Balaton wines connect the past and the present, the producer and the consumer

(Photo: AM/Csaba Pelsőczy)

At Wednesday’s event, the Minister drew attention to the fact that for the wine regions around Lake Balaton, wine is not just a product, but also an identity, hospitality and community. It is an invisible and intangible treasure that connects the past with the present. That is why it is gratifying that the Badacsony kéknyelű, one of the most emblematic representatives of Hungarian wine culture, is now a Hungaricum. The recognition not only praises the uniqueness of the variety, but also the professional knowledge, perseverance and dedication behind it – he added. The minister emphasized that BalatonBor is the first step to introduce the local wine regions. The next step is to identify the unique wine growing areas of the region and their wine styles, and the independent protection of origin of the wine growing areas will help in this. Sümeg, Mura, Füred or the Nivegy Valley not only mark geographical points, but also evidence of the diversity of Hungarian wine culture.

The minister also spoke about the important economic value of Hungarian wine

That is why the Ministry of Agriculture continues to deal with subsidies affecting the sector at a strategic level. In the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, the ministry supports, among other things, the modernization of vineyards, investments, promotion and innovation. Almost 28 million euros are available for these purposes this year, and a total of about 112 million euros for the period 2024-2027. An important deadline is that applications for foreign and domestic promotion support can be submitted until June 30th – underlined István Nagy. 195 samples from 46 producers were submitted to the XXII. Balaton Wine Competition. Of these, 1 lot earned a grand gold medal, 35 gold medals, 140 silver medals and 14 bronze medals.

AM