Jury
It is only possible to make world-class wines if one is ready to accept feedback from a diverse international jury comprising of members with a wide tasting experience.
Each year, the organizers of VinAgora International Wine Competition pay special attention to satisfy this prerequisite. In compliance with international standards, at least half of the judges come from outside of Hungary, from close to 15 countries. Most of them are winemakers, but there are several professional writers, sommeliers, and traders as well.
Wines are evaluated in committees of 5-7 persons, under the presidency of the most experienced judge. General rules of the committees' work are:
- at most half of the members are allowed to be from the organizer country
- complex electronic evaluation system, based on the OIV's 100-point evaluation sheet but also augmenting it
- final score of wines is the arithmetic mean of members' scores with the exclusion of at most two extreme outliers
- wine specialties (e.g. sparkling wines, botrytised wines, etc.) are scored by specialized committees
- every judge uses two tasting glasses, but upon request, every wine may be served in a new, clean glass
- neutral bites and water to clean the palate are constantly available
A fully objective wine evaluation does not exist but the VinAgora team makes maximum effort to minimize subjective elements during tasting.
Judges have only access to the following information about samples:
- store ID and rank in tasting series (do not identify the wine to the judge)
- category (e.g. still, dry, fortified, etc.)
- vintage
Moreover, the following conditions are strictly regulated:
- maximum number of samples tasted in a day (45 dry, or 35 sweet wines)
- length of tasting series (15 at most, followed by a break)
- tasting order within series
- lighting of tasting room (natural, or similar white light)
- air temperature of tasting room
- temperature of wine samples
List of jury members - all previous years
Károly ADAMOVICH
Hungary
Winemaker
I graduated as a food engineer at the Corvinus University of Budapest in 2008. I worked at Vincze Winery, The Gróf Buttler Winery, and since 2016 I have been working as one of the wine managers of Ostoros wine.
Štefan AILER
Slovakia
doc SPU Nitra
He worked in two Slovak wine companies in a senior position. It has successfully participated in the transposition of EU regulations in the field of viticulture and winemaking into the national legislation of the Slovak Republic. Professor of viticulture and viticulture at the Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering of the SPU Nitra. Author of the Winery and Sommelier book.
Norbert Tamás AKLI
Romania
Balla Géza Pincészet - Sales Representative
Sales Representative, laboratory technician at Géza Balla Winery. He attended WSET intermediate wine knowledge course.
Alexandra ALEXANDROVA
Russia
Independent expert - dipWSET
Wine consultant and sommelier in Moscow. WSET Diploma holder, Austrian Weinakademiker and student in the Institute of Masters of Wine. From 2015 she is the Italian Wine Ambassador in Russia and judge at Vinitaly, 5StarWines international wine competition.
Christian ANSELMANN
Germany
Wiengut Anselmann - Winemaker
He studied viticulture and oenology in Geisenheim University. After gaining more experience in Alto Adige, he joined his families wine estate as a winemaker, in 2020. The wine estate located in the southern part of Palatinate, is not only known for its still wines, but also for its great expertise in producing sparkling wine in classic method. In 2020 the Anselmann family was rewarded for the best sparkling wine collection by the ministery of agriculture.
Ralf ANSELMANN
Germany
Wiengut Anselmann - Owner, winemaker
Born into a winemaker family in 1965, he has been surrounded by the world of viticulture and wine since birth. He graduated from Stuttgart University with a master's degree in agriculture and viticulture. In 2010, the German Agricultural Association was awarded the title of Wine Maker of the Year. The 125-hectare Anselmann estate is located in the southern part of the Rhineland-Palatinate, near the village of Edesheim. In 2010, the wine estate was awarded the 'Federal Prize of Honor' by the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
BABARCZI Zsuzsanna
Hungary
Borász
Családjuk 1980 óta foglalkozik borkészítéssel, gyerekkora óta folyamatosan részt vett a borászat életében. A szőlészetet és a borászatot 2010 óta ő irányítja. Elvégezte a szőlész-borász szakmérnöki képzést, az akkor még Corvinus Egyetemen, valamint Ruston a WSET felsőfokú tanfolyamát. Folyamatosan képzi magát, sokat utazik borvidékekre, és kiállításokra belföldön és külföldön egyaránt, és a borász kollégákkal történő kapcsolattartást is elengedhetetlennek tartja. Fontos számára, hogy naprakész legyen a borok világában, magyar és nemzetközi szinten is. Rendszeresen bírál borversenyeken (borvidéki, országos), idén pedig a Berliner Wine Trophyn is a bíráló bizottság tagja volt.
László BABICZKI
Hungary
Babiczki Wine Kft. - Owner, winemaker
Guido BALDESCHI
France
Head of Unit
I was born in a valley famous for its white wine: Verdicchio in Marche region. I am a winemaker graduated in Bordeaux. After working in the wine production for many years, I joined the OIV in 2011 and I am actually the Head of Unit of the Enology commission.
Josef BALÍK
Czech Republic
Mendel University in Brno - Head of department
Leader of wine courses for the National oenology centre and the Wine academy in the Czech Republic. Training and selection of wine tasters in the Czech Republic according to the standard O.I.V. .Taster of several national and international wine competitions in the Czech Republic and abroad (Vino Ljubljana, VinAgora, Master Tasting AWC Vienna, Oenoforum, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, IceWine du Monde).
Tivadar BÁLINT
Croatia
Szabó Pince - Oenologist
He graduated from Corvinus University of Budapest in 2012 as a horticultural engineer, majoring in viticulture. He spent his semester at the Research Institute of Viticulture and Enology of the University of Pécs. Since 2013, he has been a winemaker at his family winery in Croatia, Karancs. As a winemaker, his goal is to make quality wines that shows the uniqueness of the South Baranya production area.
Géza BALLA
Roumania
SC Wine Princess SRL - Owner
He graduated in 1984 from the Viticulture Department of the University of Horticulture, Cluj-Napoca. Since then he has been an engineer, then chief winemaker and CEO of the State Farm and Vineyard of Baracka. In 1999 he established his own viticulture and wine business: Wine Princess Kft. Since 2008 he has been the associate professor of the Department of Viticulture and Wine at the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Faculty of Marosvásárhely. He has been a member of the Hungarian Wine Academy since 2004 and has been selected as the first Hungarian producer to be a member of the Pannon Bormíves Céh. In 2018 he was awarded the "Wine Producer of the Year in Hungary" by the Hungarian Wine Academy.
Carolyn BÁNFALVI
Hungary
Taste Hungary - Co-Founder & Writer
Carolyn is one of Taste Hungary's co-founders, and also a food and travel writer who has authored two culinary guidebooks to Hungary. After spending years researching and writing her books—Food Wine Budapest (Little Bookroom) and the Food and Wine Lover’s Guide to Hungary: With Budapest Restaurants and Trips to the Wine Country (Park Kiadó)—Carolyn and Gábor founded Taste Hungary in 2008 with the intention of sharing their passion for Hungarian food and wine with like-minded travelers who seek to experience the region’s authentic flavors and experiences. Carolyn has also written for dozens of international magazines and newspapers, including: Saveur, Explore Parts Unknown, Afar, CNN.com, Frommer’s, Gourmet, Gastronomica, Olive, and The Globe & Mail. Carolyn studied journalism at NYU, holds a culinary school degree, and is currently working on her WSET Diploma. She is a member of the Global Food Tourism Association and the Confrérie de Tokaj (the Tokaj Wine Guild). Carolyn is a mom of three, and she never tires of exploring Budapest, traveling, and dreaming up new food tours.
Péter BARANYAI
Hungary
Garamvári Szőlőbirtok - Chief winemaker, executive
He runs the Balatonlelle winery of the Garamvár Vineyard, where they make wines and sparkling base wines from the produce of 85 hectares of vineyards. In his words: "Every year is another challenge, as well as another opportunity to try to show as much as possible in our wines and champagnes about the characteristics of the grape variety, place of production and vintage."
Gábor BARÁTOSSY
Hungary
NÉBIH - Head of Department
Deputy Head of the Directorate of Wine and Alcoholic Beverages at NÉBIH. He has been engaged in organoleptic wine analysis for 23 years, and is a qualified wine jugde. He is the secretary of the National Wine Expert Committee since 2013.
Ágnes BÁRCZI-ELEK
Hungary
Auchan - Procurement director
I have been working in domestic retail for 25 years, and I have also been dealing with wine procurement for 13 years. I regularly give lectures for wine regions about the development and trends of the wine trade. In addition, I participate in wine competitions in the wine region as a wine judge. I am credited with the development of several private label wines.
István Bereczky
Hungary
Erdővég-Csohota Farm - Managing director
István borned at the Kárpátalja region on Nagymuzsay. He is the managing director of the viticulture and winemaking section of the "Erdővég-Csohota" family farm which was established in 1993. He is the president of the Hungarian Winemakers of Kárpátalja Association.
Christian BERNARDI
Brazil
Brazilian Enology Association - Director
Winemaker of the Maison Forestier. Director of the Brazilian Enology Association since 2010. President of the 5th and 6th Brazilian International Wine Competition. Judge in several international competitions.
Adél BERNÁTH-ULCZ
Hungary
Entrepreneur
Viticultural engineer, owner of pincefalvak.hu, instructor of the Central European Wine Institute.
Berovic MARIN
Slovenia
Scientist
Member of National Wine Expert Panell 1996 -2012 and member of International Wine Competition Juries
OLÁHNÉ DR. HORVÁTH Borbála
Hungary
University of Pannonia Ernő Soós Research and Development Center - Researcher
Tamás BORBÉLY
Hungary
Borbély Családi Pincészet - Winemaker, owner
A second generation winemaker, he was raised to love and respect grapes and wine. With their wines, they have achieved great success at various national and international wine competitions. He is a member of the Vinum Vulcanum Badacsony Wine Knighthood and their winery is a member of the Badacsony Wine Association and the Tourist Association. Between 2012 and 2019 he was among the 5 nominees for the Wine Producer of the Year. Since 2013 he has been the chairman of the Badacsony Wine Region Mountain Community Council and a delegate of the wine region to the National Council of the Mountain Community. 2018 Farmer of the Year Award Young Farmer. From 2019, member of the National Wine Expert Committee.
Davide BORTONE
Italy
WineMag.it - Editor in chief
Milan-based Italian wine journalist and wine critic, editor-in-chief of Winemag and contributor to wine-searcher.com. He is a judge for major European international wine competitions such as Mundus Vini. He is involved in the selection of Italy's leading wine importers.
Franco Brezza
Italy
ARGEA MONDO DEL VINO S.P.A - Plant Director
I’m Oenologist, I worked a long time in a big company as sparkling wine production manager. After 31 Years I decided to have new experiences in others cellars to improve my knowledge about red and white wines. I worked In private or cooperative cellars as Production Director and since march of 2022 I’ m a Plant Director in Mondodelvino s.p.a.
Ferenc Sámuel BUJDOSÓ
Hungary
Winemaker
He is a third generation the member of the Bujdosó Winery. After participating in five out-of-country harvest (Italy, France and New-Zeland), he joined the family winery in 2021 where he learned a lot of patience and humility from the older generations. From 2022 he has full control over the production of champagne.
György BURÁNSZKI
Hungary
NÉBIH BAII - Analyst
András CELLENG
Slovakia
MOVINO, spol. s r.o. - Production Manager
He studied food chemistry in Bratislava and started working in the local (Csáb) cooperative in 1980 as a cellar manager. Since 1985 he has been a member of the National Wine Judging Committee. Member of the Presidium of the Association of Slovak Winegrowers and Winemakers. He is an adviser to the MOVINO company and a member of the Wine Certification Committee of the Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Pavel CHRAST
Czech Republic
Grand Cru, s.r.o - Owner
Pavel graduated in 1995 of the Mendel University in Brno. From 1999 he is the owner of the Grand cru s.r.o. In 2009, he was already the winemaker of the year in the Czech Republic. Furthermore he takes place as an independent judge at many international wine competitions.
Christine COLLINS
France
Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg - Konzultáns
Works at MONDIAL DES VINS BLANCS Strasbourg France, at the Congress Centre. She is also Judge-Expert at numerous international wine competitions under the Patronage of the OIV and VINOFED. Specialist oeno-events in Alsace. Member of the Association of Sommeliers in Alsace.
György CSÁVOSSY
Romania
Diploma in wine tasting
He has worked in the wine sector (traditional method of sparkling wine production) for nearly two decades, from laboratory manager to production engineer and factory manager. He has been a certified wine taster since 1985 (certificate of the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Food). He is a regular judge at the "Transylvanian Vineyards" wine competition, the Carpathian Basin Wine Competition, VinAgora International and MUNDUS wine competitions, as well as at many local and county wine competitions in Romania.
Ágnes CSIBA-HERCZEG
Hungary
Wine Treasury Ltd. - Managing Director
Ágnes Herczeg is an economist, an internationally recognized wine expert and consultant. She has been actively involved in the business since 2000. She earned his WSET Diploma in London in 2010 and the WSET Certified Educator title later that year, followed by the Fine and Rare Wine Specialist title in 2011. In 2015, she was named Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2019, she won the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) and IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition) Future 50 awards. Ágnes founded her consulting company in 2007, and her clients include Lidl Hungary, of which she is a wine strategy consultant and brand ambassador, but also a wine strategy consultant for several Hungarian companies and wineries. She is a judge of the Decanter World Wine Award and the International Wine Challenge
Sándor CSÍKI
Hungary
FOOD & WINE - Editor-in-Chief, owner
Editor-in-chief of FOOD & WINE, gastronomic expert, author of wine and gastronomic articles, editor. Among other things, he is the author of the Borigo wine magazine. Co-host of the gastronomic program of Forbidden Radio. He is a regular participant and expert in gastronomic TV tests and programs. Foodstylist for foreign films and series. Winner of the Best of Budapest "Blogger of the Year" award. He is a "Par Excellence" award-winning wine expert of the Hungarian Sommelier Association.
Peter CZAKO
Slovakia
TAJNA s.r.o - Production manager
He teaches at the Slovak University of Agriculture. He is also the head winemaker of the TAJNA s.r.o winery and makes his own wine. He is a regular member of the jury at both international and Slovak wine competitions.
Béatrice DA ROS
France
ALESIA CONSULT EXPERIENCE OENOLOGY - Director general
Béatrice Da Ros is a French oenologist, a former President of the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits competitions (VINOFED). Former Chief executive officer of “L’Union des Oenologues de France” (French Oenologists Union), who participated in the creation of the international wine competitions organized by “EURL Œnologues de France” (Vinalies Internationales, Mondial du Rosé), while being a consultant providing special oenology experience. A member of the International Federation of Wine and Spirit Journalist and Writers (FIJEV) and an expert for the two OIV groups on Consumer Right & Information and Vitinicultural, training and education.
Estela de FRUTOS
Uruguay
INAVI - Consultant
Winemaker Agronomist, Uruguayan Wine Institute Advisor, Winemaker Consultant
Tamás DERDA
Hungary
Faktor Kft. Fritz Borház - Cellar manager, oenologist
He graduated as a viticultural engineer in Kecskemét in 2004. He has been working in the Szekszárd wine region since 2007 as a winery manager. He has been strengthening the Fritz Borház team in Szekszárd since 2014. The biggest professional success was that in 2019, based on the results of domestic and international wine competitions, one of the most successful wineries in the Pannonian wine region became the Fritz Wine House, and in the same year it was chosen by the Szekszárd Winemakers' Guild.
Emese DOMIÁN
Hungary
MTA - Consultant
She is an international wine academician, also member of the Hungarian Wine Academy. Board member of the Association of International Wine Academics, economist, economic director in civilian life. Passionate wine taster, judge at national and international competitions. DiplWset diploma holder.
László ĎÖRD
Slovakia
Vienna DC a.s. - Chateau Rúbaň - Winemaker
He's been a winemaker since he was a child, He was the chief winemaker of ELSKO, now he is the chief winemaker of Chateau Ruban. As an international wine judge, he travels and tastes a lot. He attends the tastings of the Slovak Quality Control Office as he is also a member of the organization.
Péter DR. PODMANICZKY
Hungary
Rád-Vin Kft. / Podmaniczky Vineyard and Cellar - Estate manager, winemaker
I gained my experience mainly in large wineries (Varga Pincészet Kft., Törley Pezsgőpincészet Kft., Ital Magyarország Kft. / Bognár Pincészet). I spent my internships abroad in Austria, South Africa and the USA. I am currently working as a property manager on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, in Rádpuszta. I also contribute organically to our family winery. I earned my WSET Level3 qualification in 2015.
