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The Region of  “Sunshine and Teeming Life”

Third Wine Show and Business Meeting.

On April, 9.2015., the Southern region of the Lake Balaton, the Wine Association presented a superb major wine show. Upon arrival to Rádpuszta at first sight was to see the catchy Thatched roof on the picturesque surroundings, that as a start already made the Day! This was the third occasion in a joint co-operation of the Association of South Balaton Wine Route and the Balatonföldvári Small Area Tourism Association  to the season opening with meeting the press and media representatives, combined with the business individuals introducing the region’s  fine wines by the wine makers . The gathering was welcomed by Dénes Gádor – Chairman – Association of South Balaton Wine Route, Ferenc Bújdosó – Chairman – Balatonboglári Hilly Region Municipal Council, Tamás Fekete  – Vice President – Balatonföldvári Small Area Tourism Association. The event was under the patronage of  Mihály Witzmann parliamentarian. The members of the South Lake Balaton wineries, catering and accommodation service, the region’s villages and settlements joined the association  in 1999, in the year the organization was established.

This time the venue was at the  Gastro and Entertainment Center at Rádpuszta, whereas all in one the wine makers represented themselves  with the wines from the South Lake Balaton region. The aim of the event was to bring the attention to the South Balaton gastronomy representatives to the rich and high-quality wines and wineries at this region that has to offer. The southern region of Lake Balaton known from long ago of having produced local wines from its wine-growing areas. These wines are not only popular among the locals but for many foreigners who once tasted these wines  and trying in tracing them here is the place to bottle up.

A pitty in a way … in many cases  these wines of the Southern region of Lake Balaton is missing at the  local restaurants, catering establishments. Most of them served, offered wines from Hungary’s other wines regions even though there is huge line up of possibilities to have at these places regional wines. In fact, the red wines of South Lake Balaton are recognized as prestigious prominent wines and received acknowledgments at national and international base.

Following the presentation, the representatives met in person and had ears on the wine makers whilst tasting the rich in taste wines brought to this event by more than 30 wine makers.  thereafter, followed by a short tour  around the Estate Gastro Entertainment Village.  In and around the venue unique hand-carved  sculptures and furniture were all over the place. First stop was to the wine cellar along with its eye-catching exhibition. It was very tastefully arranged with its excellent installation at the collection of the area’s wines and other prominent Hungarian wine from other regions. Also visited the stables at the equestrian center where there is available 21 horses for sporty horseback riding fans, carriage rides and horse show.  The children are not left out to have their own adventure  at the Kids Farm …visiting the poultry yard, having pony rides. Next to the playground there is the air castle the land for rampage. The smaller kids may go to the petting zoo and elder ones may have the opportunity to learn the basics of archery.

The local gastronomy not even looked good but was  yummy served at a real country-style cosy place. It was a real Hungarian dish … roast goose garnishing with braised red cabbage and fried onion mixed with potatoes … oven baked cooked under the sky on an outdoor operating furnaces.

Along the southern shores  nearly forty qualified wine route venues can be visited … wineries, restaurants, accommodations, and craft workshops – await  for interested visitors to get to know this region’s grapes and wine culture, not to mention the breathtaking landscape and meeting traditions on the spot.

These were the wine makers present, serving to taste the region’s fresh, rich in fruity taste, delicious wines: AX & Wine Ltd., BB Chapel Hill, Bujdosó Winery, Buzás Vineyards, Buzássy Winery, Rádpuszta Vineyards, Fáncsi Mountain Winery, Garamvári Vineyards, Gutman Wine Cellar, Hujber winery, AX & Wine Ltd., BB Chapel Hill, Bujdosó Winery, Buzás Vineyards, Buzássy Winery, Rádpuszta Vineyards, Fáncsi Mountain Winery, Garamvári Vineyards,  Gutman Wine Cellar, Hujber Wine Cellar, Icon Wine Cellar, Soldier Winehouse, Small Laki Wine Manufactory, Konyári  Wine Cellar, Koltai Wine Cellar, Légli Vineyard,  Országh Winery Cellar, Podmaniczky Wine Cellar, Pócz Wine Cellar, St. Kristóf (Christopher) Cellar, Topos cellar, Veszprém Cellar.

I know it would not be fair to highlight just a couple of wines, but these fresh and easily consumable wines tasted absolutely worthwhile to give it a try:  Rádpuszta Vineyards at Balatonuszta, the heavenly semi-dry Italian Riesling, Bújdosó Winery at Balatonlelle – ,  Buzás Winery Cellar at  Kötcse, BB Chapel Hill at Boglárlelle – red, white, rosé and sparkling champagne,  Gutman Wine Cellar  at Kötcse – recommended to those who fancy the artisan-organic trend, Skizo Winehouse  at Badacsonytördemic – table and quality wines, Fancsi Hegyi Cellar at Kötcse – chardonnay, Podmaniszky Vineyard and Cellar at  Balatonföldvár,  Mr. Irsai (Irsai Oliver).

Definitely a stunning experience to visit  Rádpuszta Center  where all in one can be visited: the  wine cellar – winery – museum – exhibition hall –  adventure park at your fingertips. Surely this is what is called a Leisure Center!  Also spending a day-or-two at the picked cellar at South Balaton Wine Region.

Several Balaton wineries offer experience all year round to visit their cellar, taste and purchase their wines on the spot at more than 40 wineries.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter