The winery received HUF 3.4bn of support from the government for the project, Tamas Tarpataki, a deputy state secretary at the Agriculture Ministry, said.

New, multi-level champagne maturation spaces and storage capacities have been created, using the most modern technology and energy-saving solutions to produce quality champagne, Tarpataki said.

The expansion at the Kreinbacher Birtok (Estate) is a significant milestone for Hungarian viticulture, particularly for the Somló region. 

Project Overview

Location: Somlóvásárhely, at the foot of the Somló Hill in Northwest Hungary.
Total Investment: 6.8 billion HUF.
Government Subsidy: The project was supported by a 3.4 billion HUF grant, provided through the Rural Development Program.
Core Objective: To scale up the production of traditional method (méthode traditionnelle) sparkling wine while maintaining world-class quality.

Technical Advancements

The expansion isn't just about size; it’s about technological precision and sustainability.

Maturation & Storage: The project includes a new, multi-level cellar system specifically designed for extended bottle aging. This allows for the storage of several million bottles simultaneously.

Modernization: New bottling lines and disgorging equipment were installed to streamline the complex process of sparkling wine production.

Energy Efficiency: The facility integrates modern cooling and heating systems, focusing on low-energy consumption — a crucial factor for the temperature-sensitive maturation of champagne-style wines.

Economic & Regional Impact

"This investment not only strengthens the Kreinbacher brand but also elevates the prestige of the entire Somló wine region on the international stage." — Summary of Tamás Tarpataki’s address.

Market Growth: Kreinbacher has been a pioneer in proving that Somló’s volcanic soil is ideal for Furmint-based sparkling wines. This expansion allows them to meet growing demand in both domestic and export markets (specifically the UK and Scandinavia).

Employment: The development helps secure existing jobs and creates new opportunities in the agricultural and tourism sectors of Veszprém County.

Why It Matters

Kreinbacher is widely credited with the "Sparkling Wine Revolution" in Hungary. By using the same techniques as the Champagne region in France—but utilizing local grapes like Furmint and Chardonnay — they have consistently won gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the World Championship of Champagne & Sparkling Wine (CSWWC).

This 6.8 billion HUF investment ensures they have the physical infrastructure to compete with the world's top "Prestige" labels.

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