Szürkebarát Duel in Badacsonytördemic

One grape, many styles

The event, to be held on August 1st in the Faluház of Badacsonytördemic, will feature 24 Szürkebarát wines for both the public and professionals: 12 wines from the Badacsony region—selected as the highest-rated entries from the local wine competition—and 12 from other Hungarian wine regions, allowing for a nationwide comparison and stylistic dialogue. While the term “duel” is playful, the aim is serious: not to identify the best wine, but to spotlight the wide stylistic range of Szürkebarát, exploring how the variety aligns with international trends and where it might evolve within Hungarian winemaking. The masterclass, combined with a walkaround tasting, offers a rare professional opportunity for wine experts, winemakers, and consumers to evaluate the showcased wines together—creating a shared experience that could inspire new directions for the grape’s future in Hungary.

“Szürkebarát is immensely popular and successful worldwide—from New Zealand to Europe to the U.S. Though the grape has existed in Hungary for nearly 800 years, it is still underappreciated here compared to its global reputation. That’s why we felt it was important to establish an event that exclusively focuses on this variety, both to generate interest and to start a new tradition. We believe there are exciting Szürkebarát wines not only around the world but in Hungary too, and the Szürkebarát Duel aims to bring these wines to light for both the public and professionals.”
— Csaba Éliás, President of the Badacsony Szőlőhegyért Association, on behalf of the organizers

Szürkebarát – A Hungarian face to an international variety

The Szürkebarát (known as Pinot Gris internationally), which covers nearly 190 hectares in Hungary, is believed to have been introduced in 1375 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and later naturalized in the Badacsony region by monks. Today, it is inseparably linked to the Badacsony wine region, becoming one of its defining grape varieties. Local winemakers are placing increasing emphasis on it, as Szürkebarát thrives in the warm, volcanic soils of Badacsony—yielding high-quality wines across the style spectrum, from light and dry to complex and sweet.

“Szürkebarát is an excellent and versatile grape that performs beautifully in Hungary. It’s baffling to me that, while nearly every restaurant in socialist-era Hungary served semi-sweet Badacsony Szürkebarát, the variety has nearly vanished from wine lists today—even as the wines have improved in quality and modernity. Since the founding of Hilltop, we’ve exported millions of bottles of Szürkebarát to the UK under the name Pinot Gris, where it remains extremely popular. But in Hungary, we struggle to sell it. I don’t understand why. That’s why I see the Szürkebarát Duel as an extremely important and timely initiative. It’s a chance to showcase what exciting wines can be made from this grape and hopefully help Szürkebarát reclaim its rightful place in the Hungarian wine scene.”
— Ákos Kamocsay, Chief Winemaker and Co-owner of Hilltop Winery, who will also participate with his wines

More than just a tasting – A collective dialogue on the future of Szürkebarát

The organizers’ goal is to put Szürkebarát back in the spotlight—showing that one of Badacsony’s most noble wines is not just a relic of the past, but a key to the future. For the full program and more information, visit the event’s official Facebook page:
Szürkebarát Párbaj Badacsonytördemic 2025

Selected Wineries:

BADACSONY REGION

1. Varga Winery

2. Éliás Estate

3. Laposa Estate

4. Pátzay Winery

5. Büttner Winery

6. Szabó Family Cellar

7. Weller Winehouse

8. Villa Márika Vineyard

9. Patányi Winery

10. Borbély Family Winery

11. Csanádi Winery

12. Fata Cellar

OTHER HUNGARIAN WINE REGIONS

1. Fodor Winery – Balatonfüred/Aszófő

2. Zelna Winery – Balatonfüred

3. Androsics Estate – South Balaton

4. Nádas Wine Workshop – Etyek

5. Beck Cellar – Hajós

6. Bárdos Winery – Mátra

7. Szőke Mátyás & Zoltán – Mátra

8. Hilltop Winery – Neszmély

9. Ákos Kamocsay – Neszmély

10. N3 Wine Workshop – Neszmély

11. Tornai Winery – Somló

12. Tűzkő Estate – Tolna