Aida DUDAS
France
Champagne Louis Roederer - Responsable de visites
Edita DURCOVA
Slovakia
VINALMA s.r.o. - Director
Oenologist, wine consultant, wine merchant. Partner and commercial director of VINALMA, s.r.o., focused on import and distribution of fine wines and promotion and export of Slovakian wines Ambassador and jury member of many prestigious national and international wine competitions (e.g. Vinalies Internationales Paris, Mondial du Rosé Cannes, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Les Citadelles du Vin Bordeaux), panel president (Bacchus IWC Madrid, Premios Zarcillo IWC Burgos, Mondial des Pinots Sierre, Les Grands Concours des Vins du Monde Strasbourg, Sélections des Vins Canada Québec, Prague Wine Trophy, The Winemaker of the Year of the Czech Republic, Vino y Mujer and Premios Zarzillo Spain ) Director & chief oenologist of the Vino SAV (Wine of the Slovak Academy of Sciences wine selection) Director & Ambassador of the Danube Wine Challenge IWC
Bence DÚZSI
Hungary
Dúzsi Winery - Winemaker
After the Soós István Wine and Champagne Industry Technical School, he studied geography first in Pécs and then viticulture and winemaking in Geisenheim. Bence contributes primarily to the success and growth of the business in the viticulture and winemaking management of the cellar. It thus plays a very important role in the renewal of the winery. He has converted some of our areas to organic cultivation, making more and more spontaneously fermented batches on an experimental basis.
Tamás Dávid Dúzsi
Hungary
Dúzsi Tamás és Családja Pincészete - Oenologist
He studied viticulture and oenology in Budapest, Geisenheim, Montpellier, Bordeaux and Lisbon. He has been a member of the National Wine Expert Committee since 2013. In addition, he strengthens the presidency of the Hungarian Foreign Economic Association. He has been judging at several international wine competitions since 2013.
Sándor EMBER
Hungary
DJK Consulting - Manager
Viticulturist, winemaker engineer. Founder of the Balaton Uplands Pántlika winery, owner and chief winemaker until 1996. He is the founder and Chief Justice of the Order of the Seven Wine Judges. Wine teacher, wine expert.
Dániel ERCSEY
Hungary
Editor of Pécsi Borozó
The editor of the Pécsi Borozó, editor-in-chief of Winesofa, the host of the youTube channel called Lecsengés. He is a regular participant in several major international wine competitions and a member of FIJEV. He is an external author of countless wine magazines, travel and history, geography, and arts newspapers.
Leonid FADEEV
Russia
Cote Rocheuse - Executive director
Leonid Fadeev is a wine judge, Stage 2 MW student, WSET/IWSC “The Future 50 Awards” winner, Weinakademiker, DipWSET and WorldSom Magister Sommelier. He is a highly proficient wine expert who strove to gain wine education in Europe and continues to work hard on this. He began his wine career in March 2013 when he was tasked with running a vine growing and winemaking start-up in the south of Russia (Anapa, Krasnodar region). In February 2021, he founded his own consultancy agency — Vine&Wine Consulting. Currently he is steadfastly developing the company whilst continuing his wine education.
Zsóka FENDRIK
Hungary
SIMONIT & SIRCH - Vine Master Pruners - Consultant
She graduated as a winemaker at the Corvinus University of Budapest, while working as a sommelier at the Kistücsök Restaurant in Balatonszemes. After her university years, she learned unique pruning techniques from the team of master pruners SIMONIT&SIRCH in Italy. She also works for the international company's representatives in Italy, Austria, Germany and South Africa, and in 2021 she managed to implement the training in Hungary.
José Antonio FERNANDEZ ESCUDERO
Spain
Estación Enológica de Castilla y León - Director
Technical manager of the Enological Station of Castilla y León. Professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry of the Superior School of Agricultural Engineering of Palencia belonging to the University of Valladolid. Director of the International Wine Tasting Premios Zarcillo. Member of the Group of Experts on Methods of Analysis in the O.I.V. Member of the Interministerial Committee for the Review of Wine and Derivatives Analysis Methods.
Gyula FÖRHÉNCI HORVÁTH
Hungary
Transfiguratio Cella Vinaria - Owner
He cultivates a family estate of more than three centuries in the Old Town of Zala Wine Region. He makes around 10,000 bottles of wine, tasting them at a table for 12 people in the spirit of wine culture.
János FRITTMANN
Hungary
Frittmann Testvérek Kft. - Managing director, winemaker
In 1982, as a private individual, he started viticulture and winemaking in the family vineyard and cellar. In 1989, he began building his own stores and wine shops with partners (now called franchises) who sold only their wines. In 1994, they began selling their bottled wines. In 2003, he was first nominated for the title of “Wine Producer of the Year” Became Wine Producer of the Year in 2007 In 2015, they won the “Winery of the Year” award. Since 2011 he has been the vice-president of the Hungarian Wine Academy Since 2012, he has been the vice-president of the National Council of Mountain Villages.
Péter FRITTMANN
Hungary
Frittmann Borászat. - project Manager
He is a 4th generation winemaker in the family winery from the southern part of Hungary. He gained professional experience in viticulture and winemaking in several European countries. Since 2010 he is an active member of the Association of Young Hungarian Winemakers, and from 2019 he was the president of the association. Since 2013, He has been participating in professional tastings as a member of the National Wine Judging Committee (OBB). From 2019, he represent the grape and wine sector as a member of the Sector Skills Councils (ÁKT).
Tamás FRITTMANN
Hungary
Frittmann Brothers Ltd. - Winemaker
Graduated as a viticultural winemaker at the former Corvinus University in 2007, while he also completed a trade manager training at the Budapest College of Economics. He started working in the family business in 2008. He was on study trips abroad several times in America, South Africa, Spain and Germany.
Attila GÁL
Hungary
Tringa Kft. - Oenologist
In his family business, Tringa Wine Cellar, he has been involved in viticulture and winemaking for about 15 years, and in the meantime he graduated as a viticultural engineer at Károly Eszterházy University to raise his professional knowledge. He believes in the power of autochthonous varieties, but we must not forget the worldly varieties either. It strives for continuous improvement in the vineyard, cellar and other areas of life as well.
József GÁL
Hungary
Danubiana - Estate manager
He has been working as a winemaker for 28 years, during which time he worked as a winemaker in Mátraalja, Villány and Szekszárd. He started his career at the Szőlőskert Szövetkezet under the guidance of Benjamin Bárdos in Nagyréde. In Szekszárd he worked for 9 years at the then Liszt Winery. In Villány he became the Deputy General Manager and later the General Manager of Csányi Winery. He also worked at Takler Wine Estate in Szekszárd. He currently manages the Gyöngyös branch of Danubiana Kft. As a winemaker, he is looking for quality and harmony, just like in any other area of life.
Péter GÁL
Hungary
Deputy Secretary of State for Protection of Origin
Head of the Department of Wine, Origin Protection and Agricultural Marketing of the Ministry of Agriculture, member of the National Wine Expert Committee, Associate Professor at the Tokaj-Hegyalja University.
Éva GÁLNÉ DIGNISZ
Hungary
Gál Szőlőbirtok és Pincészet - Manager, winemaker
She graduated from the University of Horticulture and Food as a Certified Food Engineer and Winemaker. She was at first head of the university's winery laboratory, then chief oenologist. After that, she worked for the family company founded by her husband, which since 2004 has been expanding as a winery, as Gál Szőlőbirtok és Pincészet. In addition to the vineyards of Szigetcsép, since 2011 grapes have been grown near lake Balaton, Lesencefalu. Since 2002 she has been the Chairman of the Kunság Wine Region Sziget Community, and since 2004 she has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Kunság Wine Region Winery Committee. In 2013 she received the Wine Producer of the Year award. In 2012 she was elected to the Hungarian Wine Academy, and in 2019 in the National Wine Expert Committee.
János GARAI
Slovakia
Stavbyt - Director
He lives in Nagymegyer, graduated from the Faculty of Food Industry of the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava as a chemical engineer - majoring in food biochemistry and analysis. Utilizing his qualifications, he took part in the juries of numerous domestic and foreign wine competitions and exhibitions as a judge or president. As a winemaker, he produces wine in his own vineyards for family, guests and friends.
