is here in less than a month! Kurt István Taschner wine producer has been the first to release Irsai for some years, what is more, the wine is a frequent winner of the contest of new vintage wines. Featherlight, juicy, flavoursome – the newest Hungarian wine is on the shelves!

Have you not heard of Irsai Olivér grape?

Here is what you need to know: Irsai Olivér grape is planted widely in Hungary due to its popularity. Wonderful examples of the grape are produced in Kunság region, where the best winemakers can hold in check the aromatic character of the variety. Also popular in Mátra, Balaton, Etyek–Buda, Neszmély, Sopron.

Ripening early, it gives a very aromatic, intense wine with grapey aromas, delicate spices. Easy drinking wine with medium-low acidity and alcohol, almost always vinified reductively for instant consumption.

Irsai Olivér is a crossing between Pozsonyi Fehér and Csabagyöngye created by Pál Kocsis in 1930. There are several legends of the naming of the grape, one says that Kocsis was a passionate gambler and he gave away the name of the crossing due to his massive debt, but the truth is likely to be much simpler: Irsai Olivér was of the son of a respected wine merchant friend of Kocsis.

More about Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine House

Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine Cellar

Taste with Kurt István in Sopron!

“Wine course” in Sopron any time with Kurt István Taschner

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!