Etyeki Kúria

Etyeki Kúria was founded in 1996 on the historic Öreghegy hill in Etyek, in the shadow of Budapest. The estate continues a tradition begun by horticultural engineer and winemaker Tibor Báthori, who made Chardonnay famous in the region and introduced modern, reductive cellar techniques to the Etyek-Buda wine region. Etyeki Kúria carries this legacy forward with respect for tradition but a consistently innovative approach. It was the first winery in the region to plant Pinot Noir for a varietal wine, which today plays a defining role both at the estate and across the whole wine region.

The estate works closely with the Esterházy winery in Burgenland. The partnership, running since 2009, links both sides of the Hungarian-Austrian border: in viticulture, in export and at joint events. Two neighbouring countries, one shared wine culture.

Sándor Mérész has been head winemaker since 2009. He studied in Gyöngyös, worked in California and came back to work in Tuscany alongside the internationally renowned winemaker Tibor Gál. Local terroir, international experience and current research all come together in his work. Since 2013 he has been named among the top 50 of Hungary's "Borászok Borásza" (winemakers' winemaker) award every year.

The original two hectares have grown to 50, of which 25 are currently in production: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir around Etyek, and Kékfrankos and Merlot in the Sopron vineyard farmed since 2006. Neighbor stocks five Etyeki Kúria wines: MSP Zenit, Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Brut, Pinot Gris Orange, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the most concentrated cross-section of the estate's character.

The relationship with Pinot Noir goes back to the first planting in 2001. This many-sided variety is the backbone of the range, both as a still wine and as the base for the sparkling wines. The Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Brut is a bold experiment that has won over both the public and the critics, and collected awards. The Pinot Gris Orange belongs to the MSP line, Sándor Mérész's personal laboratory for small batches and new techniques. The Chardonnay is at home on Etyek's limestone: fresh, mineral and elegant, as a still wine and as a sparkling base.

At Etyeki Kúria, sustainability is a series of everyday decisions. The winery is built partly into the hillside, with gravity-flow winemaking and natural insulation. Since 2019, solar panels have covered a third of its energy needs. Between the vine rows, a special seed mix protects the soil from erosion and boosts biodiversity. Only pea protein and bentonite are used for fining, so the wines are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Awards: 2022 Hungary's Most Beautiful Winery, 2023 Best Countryside Event Centre (Business Traveller Hungary). Asia Wine Trophy 2023: Grand Gold for MSP Zenit 2021 and Pinot Noir 2019. Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2023: Gold Medal, Pinot Noir 2019. Berliner Wine Trophy 2022: Gold Medal, Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc.