Zsolt Takács Winery
In the land of Riesling, anything can happen, but one thing is certain: a wine-tasting experience full of memories awaits you in the hidden corner of the Keszthely Hills.
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In the land of Riesling, you can visit welcoming wineries, delve into the traditions of viticulture, enjoy fine wines on the terraces of small cellars, and have meaningful conversations with winemakers. Expect a memorable journey!
A Hidden Haven of the Balaton Uplands Wine Region
Rezi's vineyard hill, located just a ten-minute drive from Keszthely, is not just a ridge on the border of the Balaton Uplands and Zala County but a unique little world that locals affectionately call the Land of Riesling. This name is no coincidence. Italian Riesling has been a defining grape variety here for decades, yet it takes on a unique character compared to other wine regions in Hungary.
The area boasts an exceptional microclimate: the south-facing slopes are ideal for viticulture, and the proximity to the Alps makes the region wetter than average. The nearby Lake Balaton and the Zala Hills contribute to balanced humidity, cooler nights, and longer ripening periods – all of which enhance the wines' refined acidity and rich aromas.
What makes Rezi's vineyard hill special is that it is home to small-scale, artisanal wineries rather than industrial-scale production. Winemakers personally tend to the vines, taste, ferment, and bottle their wines, each employing their own unique viticulture and winemaking techniques. Alongside classic varieties such as Italian Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Blaufränkisch, more and more winemakers are planting rare or traditional Hungarian varieties like Nektár, Zengő, and Rozália.
Zsolt Takács Winery - A Journey Back to the 18th Century
Zsolt Takács Winery, located on land once cultivated by his ancestors, was even frequented by the Festetics family in its time. The family has been making wine on Rezi's vineyard hill since the 18th century. Knowledge has been passed down from father to son, and today Zsolt, the eighth generation, carries on the tradition, striving not only to preserve the family heritage but also to elevate it to new heights.
The one-hectare estate is managed with manual labour, supported by friends and family, and Zsolt is not only a winemaker but also a passionate storyteller about Rezi's vineyard hill.
The flagship wine of the winery is Nektár, a unique Hungarian variety with a special designation, available in both dry and semi-sweet versions. The winery's other offerings are equally intriguing: Zengő, Tramini, Chardonnay, and Blaufränkisch all await discovery. The wines are made using modern tools but traditional, natural methods, reflecting the soil characteristics and microclimate unique to Rezi's vineyard hill.
