Natural Wines of Hungary — Book by Kristian Kielmayer
Explore the science, the people, and the place behind Hungary’s vibrant natural wine scene.
Your essential guide to natural winemaking and 22 inspiring Hungarian winemakers.
📘 About the Book
Natural Wines of Hungary is an unbiased, educational, and beautifully illustrated journey into the world of natural wine.
In Part I, the book dives deep into topics such as organic viticulture, fermentation, sulfur, sensory science, and food pairing.
In Part II, it becomes personal—introducing 22 Hungarian natural wine producers, each with their own voice, philosophy, and place.
Whether you’re a wine lover, sommelier, student, or just curious, this is your gateway into Hungary’s most exciting wine movement.
📖 What’s Inside (120 pages)
NATURE, SCIENCE AND THE ART OF WINE
- Natural wine: a history in the making
- Viticulture: organic principles
- The art of natural winemaking: techniques and transparency
- Fermentation: the art and science of transformation
- Sulfur dioxide: protector or problem?
- Filtering and fining in winemaking
- Geographical indications and wine; does it matter?
- The science of taste and tasting in natural winemaking:
a multisensory journey - The balance of faults and characters in natural wines
- The three rules of food and wine pairing; try them with
your favourite natural wines - Brewing stories: the art and science of specialty coffee
THE PEOPLE, THE PLACE, THE WINES: The Storytellers
of Hungarian Natural Wine
- 5 Ház Borbirtok Weingartner Olivér – Tradition meets innovation
in the heart of Somló - Abeles, Imre Halász – The visionary natural winemaker
- Bálint Barcza – Listening to the volcanic mountain
- István Bencze – The symphony of nature
- Balázs Capári – The winemaking journey
- Márk Egly – Reviving Sümeg’s wine legacy with passion
- Horst Hummel – From law to wine
- Kristinus Wine Estate – A bold step into biodynamics
- Bálint Losonci – The trailblazer in Mátra
- Levente Major – Viking spirit with artistic vision
- Gyula Pálffy – The guardian of the Káli Basin
- P.A.N.K. – A rebel with roots in the Káli Basin
- Zsolt Sándor – The craftsman of Bükk
- Somló Kincse – László Andrási, the guardian of Somló’s treasures
- Sziegl Winery – Balázs and Petra: reviving tradition in Hajós
- Szóló Winery – Let the grapes speak for themselves
- Tomcsányi Estate – A story of passion, nature and Somló
- Turay Family Winery – The family winemaking journey
- Unger Bormanufaktúra – A passionate venture in Kőszeg
- Wassmann Winery – Wines crafted with heart and nature
- Weninger Winery – A dialogue between nature, culture and wine
- Péter Wetzer – Independent winemaker
💰 Price & Availability
📕 Softcover print edition (English)
Regular Price: €25 / 9500 HUF
🌟 May Promo: Only €21 / 8500 HUF (+ postal fee note: within Europe it’s ca. 17 EUR recorded delivery)
To order, simply drop me an email at
📩 kristian@kristiankielmayer.com
or message via Instagram 👉 @naturalwinesofhungary
Ebook version available currently through:
📍 Meet the Author, Meet the Book — May 2025 Events
Come grab your signed copy and chat with Kristian in person!
🟢 Ez Natúr Festival — Sümeg, Hungary
📅 May 9–10 | eznatur.hu
🎤 Presentation + Book Sale
🟣 Karakterre — Eisenstadt, Austria
📅 May 17–18 | karakterre.com
🎤 Book Sale + Natural Wine Tasting
🟠 Chocolate x Natural Wine — Budapest, @Virtu
📅 May 27 | Facebook Event
🍫🍷 Tasting event pairing chocolate and natural wine
More events coming soon!
Excerpt from the book:
Testimonials & Praises about the book:
Hungary is not a highly regulated wine country, so whether you are a professional or a wine lover, it’s not easy to navigate the maze of Hungarian wines. Kristian’s book could be your guide to direct you to hidden treasures and show you the quintessence of Hungary’s natural wines.
Tamás Czinki, Master Sommelier
As a wine expert and passionate wine lover, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the world of natural wines. It is a professionally grounded yet highly readable work that authentically presents the diversity of Hungary’s natural wine scene. Behind the winemaker portraits lie real human stories, dedication, and deep knowledge. What truly sets this volume apart is that Kristian approaches the subject with the same precision and humility that these winemakers bring to their wines — and to nature itself.
Agnes Herczeg
Kristian’s book is a valuable addition to the wine literature. Clearly written and beautifully illustrated, it introduces novices and experts alike to some of the most important and interesting winegrowers active in Hungary today. His introduction to making wine more naturally is also a valuable resource for those who are new to the natural wine scene that continues to drive forward the world of interesting wine.
Jamie Goode
Thorough, unbiased, both scientific and enjoyable to read, full of useful information—for wine lovers and professionals alike.
András Kató, founder of Terroir Club
Some comments from the readers:
“Cool book, I like the style.”
Zsolt, Szekszárd
“You summarised the basics, the concept, and the layers of natural wine very clearly and beautifully. The photos are stunning, and your entire work reflects the highest level of professionalism. A truly much-needed work has finally found its place!”
Tamas, München