Orestes GARCÍA
Spain
Agronomist and Winemaker
Roberto GAUDIO
Italy
CERVIM - President
He is responsible of the "Mondial des Vins Extrêmes" International Wine Competition. Taster in different international contests as: Berliner Wine Trophy, IWCB di Bucharest, Mondial des Pinots, Bacchus, Vins du Valais, Portugal Wine Trophy, International Wine City Challenge and Mondial des Bruxelles.
Attila GEÖNCZEÖL
Slovakia
Granium s.r.o. - Winemaker and marketing consultant
Wine and wine marketing consultant, wine journalist. He runs his own estate in Garamkövesd in the hungarian highlands. Secretary-General of the Association of Hungarian Winemakers Abroad, President of the Slovakian Association of Hungarian Winemakers, responsible for the development of the wine regions of the Carpathian Basin. He is an invited wine judge and writer of many international wine competitions, and is a hobbyist in his profession.
Zsolt GERE
Hungary
Gere Tamás & Zsolt - Oenologist
Through his father, Tamás Gere, he strengthens the “team” of second-generation Hungarian winemakers, and their family winery is an integral part of Villány's image. The first self-bottled wines were launched in 1988, which have now become nationally known. Their winery currently farms on 35 hectares, and their plantations are located in the best areas of one of the most famous Hungarian wine regions, Villány, Nagyharsány and Siklós. He is one of the most respected young wine producers in Hungary and is still looking for ways to move forward after many awards and recognitions.
Tamás GINCSAI
Hungary
Gincsai Pezsgőház - Chief winemaker
For nine years I ran the moon valley winery in the Tokaj wine region. The Gincsa Champagne House was founded by my wife, where we would like to present the hidden treasures and unique possibilities of the Neszmély wine region.
Tamás GÜNZER
Hungary
Günzer Tamás Pincészete - Managing Director
Agricultural engineer, winemaker. He has been engaged in viticulture and winemaking since 1991. He owns a 70-hectare family winery. In 2012 he was a special prize winner of the Association of European Wine and Gastronomic Associations (CEUCO), in 2015 he was the Agricultural Man of the Year in the Processor-Food category. In 2019, he was awarded the Winery of the Year.
Fernando GURUCHARRI
Spain
UNION ESPAÑOLA DE CATADORES - President
President of the Spanish Union of Tasters, which since 1985 has been committed to promoting the culture and knowledge of wine and food through the sensory qualities of wine. He is an active organiser of the International Young Wine Competition (Premois Bacos), the International Wine Competition Vinos Bacchus, sponsored by the OIV and VINOFED, and the annual "Best of Spain Wine Challenge" in Ireland, the "Albariños al Mundo" competition.
Balázs HÁGA
Hungary
OENOLOGIC Consulting - Owner, consultant
He considers himself to be a nature-loving, simple-minded agricultural professional. He started in the industry as an Agricultural Technologist and Horticultural Engineer, and later worked in the wine trade in Budapest. He gained his winemaking experience and degree in New Zealand. After returning home, he worked as a production and technology manager for some superior wineries (Bock/Sauska) in the Villány region. Since 2018 he has founded his own company OENOLOGIC, where he works as a viticulture-wine and development consultant. He is also involved in biodynamics and organic farming technology, and is currently working on projects abroad and in Hungary.
Ádám HANUSZ
Hungary
Sauska és Társa Kft - Winemaker
"I'm Ádám Hanusz, the manager of the Sauska winery's site in Budafok. My main task is sparkling wine and champagne production. We harvest grapes from the area of Tokaj. We work with Furmint, Chardonnay and Pinot noir varieties. The base wine is made in a different location, in Tokaj. Followed by that the champagne making and fine-tuning ends in Budafok. In my opinion, champagne production is a very diverse and complex process. This requires a lot of experience and time to understand how can we get out the most of the given circumstances. "
Wolfgang HAUPT
Germany
VINOFED - Vice-President
Son of a winegrower, enologist. Since 1991 public servant of the federal ministry of food and agriculture. Since 2006 activity within the Berlin Wine Trophy, Portugal Wine Trophy, Asia Wine Trophy. Since 2016 Vice-President of Vinofed.
Vladimír HRONSKY
Slovakia
EnoVia s.r.o. - Owner, oenologist
He is an acknowledged enologist, advisor, lecturer and author who published five books Slovenské vína (Slovak Wines) in 2001, Sprievodca vínami Slovenska (Slovak Wine Guide) in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2020. He also serves as a member of expert juries at Concours Mondial, International Wine Fair, Vinitaly, International Wine Challenge, Vinagora, Grand Prix Vinex, and others. In 2000, he was a co-founder of the Association of Sommeliers of the Slovak Republic, where he worked as the director of education for 11 years. He currently works as product marketing and wine production advisor for several Slovak wineries and is executive director of EnoVia. Thanks to his abundant experience with wine gastronomy and enology, he also serves as the executive sommelier of the Medusa Group, the largest network of restaurants in Central Europe, and is involved in the building of a professional training academy for sommeliers. In 2013, he cooperated in the production of a 22-part TV series entitled Vínne cesty Slovenska (Wine Routes of Slovakia) for Slovak Radio and Television. He even brings his enological enthusiasm to the making of his own wines.
Zsolt Ifj. TIFFÁN
Hungary
Winemaker
Ferenc Ifj.TAKLER
Hungary
Takler Borbirtok - Winemaker
Since the turn of the millennium, he has been strengthening the winery with full activity, expertise and dedication. Of his wines, he is also the most proud of the 2008 Syrah Reserve, which was also chosen as the "Vinagora Champion" award-winning wine. He would love to make a great wine once in Argentina (Mendoza). He likes the blends in his opinion, this puts the point on the "i". "The hardest thing is to make and carry the wines of the more modest vintage with the same enthusiasm and dedication from vintage to bottling."
Bence JÁVORKA
Slovakia
Bóna Winery - Winemaker
He graduated from the Faculty of Horticulture and Viticulture at Mendel University in Brno and is currently the winemaker at Bóna Winery. He is a regular jury member of several regional wine competitions and has experience of judging international wine competitions.
Ádám JUHÁSZ
Hungary
Owner, winemaker
He has a degree in viticulture and oenology engineering , and his bachelor's degree is from the University of Horticulture in Hungary. Did his internship in New Zealand at Yealands Estate. He obtained his Master's Degree in the Vinifera Euromaster course at Montpellier SupAgro, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Hochschule Geisenheim University and Stellenbosch University. His research focused on the aroma composition of Sauvignon Blanc wines and its positive influence through different viticultural and oenological practices. In 2015, he moved back Hungary and started working in the family winery, where he became manager in 2018 and owner in 2020. During the last 9 years, He won several Hungarian and international awards with his wines: and his Juhász Rosé has become the market leader in its own category.
Péter KECSKÉS
Slovakia
Château Rúbaň - Brand Ambassador
He is a recognized professional sommelier, winner of 10 international sommelier competitions and a long-time vice-president of the Slovak Sommelier Association, where he was also the technical director of sommelier competitions. Jury member and judge of regular national and international wine competitions. He is currently the Brand Ambassador of the Château Rúbaň winery, and also responsible for the promotion, marketing and distribution of the wines. He is also the owner of the Passion wine bar and vinotheque in Érsekújvár.
Mariam KHOMASURIDZE
Georgia
Georgian Technical University - Professor, Oenologist
Oenologist, Academic doctor of Sciences Professor, Technical University of Georgia, Department of Viticulture and oenology. Oenologist of Georgian Wine Guild Ltd. Ministry of Agriculture; Official Wine tasting commission; wine judge, certified by Government of Georgia
István KISS
Hungary
Fitomark Kft. - Manager
Fitomark Tokaji Borház was founded by István Kiss and his wife in the early 1970s. Dr. István Kiss, the second generation of the family, was actively involved in the production. After graduating from university, he obtained his PhD in 2007, which has enabled him to add wine research to the winery's activities. Today, the winery produces grapes on 35 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards in the Tolcsva area (Cziróka and Kincsem vineyards) were classified in the first cadastral class as early as the 18th century. He is the researcher in charge of wine research at the Research Institute of Viticulture of the Tokaj Wine Region and is the head of the Tokaj University of the Tokaj Hills, and an associate professor.
