István is a former computer scientist who left a successful career to pursue viticulture on the beautiful Szent György-hegy Hill near Balaton. The spirit and pristine nature of this place changed his life. The winery has been organic since the very beginning (2011), and biodynamic since 2014. The next major turn in his wine adventure came a few years later, when István, prompted by a trip to the famous Austrian natural winery Weingut Werlitsch, decided to stop using sulphites altogether. He concluded that this is the only way for wines to be able to tell the story of their origin in full, which is exactly what he strives to convey in his efforts. Although he works with international varieties, it is very important for him to grow indigenous varieties, such as Hárslevelű, Kéknyelű, and Kék Bakator.
photo: Ádám Csordás
Winemaker: István Bencze
Region: Badacsony, Balaton, Hungary
Varieties: Chenin Blanc, Furmint, Hárslevelü, Kéknyelű, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Welschriesling, Kek Bakator, Pinot Noir, Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard size: 20 ha
Yearly production: 25,000 – 50,000 liters
Altitude: 130 – 280 meters
Soil: limestone, sandstone, volcanic soil
Farming: biodynamic
