When thinking of wine-growing areas close to the capital, the Kunság Wine District is not the first one that comes to mind for most. Even not despite the fact that Csepel Island, the region’s northern part got into the limelight when the Wine Producer of the Year came from here a few years ago. But there is another corner of the district, further north, which deserves much more attention; Monor and its surroundings, just 30 kilometres from Budapest.
The award ceremony of the 41st National Wine Competition (OBV) was held in Budapest on 31st August, announcing and awarding producers of the top-rated Hungarian wines. This year, 232 wineries from 22 wine districts entered a total of 824 wines in the competition. The most successful winery with 3 grand gold medals and 2 gold medals proved to be Pajzos Tokaj from the Tokaj Wine Region. The awards were handed over by István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture and Ottó Légli, President of the National Council of Wine Communities (NCWC), the interbranch organisation of Hungarian wine producers and vine growers, organiser of the Wine Competition.
As he is ready to admit, Szabolcs Lantos started winemaking with a little handicap, since he founded his winery in the Kunság Wine District instead of a well-known worldwide place or a tourist hot spot. That said, he still deems himself lucky, as Soltvadkert has 5-6 more wineries, including the famous Frittmann winery, and the proximity of Lake Vadkert attracts people thirsty for wine.
Get your calendars ready because important dates are coming up. Although in recent years we have become accustomed to nothing being set in stone, it looks like the following events will definitely take place. Here is a non-exhaustive list of wine events for the second half of the year.
Buttes are guardians of ancient geological history. The current form of the Balaton Uplands started to take shape about 260 million years ago. Over time, layers of basalt and basaltic tuff were deposited from a series of volcanic eruptions, and as the Pannonian sediment was eroded around them, the areas protected by basalt caps emerged from their surroundings, testifying to the old surface by their height.
The southernmost wine district in Hungary, Villány, organised the Franc du Monde competition for the first time this year. This international wine competition focuses on Cabernet Franc and brought together 101 Cabernet Francs from 8 different countries to be judged by an international jury.
A blanket, a bottle of chilled wine, some delicacies, good friends, and a quiet, grassy spot - that's all you need for an unforgettable picnic. Our guide will help you choose the right location.
