The cradle of a new way of thinking

When we visited Canter Wine House in Zánka, our guides – chief winemaker Gergő Gelencsér and sales director Tamás Istvándi – showed us around the winemaking facility, which is one of the most modern wineries in Europe. The transformation of state-owned large-scale wine producer Badacsonyi Pincegazdaság started 2 years ago and today Canter Wine House works with 165 hectares of own vineyard. Mr Gelencsér and Mr Istvándi started to change the winery’s portfolio with great determination. It was about time as well: its 45 products were below par in terms of both quality and design, not to mention their mistaken price positioning. At the moment Canter’s output is 750,000 bottles per year and the state-of-the-art winery is capable of producing both New World- and French-style wines. They offer two product lines with 18 varieties and barrel select wines. Canter’s flagship is the Dandelion line with light and refreshing wines from grape varieties characteristic of the Balaton region. Wines in the Kővirág line emphasise their terroir characteristics. Everything is fully automated in the winemaking facility and according to the two young experts their goal is to show the most beautiful face of Lake Balaton with top quality products. Future plans include the introduction of winery visits and the opening of a wine shop.