The première. The Confrérie de Tokaj is launching its very first auction. It will be conducted on the 27th April 2013 in the Castle of Sárospatak. A three-day programme of events (details follow) will accompany this exceptional auction which showcases the range produced in this white wine region. The auction will also be conducted by telephone.

La crème de la crème de Tokaj. The Confrérie de Tokaj has reserved 22 lots from some of the best producers in the region to be offered on the auction day. These are unique wines – the most noble lots of each producer – in infinitesimal quantities: 136 litres, corresponding to the capacity of the traditional Tokaj barrel, the Gönci barrel. Eszencia, the equivalent of the royal jelly of bees, will be offered as 10 litres. A panel of highly-respected and independent experts will examine the quality of these lots until their final presentation on 27th April 2013 and from then until they are bottled.

For the benefit of the Tokaj landscape. By purchasing one of these lots you will become the exclusive owner of a unique Tokaji wine and, at the same time, you will be participating in the restoration and enhancement of the viticultural landscape of Tokaj, a World Heritage Cultural Landscape since in 2002.

Tokaj, five centuries of history
The first appellation in the world, Tokaj is undoubtedly one of the great wine regions. Situated in the north-east of Hungary, 260 kilometres from Budapest, over the past twenty years we have seen the emergence of new styles and fresh expressions in both dry and sweet wines. The auction offers an opportunity to discover this richness.

La Confrérie de Tokaj
La Confrérie de Tokaj, reinvigorated since the gathering of its founding members on 22nd September 2012, aims to reposition Tokaj as the treasure it is. The Confrérie serves as an umbrella organisation for the best of the region’s producers, above all for those who believe in terroir and the unique character of these white wines. It is open to all those friends of wine and professionals who would like to participate in the evolution of the region and to maintain traditions that span the centuries.

Program:

Friday 26 April

From 3 pm  - Visits to vineyards by coach tour or individually

From 6.30 pm - Tasting and dinner of initiation with Tokaji wines at the Sárga Borház Restaurant

Saturday 27 April

From 9.30am - Participants arrive at the Castle of Sárospatak

10.30am - Blind tasting of the auction lots

12.30pm - Tasting List and Auction Catalogue given to participants

12.30 to 2pm - Picnic lunch with wines from participating producers

2.30pm to 4.30pm - Tokaj Wine Auction conducted by Nóra Winkler and with Gabriella Mészáros AIWS and Ronn Wiegand MW/MS presenting the lots

4.30 pm to 5.30 pm - Ceremonial inauguration of new Confrérie de Tokaj members

5.30 pm - Participants leave for their hotels

8pm - A performance of ‘A Capella’ given by outstanding mezzo-soprano Lúcia Schwartz Megyesi

8.30pm - Gala Dinner at Gróf Degenfeld Hotel, Tarcal

Sunday 28 April

9pm to 12pm - Buyers and visitors visit the producers they purchased lots from the previous day or as they wish.

To reserve your place in advance in the Tokaj Wine Auction and the associated events, please submit the electronic or printable registration form at www.tokajiborlovagrend.hu/en/borarveres/regisztracio and make the payment for the components of the programme you have selected. To facilitate the organisation of the event, early reservation for the auction is recommended.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Confrérie de Tokaj’s Admin Officer Gergely Somogyi on +36 70 362 5705 or by e-mail.