Historic success: gold medal for Zelna Winery at the world’s most prestigious wine competition

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 06. 20. 10:45

The Balaton red wine has achieved unprecedented recognition in the international wine world: the Peregrina wine of Zelna Borászat from Balatonfüred won a gold medal with 95 points at the world’s largest and most prestigious wine competition, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The award is a milestone not only for the winery, but also for the entire Balaton region, as never before has a Balaton red wine received such high recognition at this competition.

The DWWA, held for the 22nd time, has now become one of the most influential international competitions in the wine world, where the lots are evaluated by renowned experts in blind tastings. The success of Peregrina is not only made special by the score, but also by its history.

The elegant harmony of Merlot and Syrah

Peregrina is a 2021 vintage blend that contains 75% Merlot and 25% Syrah. The two components were fermented and aged separately, then carefully blended and aged in American, French and Hungarian oak barrels for over a year. The end result is a deep, complex, spicy and velvety red wine, certified BIO, released in limited bottles.

“The birth of Peregrina is the result of a long learning and precise work,”

said Barna Barabás, Zelna’s chief winemaker.

The wine takes its name from the Latin word “peregrinus” (wanderer), referring to the path that the winery has taken – not only in terms of technology and quality, but also on a philosophical level.