Just two days into the four-day showcase, it's clear that the debut of the Wines of Hungary community wine brand in Japan is a resounding success. Hosted in the Hungarian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, the event has been met with enthusiastic feedback from professionals across the hospitality and wine trade sectors.
When discussing countries that are important targets for wine exports, Japan is increasingly mentioned — and for good reason. With a population of nearly 125 million and a world-famous cuisine, Japan places growing emphasis on the harmony between wine and food. This makes the “SAKURA” Japan Women's Wine Awards especially significant. It is an international competition organized in Japan, judged exclusively by women. The founder of the competition, Yumi Tanabe, answered our questions
In the summer of 2025, the Wines of Hungary community wine brand will make its debut in Japan as part of an exciting program series held at the Osaka World Expo. From June 4 to 7, professionals visiting the Hungarian Pavilion will gain in-depth insights into the traditions, modern developments, and diverse styles of Hungarian winemaking during a wine-themed series of events organized by the Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency.
Olaszrizling is one of Hungary’s most planted white varieties with just over 3,000 hectares planted, vying with aromatic Cserszegi Fűszeres for top spot in plantings of quality varieties. However, it has long been maligned, suffering under the image of a workhorse variety producing dilute, boring wines for everyday quaffing.
From April 6–9, 2025, Hungary proudly participated in Vinitaly, Italy’s most prestigious wine trade fair, held in Verona. Represented under the national umbrella brand “Wines of Hungary”, the country showcased its diverse wine portfolio on the international stage. The centerpiece of Hungary’s presence was a striking 60-square-meter custom installation, located in Pavilion D within the "Vininternational" section of the fair. A total of 13 Hungarian wineries joined as co-exhibitors, presenting the richness and innovation of Hungarian winemaking to a global audience.
Even though you may not know it yet, this black Carpathian variety is one of the must-tastes of Hungary and Central Europe. Kékfrankos, as Blaufränkisch is called in Hungary, is the country’s most widely planted variety with nearly 7,000 hectares planted nationwide, practically everywhere except in white wine bastion Tokaj. Although Hungary boasts over double the plantings of Kékfrankos than Austrian Blaufränkisch, its western neighbour has thus far been more successful at promoting its Blaufränkisch as a quality fine wine.
At the heart of Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin stands as a global beacon of wine culture, offering visitors a journey through history, taste, and the senses. In this exclusive interview, Elodie Gratuzé, Head Sommelier at the Cité du Vinshare insights into the institution’s mission, its collaboration with Wines of Hungary, and the latest multi-sensory exhibition, Via Sensoria — where art, light, and taste come together to offer a new perspective on wine, including a fresh look at the Tokaj region.
