The South Balaton Wine Route Association has just held the presentation of its new wines together with a media and business gathering at the Kristinus Wine Estate in Kéthely. Almost all the wineries in the region took part.
The event had two aims: to bring the outstanding quality of the South Balaton’s wines and its winemakers to the attention of those working in gastronomy and also to emphasise the need to extend the length of the Balaton ‘wine season’. The South Balaton wineries believe that the usual gastro-tourism summer season should be extended and cellars should be open even in the winter, so that visitors are able to enjoy the region and what it offers all year round.
Local products from the wine region are increasingly in demand among visitors. Unfortunately, there are still many few bars and restaurants at Lake Balaton which give preference to wines from other regions, meaning that South Balaton wines do not get the recognition they rightly deserve. Naturally, the ‘principle’ that ‘Balaton wines should end up in glasses at the Balaton’ does not rule out wines from other wine regions being promoted; however the association believes that the region is missing the chance to exploit the region’s own products.
South Balaton wines have won many prestigious international and national accolades, thus the association believes it is important that they are appreciated not only abroad or in Budapest, but also at the Balaton itself. The association’s president, Dénes Gádor pointed out that the South Balaton had already started to reap rewards from its cooperation.
Ferenc Bujdosó, president of the Balatonboglár regional wine council stressed the huge potential of the area, not only in the summer but also in winter, with activities such as angling, hiking, hunting and gastronomy. Certainly, the Balaton’s unique location and characteristics mean that it can offer a wide range of quality activities to both local residents and visitors alike.
Florian Zaruba, Managing Director of South Balaton Kristinus Wine Estate, formerly Ax&Ax, also emphasised in his welcome speech their intention to contribute to the increased visibility of the region.
After the speeches and the presentation of the wines, those present had the chance to discuss issues concerning the region personally with the winemakers.
The South Balaton Wine Route Association
Quality wine-making is part of Hungary’s natural and cultural heritage. The association wishes to ensure high standards and consistency with these values for visitors making ‘stops’ on the wine route. The association founded in 1999 comprises around forty quality-controlled members offering ‘stops’ along the South Balaton’s wine route – wineries, restaurants, accommodation providers and craft workshops - as well as the area’s regional wine council and communities. The members await visitors all year round to help them appreciate the region’s grape and wine culture, and its traditions.
Wineries taking part in the event:
Bujdosó Pincészet • Buzás Szőlőbirtok • Dézsma Pince • Fáncsi-hegyi Pince • Garamvári Szőlőbirtok • Gutman Borpince • Hujber Pince • Katona Borház • Kislaki Bormanufaktúra • Koltai Pince • Kristinus Borbirtok • Országh Pince • Pócz Pincészet • Podmaniczky Pincészet • Rádpuszta Szőlőbirtok • Várszegi Pincészet • Veszprémi Pince
For further information: www.delbalatonibor.hu
