Natural Wines of Hungary – Book by Kristian Kielmayer | Explore Hungarian Natural Winemakers
About Natural Wines of Hungary
Discover Hungary’s vibrant natural wine movement through the country’s first comprehensive English-language book on the topic.
Natural Wines of Hungary is your essential guide to understanding Hungarian natural winemaking, featuring 22 inspiring winemakers, their vineyards, and the science behind natural wine.
Discover Natural Wines of Hungary
Hungary is one of Europe’s most exciting and diverse wine places and today, its natural wine scene is thriving. From volcanic Somló to the Káli Basin, from Mátra to Sopron, independent winemakers are crafting wines that express both place and personality.
This book captures their stories, philosophies, and wines, helping readers, sommeliers, and wine students navigate the world of organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines made in Hungary.
Your essential guide to natural winemaking and 22 inspiring Hungarian winemakers.
📘 About the Book – Natural Wines of Hungary
Natural Wines of Hungary is a bilingual, beautifully illustrated, and educational journey into natural winemaking.
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Part I explores viticulture, fermentation, sulfur management, filtration, and the science of sensory evaluation.
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Part II gives voice to 22 Hungarian natural winemakers who share their passion, creativity, and respect for nature.
Whether you are a wine lover, educator, sommelier, or simply curious, this book offers both scientific depth and personal storytelling.
Inside the Book – Topics & Chapters
NATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ART OF WINE
120 pages of insight and inspiration covering:
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Natural wine: history and evolution
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Organic viticulture and soil life
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Natural winemaking techniques and transparency
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Fermentation: science and artistry
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Sulfur dioxide – protector or problem?
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Filtering and fining naturally
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Geographical indications and authenticity
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Sensory science and tasting methodology
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The balance between character and fault
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Food pairing rules for natural wines
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Plus a bonus chapter: Brewing stories – specialty coffee meets fermentation science
Meet the Winemakers of Hungary’s Natural Wine Movement
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
Where to Buy the Book
Softcover print edition (English)
Regular Price: €25 / 9500 HUF
(+ postal fee: within Europe it’s ca. 17 EUR recorded delivery)
To order, simply get in contact or drop me an email at
📩 kristian@kristiankielmayer.com
Instagram:
Print copies are also available at the following places:
Tasting Table by Taste Hungary, Budapest
Ebook version available currently through:
Praise & Testimonials
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, and 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
I highly recommend this approachable, thorough book by Kristian Kielmayer. Alongside Kristian’s in-depth knowledge of the Hungarian natural wine scene, the opening half forms a crisp, standalone reference on wine and winemaking generally.
David Motion, London
Check out the short post from my former University of Applied Sciences Burgenland.
WineAnorak Global Wine Journal – Book Review
Natural Wines Of Hungary – selected for the next Gourmand Awards