Page 13 - somogy megye 2022

When we hear the words Balaton and South Balaton, we
usually do not think of the long and traditional history of
grape growing in this region of Somogyland. However,
Good wine the excellent conditions for wine-making make it possible.
One of the most beautiful places in Pannonia is the Bala-
tonboglár Wine Region, where the Celts and Romans used
is a good to grow grapes and make wine. King Ladislaus II awarded
the County of Somogy its coat of arms in 1498; an arm
holding a bunch of grapes is depicted in the centre. Accord-

friend even ing to the letter of donation, there is such an abundance of
wine in this county that Somogy can be considered as one

of the richest counties in Hungary. The Wine Region of
in South Balatonboglár, located on the southern shore of Lake Ba-
laton, includes 37 towns and villages, with a total vineyard
area of 3,200 hectares, which is cultivated by nearly 2,800

Balaton farmers. The area is perfectly suitable for growing grape
varieties that are used to make champagne and sparkling

wine. The white grape varieties including Chardonnay, Ir-
sai Olivér, Királyleányka (Fetească regală), Yellow Muscat,
Welschriesling, Rhine Riesling, Pinot Gris and Furmint are

grown in the wine region. The red wines of South Balaton
are made from the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot
Noir, Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Franc grape varieties.

The South Balaton Wine Association welcomes visitors
interested in the grapes and the wine culture of the wine re-
gion, as well as the traditions of the area, in nearly forty certi-

fied wine route stops: in wineries, restaurants, motels and

craft workshops. Thanks to the excellent reputation of the

quality wines, wine tourism is spreading dynamically in the
Balatonboglár Wine Region, and today, in addition to the
cellar visits, we can participate in many high-quality wine-
related tourism and gastronomic events, not only in the
summer, but at any time of the year. Excellent winemakers
work hard throughout the year to show and share the ‘fruits
of their labour’ with the wine lovers visiting their cellars. Let
us enjoy a glass of wine in the cooling sunset at the end of a
pleasant day spent at the ‘Hungarian sea’ with its wonderful
natural features.

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