Hungarian wine highlights: Villa Gyetvai’s new portfolio embodies the true essence of Balaton

Last Monday, the N38 Wine and Kitchen bar, nestled near Budapest’s illustrious Andrássy Avenue, hosted a well-anticipated event: the portfolio presentation of the Villa Gyetvai winery. We had the pleasure of attending it and sampling a collection of their exceptional wines, which truly exemplified the essence of Balatonfüred’s rich winemaking traditions. It was a splendid afternoon of exquisite wine, history, and artistry, perfect for anyone enthusiastic about Hungarian wine. 

The fascinating story behind the Villa Gyetvai Winery

Villa Gyetvai, based in Balatonfüred, is a small boutique winery with a captivating story. Like many wineries, its roots are intertwined with architecture. The journey began when architect Zsolt Gyetvai purchased a charming pre-World War II villa that came with a surprise—a hidden wine cellar. Originally intended to be a holiday home, the villa’s history as a winemaking site inspired Mr Gyetvai to transform it into what it is today: a thriving winery that combines architectural beauty with Hungarian wine artistry.

What started as a passionate personal project has blossomed into a full-scale winery producing a range of wines that capture the essence of the Balatonfüred-Csopak region. At the heart of this winery’s philosophy is a commitment to preserve the natural character of the grapes and showcase the unique terroir of their vineyards. Mr Gyetvai’s background as a modern residential designer shines through in his wines, which are both thoughtful and carefully crafted, capturing the character of this famous Hungarian wine region and the natural elements of the vineyards.

Source: Villa Gyetvai Winery / Tamás Kőrösi

Source: Villa Gyetvai Winery / Tamás Kőrösi

New Hungarian rising star

Villa Gyetvai regularly wins awards at acclaimed wine competitions such as the prestigious VinAgora International Wine Competition, where their 2021 Kékfrankos received a gold medal. While Lake Balaton is often associated with white wine, Villa Gyetvai is proving the region’s ability to produce excellent reds.

Another major achievement took place at the Winelovers Wine Awards Competition, where their 2021 Cabernet Franc clinched both a gold medal and the Best of Cabernet Franc award. These accolades reflect the winery’s success, as well as the feedback from a diverse jury of international wine experts.

Read more: Here are the 5 most magnificent historical Hungarian wine regions

Celebrating Hungarian wine

One of the most anticipated wines of their recent portfolio presentation was the 2023 Hajnóczy Olaszrizling, which proudly carries the Csopak Codex vineyard wine trademark. This vibrant white wine showcases the mineral-rich soils of the region, offering fresh flavors of green apple and citrus. The updated labels, sleek and contemporary, mirror the clean, elegant style that Villa Gyetvai aims to project.

In addition to the Olaszrizling, Villa Gyetvai’s Gastro Wine Family also took centre stage. Designed to evoke the easy-going, sun-drenched atmosphere of Lake Balaton, these wines—particularly the Riesling and Furmint—brought refreshing, fruit-forward notes perfect for pairing with some tasty bites or enjoyed on a warm late afternoon by the water.

Source: Villa Gyetvai Winery / Tamás Kőrösi

The debut of Syrah and a bright future ahead

The highlight of the presentation was the winery’s first-ever vintage of Syrah, showcased before its official release. This bold red wine, with deep hues and intense aromas of dark berries and spice, marks an exciting new chapter for Villa Gyetvai. It’s clear that this Syrah will be a standout in the winery’s portfolio, showing Zsolt Gyetvai’s desire to experiment while staying true to the Balaton region’s rich winemaking heritage.

As Mr Gyetvai shared the history of the villa and its transformation, the passion behind every bottle was unmistakable. The villa itself, now a cultural hub with art exhibitions and events, represents the perfect blend of past and present, much like the wines produced within its walls.

In an increasingly competitive wine world, Villa Gyetvai stands out not only for its commitment to quality but also for the rich history and love that pours into each bottle. From the breezy Olaszrizling to the bold new Syrah, Villa Gyetvai’s portfolio is a true love letter to Balaton, a blend of tradition and innovation, as well as wines that are as compelling as the story behind them.

Ready to indulge in a unique Hungarian wine tasting experience? Visit Villa Gyetvai’s website to book your tasting session today and explore the best of their selection in a picturesque setting. Perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a splendid day out in the Hungarian countryside.

Source: Villa Gyetvai Winery / Tamás Kőrösi

Source: Villa Gyetvai Winery / Tamás Kőrösi

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