Róbert KLAUSZ
Hungary
Sortiment manager - Spar Hungary
Senior assortment manager at SPAR Hungary Trade Ltd., responsible for the wine and sparkling wine category.
Miklós KLEIN
Hungary
Eszterbauer Kft. - Chief winemaker
He was born and raised in Szekszárd. He graduated from the PTE TTK viticulture department in 2011, but already in 2010, next to the school, he started working at the Eszterbauer Winery, and he has been working here ever since. He is now the chief winemaker of the winery. From 2020, the management of viticulture and the entire production process will be part of it. Of course, the team is not one-man, as without reliable, skillful colleagues, the winery would not work well.
Aleksander KLENAR
Slovania
Posestvo Klenar- Owner
Like a boy I loved sports, mostly tennis. At 22 I changed a racket for a glass of wine. Finished the school for viticulture and enologie I started with my familly (Sabrina and Iztok) our wine story like a boutique familly wine cellar named KlenArt.
Iztok KLENAR
Slovenia
Posestvo Klenar - Owner
Main enologist in many different cellars. Now owner of Posestvo Klenar and consultant in Kutjevo d.d. and Dakovo winery. Slovenian representive in UIOE, International Union of Oenologists.
Csaba KOCH
Hungary
Koch Winery Ltd. - Winemaker
In addition to being an excellent winemaker, Csaba Koch is a member of the presidency of the National Council of Mountain Villages, the Hungarian Wine Academy, leading the Hajós-Baja wine region and, last but not least, a successful businessman. Koch Winery became the Winery of the Year in 2014, in 2017 it won the Most Beautiful Vineyard in Hungary award, and this year it won the prestigious CUECO - Best European Winery award. In 2019, he won the Wine Producer of the Year award in Hungary.
Adrienn Dóra KOCZOR
Hungary
Koczor Pince - Managing director
The youngest member of the Koczor family. Although she has a degree in liberal arts, she has discovered over time her attraction to the wine business. At the Széchenyi SZKI in Balatonfüred, she studied viticulture and wine-making and then enrolled at the University of Horticulture. He is a member of the National Wine Judging Committee.
Róbert KOCZUBA
Hungary
Törley Kft. - Winemaker
Winemaker and Master of Champagne at Törley Winery.
Anna KOMORÓCZKI
Hungary
Independent expert - dipWSET
She has been working in the profession of wines since 2008, when she started working at a wholesaler in Budapest, mainly for foreign wines. In addition to her work, she attended WSET trainings and, years later, taught at several WSET schools in Hungary. She received her diploma from WSET and the Austrian Weinakademiker in 2013. In 2010. In 2010 she completed the Sherry Educator training in Jerez as the fifth Hungarian. From 2016, she continued to deal with foreign wineries and wines at Bortársaság until January 2020.
Mihály KONKOLY
Hungary
Barta Winery - Director of Sales
Felsőfokú tanulmányait a Gödöllői Agrártudományi Egyetem Gazdaság- és Társadalomtudományi karán végezte, marketing szakirányon. Tanulmányait a Kecskeméti Főiskola, Kertészeti Főiskolai Karán folytatta és megszerezte a Szőlőtermesztő és borász szakmérnök diplomát. Később az ELTE Jogi Továbbképző Intézetben szerzett Jogi szakokleveles mérnök végzettséget. PhD tudományos fokozatát a Szent István Egyetem, Szervezés és gazdálkodástudományi doktori iskolában szerezte. A bor ágazatban 2001-ben helyezkedett el, azóta az ágazat több területét is lehetősége volt megismerni. A bor kis- és nagykereskedelembe való betekintés után termelő borászatok értékesítéséért felelős. Jelenleg a Szeleshát Borászat kereskedelmi vezetője. A Budapesti Metropolitan Egyetemen évek óta a Turizmus Tanszék kollégája, valamint a Tokaj-Hegyalja Egyetem adjunktusa.
Attila KOVÁTS
Croatia
Owner, winemaker
I am a member of our family's fifth generation of winemakers at the Kováts Cellar in Slingza, where we farm on 15 hectares mostly with white wine grape varieties. I have been running the family business since 2016, where I strive to combine inherited knowledge and new technological opportunities to show as much of the growing place, grape varieties, and the given vintage in our wines.
Orsolya KRISTON
Hungary
Journalist
As an employee of Decanter and then VinCE Magazine, she has been involved in wine journalism for nearly a decade and a half, from 2017 to 2019 as the editor-in-chief of the magazine. In 2020, a new Hungarian edition of one of the manuals of the world of wine, The World Atlas of Wine, was published and edited by her.
Pavel KRŠKA
Chzech Republic
National Wine Centre of the Czech Republic - Director, winemaker
International wine taster, winemaker, director of the National Wine Centre of the Czech Republic (2005-2022).
Zoltán KUKOLA
Hungary
Törley Pezsgőpincészet Kft. - Wine manager
He has been working as a winemaker for 21 years now, of which 8 years at Törley Pezsgőpincészet, where he has been the head winemaker for a year and a half. These are his words: "Due to its variety, winemaking is never boring. You always find something new to learn."
Gábor LACZKÓ
Hungary
Nagyrédei Borászati Kft. - Managing director
He has been working at Törley Sparkling Winery since 2000, and since 2016 as technology Chief. Most Successful Young Hungarian Winemaker of 2016. Since 2022, he has been working as the managing director of Nagyréde Winery Ltd. in the Mátra Wine Region.
Mary LALIKOU
Greece
Sommelier and consulting oenologist
Mary Lalikou is a graduate of the Chemistry Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in oenology and biochemistry. She is a certified instructor in adult education, and since 2015 she has been teaching oenology, food safety and hygiene, and also food chemistry at the LE MONDE Educational Group. She is a certified sommelier and WSET level 2, provides services as sommelier and consulting oenologist in microwineries, wine bars, even private villas. For the last 20 years, she has participated in various wine expositions and competitions in Greece, as an organizer, tester or guest. She is also a regular wine columnist in “ Wine Plus” magazine and cooperates with Maria Tzitzi at the Chemical Laboratory M Tzitzi.
József LAMPORT
Hungary
Thummerer Pince - Chief winemaker
He began his studies in winemaking in 1992, to the delight of his winemaker mother. From 1996 to 2001 he got his MSc degree from the then University of Horticulture and Food. From 2001 he started his career at Hungarovin, now called Törley Sparkling Wine Ltd., as a red wine technologist. Since 2004 he has been working as the chief winemaker at Thummerer Cellar. The past 27 years have confirmed that he has chosen a good career and will continue to encourage learning, openness and quality wine.
André LARENTIS
Brasil
Associação Brasileira de Enologia - Director
Winemaker and post graduated in Viticulture. Director of Brazilian Association of Winemakers and Winemaker at Vinhos Larentis Ltda.
László LATORCZAI
Hungary
Grower Champagne Kft. - Managing director, winemaker
He graduated from the late Szent István University in Budapest in 2000, and after 3 years of post-graduate training in the US, he started working in the Villány wine region. Since 2009 he and his wife have been making sparkling wine and he's providing expert advice to several small and large wineries in Siklós.
Ottó LÉGLI
Hungary
Légli Szőlőbirtok - Owner
After graduating from the university, from 1981 he spent his internship at the Balatonboglár Agricultural Combine. He started building his own estate in the Balatonboglár wine region in 1989, and the winery and wines have received numerous awards since then. He has been the founder and board member of the South Balaton Wine Route Association since 2000. In 2010, he was also awarded the title of Wine Producer of the Year and Winemaker of Winemakers. In 2013 he became the president of the Balatonboglár Mountain Village, in 2014 he was elected an honorary citizen of Balatonboglár. He has been the President of HNT since 2016. He is a member of the Pannon Wine Guild.
Tamás LELOVITS
Hungary
Owner - CEO
Tamás Lelovits is a winemaker, food technologist engineer, certified wine reviewer, member of the Villány Wine Review Committee, owner of Lelovits Winery. He has been participating in the evaluation of the field of hungarian wine competitions for years.
György LŐRINCZ
Hungary
St. Andrea Szőlőbirtok - Winemaker
He graduated in 2013 from the Corvinus University of Budapest as a winemaker-winemaker. He worked in Tokaj, Austria and New Zealand on the Szepsy, Sepp Moser and Saint Clair estates. Since 2013 he has been a winemaker at the family-run St.Andrea Winery.
