The government supports the renewal of Hungarian winemaking and the preservation of its traditions

By: STA Date: 2025. 06. 20. 09:00

We have long considered the wine sector, which is always capable of renewal, as the flagship of agriculture, therefore agricultural policy also thinks in the long term, on a value basis, and provides support for the sector by responding flexibly to challenges, said István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture, at the Borgála in Somlói on Friday.

(Photo: AM/Tibor Vermes István)

Nagy explained that through the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, the government 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 nearly 112 million euros for the period 2024-2027. According to him, the ministry has also ensured that producers can apply for support for the purchase of towed machines that help perform manual labor-intensive operations. Support for the restructuring and conversion of vineyards can be applied for between July 20 and August 15, while investment support can be applied for between November 15 and December 15, 2025, he added. Last year, in Veszprém County, Somló received the most replanting permits and new planting applications, tied with Badacsony, the minister informed, who said that all this shows that local farmers are doing everything they can to maintain and renew the vineyards. In his speech, the minister highlighted that another exciting chapter in the history of winemaking is being written in one of Hungary’s smallest historical wine regions, in which innovation and an ecological approach are increasingly playing a role in addition to tradition and quality.

Organic cultivation is increasingly gaining prominence

From August 2024, only raw materials harvested from 100 percent organic or organically converted vineyard areas can be used to make Somló Superior wines. In addition, nearly 60 percent of Somló is now organically grown. Meanwhile, the wine region is also making great strides in technological developments, giving a glimpse into the world of winemaking in the future, he added. Local wineries entered 84 entries for the Somló Wine Region 2025 wine competition, of which 2 won grand gold, 25 gold, 47 silver, and 10 bronze medals. At the event, 13 wine producers presented their gold medal winning entries to the general public.