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There is truth in the
wine of Balaton
The region of Balaton offers much more to its visitors than for growing grape varieties to make even champagne
just swimming and fi shing. This region has been continu- and sparkling wine. The white grape varieties including
ously inhabited since the ancient times, and, therefore, Chardonnay, Irsai Olivér, Királyleányka (Fetească regală),
there are relics from almost every historical era, and one Sauvignon Blanc, Yellow Muscat, Welschriesling, Rhine
of the country’s outstanding wine regions is also connected Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Furmint are grown in the wine
to Somogy. One of the most beautiful places in Pannonia is region. The red wines of South Balaton are made from the
the Balatonboglár Wine Region, which has a rich past and a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch,
promising future. The Celts brought the grapes to Somogy, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. The South Balaton
but the Romans banned wine production until the 3rd cen- Wine Route Association welcomes visitors interested in
tury. Still, it became a traditional area of cultivation. Several the grapes and wine culture of the wine region, as well as
winemakers in Somogy have earned international fame for the traditions of the area, in nearly forty certified wine route
this region, where, according to a letter of donation with stops: in wineries, restaurants, accommodations, and craft
coat of arms dated 1498, there is such an abundance of wine workshops. Thanks to the excellent reputation of the qual-
in this county that Somogy can be considered as one of the ity wines, the cellars and the events of the Balatonboglár
richest counties in Hungary. It is no surprise that there are Wine Region are now visited by people from all over the
countless programmes connected to wine, and wine tour- country, and by more and more people from abroad. If you
ism flourishes all year round, with a series of international are travelling there, do not miss the opportunity to visit one
events and festivals organized around them in late autumn, of the wineries to taste wine!
winter, and spring periods. The area is perfectly suitable
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