Szabolcs LUKÁCS
Hungary
Tastevino - Owner
He is the owner of the Tastevino wine bar and vinotheque in Sopron, a wine merchant. He was the Hungarian sommelier champion in 2007 and the quarterfinal of the 2010 sommelier world championship.
Elie MAAMARI
Lebanon
Chateau Ksara - Oenologist, export director
He works at Chateau Ksara, the oldest winery in Lebanon established in 1857: first oenologist and now export manager. After studying viticulture in Bordeaux, he was keen to put what he had learned into practice in his own country around 1983. As he himself says: 'You can make good wine, but you also have to sell it.' Member of the AIV - Academie Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin, based in Geneva, Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite Agricole in France.
Daniele MAFFEI
Switzerland
Azienda agraria cantonale di mezzana - Director
Miroslav MAJER
Czech Republic
DAVINUS s.r.o. - CEO
CEO and owner of many awards-winning company DAVINUS. international wine judge at dozens of prestigious foreign and domestic wine competitions and chairman of the international juries of various competitions in Europe and the USA: Les Grands Concours Strasbourg (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), Finger Lakes International Wine Competition USA (2018), Bacchus Madrid (2019,2020, 2021) and competitions under OIV patronage in Israel, France, Spain, Canada, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Switzerland. Chairman of the committee of the Czech Republic’s national wine competition, The Wine Salon of the Czech Republic) since 2012.Chairman of the committee of the Czech Republic’s national wine competition, The Wine Salon of the Czech Republic) since 2012.
Péter MÉSZÁROS
Hungary
Mészáros Borház - Owner, winemaker
Winemaker from Szekszárd, owner of Mészáros Borház. Member of the National Wine Judging Committee, member of the Hungarian Wine Academy
Bruno MOTTER
Brazil
Brazilian Enology Association - Director of viticulture, Winemaker
Bruno Motter graduated from the University of Juan Agustin Maza (Mendoza, Argentina) in 2011 with a degree in oenology and a postgraduate degree in business management. At just 33 years of age, he has held the position of Technical Director and Wine Director at the Don Guerino winery in Alto Feliz, where he is also a partner and Technical Director of the Brazilian Wine Association.
Dávid MOTYOVSZKI
Hungary
OenoBioTech
He completed his university studies in parallel as a viticulturist-winemaker and food engineer. During and after his university years, he gained experience abroad in New Zealand, California and Italy. He then worked as a winemaker in Villány and then in Etyek. He is currently representing OenoBioTech, helping winemakers to achieve their goals.
Francois MURISIER
France
VINOFED - President
Dr.Ing. Agronomist Director of viticulture-oenology research 1993-2008 Former President Vinea Former OIV Vice-President President Vinofed
Gianpiero MURRU
Italy
MGM Mondo del vino S.p.A. - Winemaker
I graduated as oenologist at the University of Turin in 2010. I spent some years abroad France and Spain to improve my experience. After working as vineyard and cellar manager, I'm now oenologist in a sparkling winery and judge in PDO commission and others tasting juries.
Šárka NÁDVORNÍKOVÁ
Czech Republic
Národní vinařské centrum - Project manager
She works in The National Wine Centre, which is a non-profit organization, whose objective is the promotion and common support of Moravian and Bohemian wines and viticulture in the Czech Republic and abroad. She is a project manager and her job is especially organizing training and lectures about wine for experts and the public. She also participates in the project of wine tourism in the Czech Republic. The GRAND PRIX VINEX international wine competition also belongs to her main projects. She passed the sensory exams according to European regulations and takes part in tasting juries, last year she was a juror of CMB in Switzerland.
Diána NYITRAINÉ DR. SÁRDY
Hungary
Hungarian University of Agriculture And Life Sciences - Buda Campus - managing director
Since 2021, she has been the managing director of the MATE Buda Campus and the Institute Director of the MATE Institute of Viticulture and Oenology. Member of the Editorial Board of Borászati Füzetek. Regularly judges wine competitions.
Beáta NYÚLNÉ DR. PÜHRA
Hungary
Nyakas Pince - Head-Winemaker
Studied at the István Soós Food and Wine Vocational School and graduated in 1988 as a fermentation product manufacturer - winemaker. After that, she worked as a laboratory technician for several years, then she was a student at the Faculty of Food Industry at the University of Horticulture, Department of Fermentation. Meanwhile, in 1993 she studied at the Teacher Training Institute of the Gödöllő University of Agricultural Sciences; In 1996, she graduated a few months later as a certified food engineer (MSc) and engineering teacher. In the year of graduations, Beáta became a doctoral student at the Faculty of Food Science: she got her doctorate in 2002. The title of her doctoral dissertation: The effect of thiamine dosage on the quality of sparkling wines. 2 years before her doctoral defense, I started working at Nyakashegy Kft. (now Nyakas Pince Zrt.) as Head-Winemaker. She's been working there for 24 years now.
Lisete OSORIO
Portugal
Wine Consulting, Osorio Wines; JGR Cork - General Manager
She studied at 3 univerities until 2012. From 2010 she has been the managing director of the Osorio wines. By 2015 she became the JGR Cork's sales manager. In 2020, she was appointed Technical Director of the Távora Varosa Regional Bureau.
Catalin PADURARU
Roumania
VINARIUM INTERNATIONAL WINE CONTEST BUCHAREST - President
President of VINARIUM International Wine Contest Bucharest. PhD., Wine Scientist. FIJEV Member, author, editor. TV show producer.
Leonardo PALUMBO
Italy
Cantine Torrevento - Technical director
Winemaker, National Delegate of the Italian Union of Oenologists at UIOE. Member of Italian VIN Academy.
Cyril PAYON
France
OENOLOGUE DE FRANCE - rector
President of enologist of France during 9 years. General secretary of the INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF enologist. General Manager of Ormarine's Group. President of the tasting Group at the Institution National des Appellations d'Origine.
Attila PETZOLD
Hungary
P-advisor Hungary Kft. - Owner - managing director
He is a qualified food engineer, a qualified winemaker, WSET level 3 and an Official sherry educator. Professional pálinka expert, responsible for the commercial activities of Brill Pálinka House. He started as a private tutor in distilling and then joined the teaching staff of Borkollégium. In his own expert company he is an independent sommelier, educator and trader.
Ilona POSEVITZ
Hungary
Szent Gaál Castle and Wine House - Estate Manager
She is an oenologist- winemaker, working in the Szekszárd wine region for twelve years. Until 2018, she was winery manager at Schieber Winery. She is currently the head of viticulture and winemaking at Szentgaál Castle and Wine House. The versatility of her profession inspires her every day, and the human presence is especially important to her, which can be felt in every moment. The work of a community personifies nature in the wines that emerge, an ongoing collaboration that engages man.
Gergely PRANTNER
Hungary
Prantner Pince - Oenologist
Several generations of his family have been involved in viticulture and winemaking. He studied at the Faculty of Technology of the University of Pécs as a viticultural winemaker. He has been working as a winemaker at our family cellar since 2014.
Jean-Philippe PRICART
France
CDV - President
Oenologist who makes wines and distils Cognac in the Cognac area. Member of CDV for 20 years where he has been the technical manager and now the president.
Gábor RAKACZKI
Hungary
Sauska és Társa Kft - Winemaker
For the past 25 years, He have gathered his experience in the wine region of Tokaj. During that time he studied both local and world varieties. In the range of wines includes light white, terroir-type white and red wines, as well as sweet Tokaj wine specialties. In the past 12 years, he also tried himself in the world of champagne production, for now they became the determining factor of the wine region.
József RAPPAY
Hungary
Schieber Pincészet - Chief winemaker
After my university years, I toured the world, during which I learned a new vision and world trends at foreign wineries. My goal to product meaningful wines that are good-natured, fruity, special, and beautifully carry varietal characteristics, carry the character and uniqueness of the Szekszárd Wine Region.
Tamás RICZU
Hungary
Tamás Riczu Winery - Winemaker
Tamás Riczu is a young, creative and talented winemaker from Villány, who has been a lover of grapes for more than 17 years. For him, growing grapes, winemaking is not just a profession or a livelihood, but a vocation, an eternal, endless “love” in which he always finds more and more challenges.
