Hungarian viticulture continues to rise on the global stage, thanks to winemakers who combine deep-rooted tradition with innovation. This year, the prestigious ‘Winery of the Year’ award went to the St Andrea estate in Egerszalók, a vineyard celebrated not only for the quality of its wines but also for its multigenerational legacy.
According to State Secretary for Agriculture Imre Hubai, who spoke at the award ceremony on Tuesday, Hungarian wineries have shown unwavering commitment, adapting to shifting technologies and evolving consumer habits without losing their essence. He emphasized that this approach has enabled Hungarian wine to strengthen its international reputation in recent years.
At the core of St Andrea’s success lies a unique blend of family unity, local identity, and long-term vision. Hubai described the Lőrincz family’s work as a ‘rich source of energy, knowledge, and determination’, crediting this intangible yet powerful force for the winery’s international acclaim and for further elevating the historic prestige of the Eger wine region.
He called St Andrea ‘one of the brightest stars’ of the Hungarian wine world, noting that its philosophy is centred around terroir-driven winemaking, vineyard selection, and the production of premium blends under Superior and Grand Superior categories.
Beyond celebrating excellence, Hubai also outlined ongoing state support for the wine sector. Under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, Hungary has allocated nearly 28 million euros for this year alone, with an additional 112 million euros set aside for the 2024–2027 period.
Support programmes for vineyard restructuring and conversion are currently open, with applications accepted until 15 August. Investment grant applications will follow the harvest season, open between 15 November and 15 December.
The award for St Andrea signals more than just individual success; it underscores the strength of Hungarian winemaking as a whole, rooted in heritage but ready to meet the future.
Related articles:
