Wine fanatics were offered a unique tasting experience, while established wineries had the chance to showcase their acclaimed wine and the opportunity for international networking. Nearly 100 exhibitors were in attendance, offering guests approximately 300 of the best wines in the region during the unlimited and informal tasting affair.

Wine makers were also open to sharing information about their products to consumers. Those who missed the event can browse the top selections in the Winelovers 100 magazine. 

In addition to a tasting of the finest wines in the region, distinctive recognition was given to these wines during an esteemed award ceremony, held in the grand ballroom of The Corinthia Hotel. The Central and Eastern European and Hungarian wines present had been carefully selected by almost 70 wine experts during a three-day blind tasting that took place in July 2023.

These experts include world renowned authorities, Masters of Wine, sommelier champions, a Master Sommelier, and experienced wine merchants. Despite wine assessment typically being subjective, the results of the next-generation wine competition were based on the highest levels of expertise and an objective measure, according to strict and precise competition rules. 

“The judging panels highlighted and rewarded wines with high scores that reflected their terrior. Where fruitiness is not obscured by excessive oak usage or oxidation, these wines are technologically flawless, with outstanding consumption value for both the average wine consumer and wine experts”, said Bálint László, an international wine academic and president of the Winelovers Wine Awards jury. 

With wine makers representing 19 countries and a jury of 65 wine experts, wines from 14 countries participated in the competition, held for the second time from the 7th to the 9th of July. Based on the results, three Tokaji Aszú wines and one red wine from Villány were selected as the best among 839 different entries. 

On Saturday, winners were announced in several categories, such as the award for the best Kékfranjos going to Benedek Pince and the award for the best Cabernet Franc going to Villa Gyetvai Birtok. Jammertal Borbirtok picked up the most gold medals, earning the award for the best Syrah producer and the title of Winery of the Year, sponsored by Halimba Crystal.

Among the four Grand Gold winners, the highest scores of the day were achieved by Pajzos Six Puttonyos 2017 Legend Aszú and Trifecta Szent Tamás 2017 Aszú, with scores of 96 out of 100.

In addition, the Kreinbacher Prestige Brut Magnum 2018, an exceptional sparkling wine, received an extraordinary score of 92 out of 100. The Winelovers Wine Awards also took the time to reward Hungarian wineries that achieved outstanding results at international wine competitions.

“Winelovers builds a bridge between East and West, a win-win situation that benefits wineries, retailers, and consumers alike. Through activities and accompanying events, Winelovers aims to address the current shortcomings in the wine world and the needs of the current market players.

We help successful wineries personally, directly, and indirectly through international marketing activities, building their brands at an international level”, said István Tábor, founder of Winelovers. 

The award ceremony will be followed by the release of an English online brochure, which will be distributed to thousands of traders, wine experts, and media professionals around the globe.

The Winelovers 100 printed magazine, The 100 Best Hungarian Wines, can already be bought at newsstands and provides a great deal of information about the eminent Hungarian wines present at the tasting. The complete list of results can also be found online. 

Click here for more information about the Winelovers Wine Awards 
Facebook: @wineloverswineawards
Youtube: wineloverswineawards2928

Words by Lucy Drake for Xpatloop.com