László ROMSICS
Hungary
Csányi Pincészet - CEO
CEO of Csányi Winery since 2016. Professional lecturer and consultant for VinCe Magazine. Deputy Chairman of the National Committee of Wine Experts. He is a lecturer at CEWI.
Krisztina ROSTA
Hungary
Szeleshát Szőlőbirtok - Oenologist
She graduated from Corvinus University of Budapest in 2013 as a viticultural engineer. After university, she started working in the Villány wine region, and then gained experience in Austria, New Zealand and France. Since 2016, she has been a winemaker at the Szeleshát Vineyard.
Susana SALAMANCA
Spain
Carefour Category Manager
Agricultural engineer with +10 years of experience specialized in the comercialitazion of wine in both online and offline channels, working from the supplier to the client role. Currently working as a Wine Category Manager at Carrefour Spain. Passionate about wine and its promotion.
Péter SÁRKÁNY
Hungary
VINISEERA Ltd. - Professional engineer
Among the many innovative and applied research results of the winery, it considers the results of organoleptic criticism to be the most useful information for consumers and the training of future wine lovers. He has been a long-time member of the VinAgora Wine Competition.
Győző SCHMIDT
Hungary
Danubiana Kft. - Managing director
" I have been working in this profession since 1983. From 1990 I am the managing director of the Danubiana company. By now we managed to build one of Hungary's largest wine export company. Blending wines has always been my favorite area. Beside of that I am also engaged in grape production. "
Florian SCHRAUT
Germany
Weincampus Neustadt - Research engineer
He graduated with a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from Hohenheim University and an engineering degree from Geisenheim University in Viticulture and Enology. He ran a winery for more than 20 years before working as a research engineer at Weincampus Neustadt Germany. Regulary taster in different international contests such as: Mundus Vini, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Best of Riesling, Berliner Wine Trophy and Vinarium/Romania.
Csilla SEBESTYÉN
Hungary
Sebestyén Pince
she became acquainted with the world of international wines in Scotland, where she spent six years as a sommelier at Andrew Fairlie's 2 Michelin Star restaurant. Currently, she is assisting with the operation of their winery, working with her brother on blending their wines, shaping their style and learning about our production areas. She is an active member of the Szekszárd Wine Marketing Workshop.
SERLI Csilla
Romania
Nachbil Winery - Oenologist
She studied viticulture and oenology in Budapest. Her love of the profession can be traced back to several generations in her family, breaking with tradition in that she is the first woman. She is the vice-president of the Szatmár County. She has been participating in wine competitions as a judge since 2002.
Colette Simon-Gillain
Belgium
Sis systems - manager
Correspondante dégustation pour dossiers de presse. Conférences et évenements de promotion pour régions viticoles.
Martin SMÍD
Czech Republic
Znovin Znojmo Head sommelier
For the past twenty years, I have been working as a Head Sommelier and lately business manager for Znovín Znojmo winery. I graduated from the high school of Technology in the field of beer, wine, and spirit production (Czech Republic). I finished WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust, London) on the level “Diploma in wines and spirits” and I gained the “Weinakademiker“grade at Weinakademie Österreich in Austria. I am a holder of an International taster certificate (ISO) and an experienced wine-taster.
Robert SMYTH
United Kingdom
Freelance - Wine writer / Wine Educator
He is a Budapest-based wine writer/teacher/communicator. He teaches WSET Levels 2 and 3 for Borkollégium (Wine College), in Budapest. He holds the WSET Diploma and Advanced certificates from London’s Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and regularly judges in both Hungarian and international wine competitions. He's the deputy editor of the Circle of Wine Writers’ Circular publication. He carries out editing work for the recently launched Bloominggrape.com and will soon also begin writing for them on international wines. He also writes for Hungary’s Vince Magazin on regions outside Hungary. Other publications he has written for includes: The Budapest Business Journal, Wine Pleasures, Wine Paths, Winesofa.eu and Wine Connoisseur. Together with his partner, they have translated all editions of Tokaj Guide by Gergely Ripka, which was named the Best European Wine Book 2021 at Gourmand International Awards. he also consulting for the soon-to-open GrapeEscape. He guides for Taste Hungary (winner of The Drinks Business Award for Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism) on wine tours in Hungary, Austria and Slovakia, and holds regular tastings for them. He teaches journalism and gastro writing at McDaniel College Budapest, and judges at local and international wine competitions.
Marek STASTNY
Czech Republic
Chateau Valtice - Manager
My name is Marek Stastny, I am the manager of the family winery Chateau Valtice. We produce 4 million bottles of wine a year. In the company I take care of wine production, I am an oenologist and I go to judge wines at domestic and international competitions.
Alfred STEFAN
Romania
AgroVitis Consult/Corteva - Viticulture Consultant
Authorized taster ADAR member (Association of Authorized Tasters of Romania). His activity involves the interaction with the great wine producers from eastern Romania and the Republic of Moldova, establishing exactly the need of everyone in the management of the production of quality grapes. Wine tastings have contributed to the knowledge of terroir, the varieties cultivated in that area and to the enrichment of his sensorial experience. Vinarium Juror 2022-2023, Vinagora Juror 2023
Dániel SZABÓ
Hungary
Consultant
Certified engineer-winemaker.1964, working in the wine industry at Tokaj-Hegyalja, in all fields of wine technology in different positions. The chief winemaker-engineer at the Tokaj Trading House was his last official position.
Edit SZABÓ
Hungary
Borsmenta Magazine - Editor-in-Chief
Slowly a quarter of a century I am paying close attention to the world of wines and gastronomy. As the editor of Magyar Televízió, I made several wine-themed portrait films, and then I continued my work in this field as the founding editor-in-chief of TV Paprika. Later, for seven years, I edited the Top 100 Wine magazine published by Népszabadság, and since 2016, I have been the editor-in-chief of my own magazine, Borsmenta Magazine. I wrote a book about leading Hungarian chefs (The Great Chef's Book) and female winemakers (Weaker? As a writer, journalist, communication consultant, program organizer and presenter, I try to serve the cause of Hungarian wine to the best of my knowledge.
János SZEKRETÁR
Hungary
Szeleshát Borászat - Manager
Attila SZENTPÉTERI
Hungary
Szentpéteri Borpince - Oenologist
He graduated in 2010 from the Corvinus University of Budepest, Faculty of Food Science, as a winemaker. He then spent a harvest in Germany on the Rhine region to gain professional experience. As a member 3rd generation member of the Szentpéteri Family Wine Cellar, in addition to maintaining traditions, he considers it important to apply innovative solutions in the Kunság Wine Region.
Rita TAKARÓ
Hungary
consultant
I have been working in the wine industry since 2006. In Tokaj, I supported several producer organizations (Tokaj Renaissance, Confrérie de Tokaj) and wineries with my work, and represented the noble wines of Hungary at numerous domestic and international events. In 2017 I moved to Austria and from there I carry on the reputation of Hungarian wines around the world. In recent years I have completed the WSET diploma course of Weinakademie Österreich and currently strengthen the possibilities of international market access for Hungary's products in several Austro-Hungarian joint wine projects as a professional consultant.
András TAKLER
Hungary
Takler Wine Estate - Managing Director
He has been involved in the family farm since childhood. He is currently responsible for marketing and public relations at Takler Wine Estate, and is vice president of the Hungarian Wine Academy and vice president of the Szekszárd Wine Region Council for the success of Hungarian wine.
Tiborné TAR
Hungary
Central Hungary ASZC Soós István Wine Technical School - Winemaker
I started my professional career at ÁGKER Kft., as a laboratory technician and then as a bottling manager. After a short break, in 1999 I continued my education as a technician at the Soós István Wine High School. And for the past more than ten years, I have been working as a winemaker on the farm. For me, as an employee of such an institution with a long history, we pass on not only as much knowledge as possible, but also the love and appreciation of the profession to our students. Because nowadays the image and the dedicated workforce are becoming more and more valuable.
József TARSOLY
Hungary
National Council of Mountain Villages - Mountain Judge of the City of Eger
Being a viticulturist, oenologist and economic engineer, he's been working as a National Council of the Wine Communities of Hungary, Eger for 16 years. In addition to his profession, he is the main organizer of the Egri Bikavér Wine Festival for 16 years now. He regularly takes part in wine evaluation and professional trainings. In 2020, his work was recognized with the Dobó István Sword award in Eger, which is a huge honor. He continues his work educating.
