Be a vintner for a few hours

Supply meets demand as guests seek new experiences and, at the same time, there are more and more interactive programmes: for example, at some wineries you can not only listen to information, but also have first-hand experience.One of the main focuses of the interactive wine programmes is learning about the process, history and traditions of winemaking in a playful and memorable way. It is no coincidence that this is the process preferred by many wineries, as the art of winemaking goes back centuries, and the knowledge passed down  from  father  to  son  (and  daughter)  is  as  much  a  part  of  the  unique  value  proposition  of  a  wine region as the produced wine itself and its tasting. The Istvándy Winery, located in the Balaton Uplands, offers visitors a glimpse into this knowledge accumulated from generations of winemaking.

Although the number of enthusiastic wine consumers is growing, and almost every social group has its own wine expert, not many of us can claim to be a vintner. Istvándy Winery, which started out as a wine bar, quickly expanded with the idea of offering guests the opportunity to make their own wine, even for just a few hours.In  Badacsonytomaj,  if  you  start  up  the  hill  from  the  coast,  you  cannot  miss  “Borműhely”  (lit.  Wine Workshop) with its sunshade terrace rising above the holiday homes in the Római út. From the inviting, relaxed  atmosphere that surrounds the estate  and the on-site experience centre, you  can  feel  after the first  glance  that  you  have  arrived  at  a  family  cellar.  

The  soul  of Borműhely  is  undoubtedly  Gergely Istvándy, who considers the cultivation of traditions and the passing on of experience and observations to be of utmost importance in his work as a vintner. His grandfather's memory is the main concept of Borműhely: his photographs were the inspiration for the design elements and uniform, which guests can wear to fully immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of the family winery.

The  wines  are  usually  prepared  in  advance  in  three  barrels,  from  which  the  participants  can  make  a cuvée,  so  that  a  blending.  The  guests  can  usually  choose  from  “Olaszrizling”,  “Szürkebarát”  and “Muskotály”, which they can bottle in different proportions according to their preferences after tasting them.  Providing  variety  is  crucially  important  in  the  programme,  which  is  why  wine  making  is complemented by elements such as scent recognition and a film about the family's history.

This  experience  is  a  perfect  choice  for  family  events,  bachelorette  or  bachelor  parties,  or  as  an anniversary or Christmas gift, as guests can create a unique, tangible memory while experiencing the true wine region atmosphere. While enjoying a homemade cuvée, it is worth spending some time on the terrace,  tasting  the  most  special  wines  of  the  Istvándy  Winery,  or  just  enjoying  the  view  in  good company. And if you are lucky, you might even enjoy an evening concert while having wine.