Another award to the super-famous Gere family?

Gere name is well-known in Hungary, since Attila was one of the pioneers who reformed Hungarian winemaking after the mass production era of the Communism. His efforts were rewarded: he was one of the first to win the Winemaker of the Year title. His Kopar and Solus wines are iconic, obligatory collectors’ items, their Crocus hotel is one of the most “chic” wine hotels in the country reflecting Andrea’s refined taste, while their Mandula restaurant is a culinary pilgrimage destination. What’s the point of another award?
A lot, in my opinion, because many of those pioneers just simply “go on working”, while the Gere family is keen on the constant innovation. One of the key facts is the conversion of the estate into organic farming. “In 2022, a new 1,200-square-meter cellar was completed, specially designed for both barrel and bottle ageing. Last year, the existing interior spaces were also renovated, creating fresh experiences for new visitors and returning guests alike. Whether it’s a guest’s first visit or a return trip, there is always something new to explore.” – says the press release, and it is true. I visit the estate almost every year, and yes, I can always find something new. Last year it was the astonishing wine vault in the cellar, full of the most cherished wine treasures of the winery.

Gere wines are available in several countries, for example in the Netherlands by Global Wineries and in the United States by Boutique Wine Collection.

 

30 years and a generation later

Andrea Gere commenting on the award: “Thirty years ago, in 1994, my father was honoured with the Winemaker of the Year award. Today, I fully grasp that this recognition was a tribute to the intense and dynamic effort he put into establishing and elevating Attila Gere Winery to national prominence. It holds a deep symbolic meaning for me that, thirty years later, we are now receiving the Winery of the Year award as well. I see this as a reaffirmation of the commitment that has defined us every day since, now as part of the next generation. The timing of this award is even more meaningful because it reflects the collective strength of the Villány community. The fact that in 2024, all three major national awards were given to Villány winemakers is a testament to what we can achieve when we succeed together, side by side. This year, we celebrated Tamás Günzer as Winemaker of the Year in the spring, honoured József Bock with the Lifetime Achievement Award in June, and now, we have the privilege of receiving the Winery of the Year title.”

More about A. Gere Winery

Earlier award winners

(The award was not given every year.)

2023 Pannonhalma Archabbey, Pannonhalma
2019 Günzer Tamás Winery, Villány
2016 Patricius Winery, Tokaj
2015 Frittmann Winery, Kunság
2014 Koch Winery, Hajós–Baja
2013 IKON Winery, South Balaton
2012 Mészáros Wine House, Szekszárd
2011 Thummerer Winery, Eger
2010 Pannonhalma Archabbey, Pannonhalma (they won twice)
2009 Szöllősi Winery, Neszmély
2008 Vylyan Vineyard and Winery, Villány
2007 Bock Winery, Villány
2006 Garamvári Vineyards, South Balaton
2005 Disznókő, Tokaj
2004 Hilltop, Neszmély
2003 Tokaji Oremus, Tokaj
2002 Szőlőskert Rt., Mátra

 

Our article about Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery, last year’s winner

Winery of the Year 2023: Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery

A.GERE FEKETE JÁRDOVÁNY 2024

A.GERE VILLÁNYI FRANC ÖRDÖGÁROK 2023

A.GERE Kopar 2022

A.GERE Solus 2023

A.GERE Attila Cuvée 2021

The largest international wine expo hosts thousands of wineries, visitors need previous preparation to avoid getting lost in mediocre wines. Put the Hungarian booth on your schedule, because you will find true icons within a few squaremeters. Are you looking for  the Hungarian equivalent of Gaja or Mondavi? Visit H03 in Hall 15 on 15–17 Marchin Düsseldorf, Germany! Now we recommend 7 of the 63 exhibitors just to bring your appetite…

1. Gere Attila Winery, Villány

An absolute icon in the southern mediterranean wine region of Villány. Attila Gere created the first cult wine called Kopar (a Bordeaux blend), and soon after another one made of Merlot called Solus. He was a pioneer to sell wines prior to its release: Kopar and Solus are so sought after, that usually they are sold out before they are actually released. The winery works hard to keep the oustanding quality, and they are eager to introduce new products like the trendy Frici aerated sparkling in white and rosé.

2. Heumann Winery, Villány (Siklós)

The Swiss–German couple has long been a key producer in Hungary, in Siklós, which is the „white spot” of Villány wine region. The fact has been proved recently by 88 points given to Heumann Rhine Riesling by Meininger’s Wine Business. „The reason is quite simple. Siklos towards the west has a slightly cooler climate but what in my opinion is the most important fact is that the thinner layer of loess on the lime stone rock, compared to Villány. That gives our wines (whites plus reds) a great minerality and a slightly higher acidity. Different terroir!” – says Erhard Heumann.

3. Dúzsi Winery, Szekszárd

Tamás Dúzsi, founder of the family winery is dubbed The Rosé King with reason. He dedicates special attention to rosé wines, which are – according to his philosophy –  harder to make in outstanding quality. With barrel ageing wines get a „make up”, while a reductive rosé is fragile, winemaker has less tools for correction. He and his family make several single varietal rosé wines (Kékfrankos, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kadarka etc.). Jeff Jensen of Wine Enthusiast magazine has just picked Kékfrankos Rosé as Editor’s choice with 90 points!

4. Garamvári Winery, Etyek–Buda and Balatonboglár

Winemaker of the Year, Winery of the Year and recently Lifelong Achievement Award – Vencel Garamvári has all these prestigious awards. He is a sparkling connoisseur, therefore it was obvious to create méthode traditionelle sparkling wines besides still wines from Balatonboglár region. The sparkling cellar is in Budafok (Budapest) and grapes come from cooler climate regions for sparklings. Vencel was to first to make Furmint sparkling wines!

 

5. Hilltop Neszmély, Neszmély wine region

Winemaker of the Year in Hungary AND in the United Kingdom – Ákos Kamocsay, chief winemaker of Hilltop had this rare feat in his career with hundreds of gold medals. This winery had significant role to make the world get acquainted with Cserszegi Fűszeres grape variety – which was labelled for a while in England as the Unpronounceable. The Chardonnay Selection of Hilltop is a collectors’ item: Chardonnay wines from the same vintage made in the same way from different vineyards.

6. Vylyan Vineyard and Winery, Villány

Vylyan is much more than a winery, it is a cultural and artistic centre as well. Poetry and visual art is highly present in every movement of Vylyan, which would not make them famous in itself, but art is paired with exceptional wines as well. The latest venture is a crossover project with poems and short stories inspired by the wines, and with labels inspired by the poems and stories. Do you want to sell wines with stories? Visit Vylyan!

7. Grand Tokaj, Tokaj

The only state owned winery, the largest undergrand labyrinth in Hungary, countless awards and a chief winemaker Károly Áts with the double result of 100 points (Wine & Spirit and Robert Parker) – this is Grand Tokaj. Mundus Vini 2018 Best in Show award winning Szarvas Tokaji Aszú 6 puttonyos comes from Szarvas vineyard, Tarcal. 2013 vintage was an outstanding vintage when berries were fully infected by the noble botrytis. Notes of loess based soil, pear, dried chamomile, candied orange peel and a touch of smokiness from the new barrel. Pear compote and ripened orange on the palate with honey and chamomile tea. Creamy texture, the blessing of sunshine, amazing structure!