Kurt TASCHNER
Hungary
Taschner Bor- és Pezsgőház - Owner, manager
He became an economist in 1995 and started working alongside his father. Between 1998 and 2000, he completed a course in viticulture and wine-making at the University of Horticulture and since then has managed the now 29-hectare vineyard. He is also actively involved in the organisation of wine marketing and wine tourism in the Sopron community. As their vineyards grew, they needed a larger cellar, so in 2004 they built the current Taschner Wine House, which offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the city, the surrounding mountains and in good weather, even the Austrian Schneeberg. He is mainly known for its white and rosé wines. He was the first to produce bottle-fermented and aged sparkling wine in Sopron. Member of the Hungarian Wine Academy, president of the Sopron Wine Route Association.
Sue TOLSON
United Kingdom
WineSofa - Managing Editor
Freelance wine writer, translator, editor, judge and educator as well as Managing Editor of WineSofa. WSET diploma holder, Weinakademiker, Vinitaly Italian Wine Expert and currently Master of Wine Student. Focussed on Hungary and Central Europe and Italy. Regular judge at international wine competitions such as International Wine Challenge and Vinitaly 5StarWines. Member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers.
Ferenc TÓTH
Slovakia
GemerProdukt Valice OVD - President
In the years 1997-2023, chief inspector of viticulture and winemaking at the ÚKSÚP. From 2023 until today, the chairman of GEMERPRODUKT VALICE,OVD and APVITPLANT Kft. The company manages 30 hectares of vineyards in the Tornaľský vineyard district of central Slovakia and produces wine from its own grapes. He has been engaged in organoleptic wine analysis for 37 years, and is a qualified wine jugde. He is a member of the Wine Qualification Committee of the Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Joe-Assaad TOUMA
Lebanon
Chateau St Thomas - Owner & enologist
Owner & enologist at Chateau St Thomas, co-owner & master distiller in Arak Touma distillery located both in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. He is board member in the National Institute of Vine & Wine in Lebanon. He is also a lecturer in "Wine tasting techniques" & "Sensory analysis" in St Joseph University in Lebanon (ESIAM - USJ) and also a member in the Union of Enologist of France.
Maria TZITZI
Greece
LABORATORY OF ANALYSIS - Enologist, chemist
Graduated from the chemistry department of the University of Athens, specialized in enology and environmental chemistry. She runs her own laboratory in the centre of Athens where she provides services as an enology advisor and a chemist. International wine judge. She is a member of the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers (FIJEV). As an author, she has published the books “Enology’s Principles-The Art Of Sommelier”, Historical wine novel (awarded: OIV 2015), “Wine treasure of Santorini”, “Bizarre wines of the world”, and “The faces of Greek wine” monograph on greek wines.
Pablo UGARTE
Chíle
Catad’Or - President, CEO
He is president and CEO of Catad’Or, Mr. Ugarte has a diploma in wines from the Catholic University of Chile and a recognized expert and international advisor in wine marketing. He currently advises the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture. Jury in international competitions as Vinalies Paris, Citadelle du Vin, Bordeaux, SMV Canada, Quebec, among others. Co-author of the Latinamerican Wine Guide with Alistair Cooper MW.
Péter URBÁN
Hungary
Bodri Pincészet - Chief winemaker
Chief Winemaker, Head of Viticulture. Péter has been the chief winemaker of Bodri Winery for two years, but he has been a member of the team and family for a long time, as he is the husband of István's daughter, Orsi. He is also at home in the Villány and Szekszárd wine regions, as he grew up in Nagyharsány at the foot of the Kopár vineyard and visited several wineries in the two wine regions as a winemaker and consultant. Neither New Zealand, France, Turkey, California or South Africa are foreign to him. He tries to adopt his experience gathered there into the Hungarian environment. Together with excellent colleagues, he brings together and directs the production process from the grape to the bottle.
Ivett VANCSIK
Hungary
VinCE Magazine - Editor-in-Chief
She entered the world of wines in the field of strategic marketing and communication, graduating from the Weinakademie in Rust in 2015 after his WSET training in Hungary. She first worked for Vinoport and Borászportál online portals, as well as the editor-in-chief of Winelovers 100 wine magazine, from the end of 2018 as a professional leader in the VinCE team, and from 2020 as the editor-in-chief of the magazine. In 2016-2018, she also taught courses at the Wine College. She regularly reviews domestic and foreign items; The Wine of the Parliament (2017, 2018), the wine selection of the Ministry of the Environment (2018), the Wine of Semmelweis University (2019), as well as the Top 100 - The 100 Best Hungarian Wines (2016, 2017) and the Winelovers 100 - The 100 Best Hungarian participated wine (2018) jury. As an international wine academician and wine expert, she considers it important to continuously expand her knowledge and experience, to promote open and honest communication within the wine sector, and to provide authentic information and education to consumers.
Árpád Dénes VARGA
Hungary
Owner
Involved in viticulture and winemaking since 2000. He is the head winemaker of the Gedeon Winery in the Kunság region, and is also a master of champagne and sparkling wines.
István VARGA
Ukraine
Varga Családi Szőlészet - Borászat - Owner
He was born in Transcarpathia. He then graduated from the Corvinus University of Budapest in 2010 with a degree in Horticultural Engineering. He studied viticulture at former Szent István University. He currently works in his own winery, which he started as a family business with his father 20 years ago. With his wines made in their winery, he has already participated in many exhibitions and wine competitions in Hungary and abroad with nice results.
Máté VARGA
Hungary
Varga Pincészet - Winemaker
Csaba VESZTERGOMBI
Hungary
Vesztergombi Pince - Winemaker, owner
Winemaker from Szekszárd, head of a multi-generational family business. After graduating in agricultural engineering with a degree in marketing, he obtained a degree in viticulture and oenology from the late University of Horticulture. He spent a harvest season in Australia, returning with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Member of the Hungarian Wine Academy, member of the Pannon Bormíves Céh and the National Wine Expert Committee.
Sándor VINICZAI
Hungary
Még Kft. - Responsible editor
Sándor Viniczai, a horticultural engineer, has been a specialised journalist for almost three decades. Since the beginning of his career, he has been a writer and columnist for the largest agricultural weekly, Magyar Mezőgazdaság, editor of the monthly publication Erdőgazdaság és Faipar, editor-in-charge of the only Hungarian scientific journal on viticulture, Borászati Füzetek, and columnist for the magazine of 22 state forestry enterprises, Mierdőnk since its launch. He was awarded the Specialist Journalist of the Year in 2012 and is a member of the Hungarian Wine Academy.
Elisabeth VON RABEN
Germany
Jury Management and Wine Fairs Director
Florian ZARUBA
Germany
Kristinus Borbirtok - CEO
Building up and managing an international operating winery estate with own vineyard company and hotel with restaurant and event location. Creating Biodynamic wines on 65 hectare. Farmer and Winemaker.
Viktor ZELENI
Hungary
Winemaker
In 2013 I graduated as a wine and champagne production technician, then I worked for four years at Royalsekt Zrt. in Isaac in the champagne plant. I was also a champagne plant manager for four years. I joined the Gideon estate in 2021, where I am currently working as a winemaker.
János ZILAI
Hungary
Legal expert of VinAgora
As a lawyer, he is a member and legal representative of several wine professional organizations, including the Hungarian Wine Academy. As a philosopher, in addition to several studies, he is the author of the books "Wine and Myth" and "God on the Panther - The Experience of Wine and Intoxication", the first of which also won an OIV award.
Emeline ZUFFEREY
Switzerland
Enologist-Consultant
Our laboratory monitors wines from harvest to bottling. We carry out all the usual vinification analyses (total, malic and lactic acidity, sugar, alcohol, volatile acidity, SO2, tartaric and protein stability) as well as microscopic monitoring. Of course, all analyzed samples are tasted, and we also carry out numerous fining tests to refine the wines before bottling. We market all winemaking, filtration and corking products.
Hugo ZUFFEREY
Switzerland
Winemaker
He started his wine experience in 2014 by working in two different winery in Valais Switzerland and while working, he earned his viticulture diploma. Then he travelled to Bordeaux France and joined the Simonit&Sirch company for a year. He's working since in a small winery near the Geneva lake.