“As in previous years, we have prepared the 2025 Eger Wine Meetup along key thematic lines. As a university, we clearly recognize the role and importance of research, and we know that the industry needs the innovation that stems from it, the discovery of new opportunities, and the identification of fresh approaches. That is why this year, in addition to the ever-popular topics related to the wine market, we have prioritized research and innovation in the conference program,” summarized Dr. Kálmán Zoltán Váczy, Vice Rector of Eszterházy Károly Catholic University.
The presentations in the research and innovation section of the conference will of course cover topics that are at the forefront of current interest for viticulturists and winemakers.
From the University of Florence, which is located near the most renowned Tuscan wine regions, Professor Laura Mugnai will visit Eger to provide insights on strategies for combating vine diseases. Dr. António Graça, Research Director at Sogrape, the largest Portuguese-owned wine company operating in Portugal, Spain, South America, and New Zealand, will share the latest sectoral innovation needs, trends, and best practices in modern viticulture and winemaking. Professor Paolo Antoniali, who leads a company in Veneto specializing in yeast research and development—an area of critical importance to Italian wine production—will delve into the topic of mitigating the effects of climate change through conscious yeast selection.
In today’s world, adapting to changing market conditions is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the successful operation of winemaking businesses. Gaining inspiration from domestic and international success stories can provide significant assistance in this regard. This year’s Meetup will analyze the often-cited Austrian example for Hungarian winemakers. Andi Kollwentz, owner and winemaker of Weingut Kollwentz, will showcase how a region focused on producing sweet bulk wine in the 1960s transformed into the “Burgenland wine miracle.” Also, the conference will welcome Hannes Weninger, who will explore the impact of climate change on winemaking in Austria.
As a standout example from Hungary, Tamás Illés, Marketing and Sales Director, will share the development story of the Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery, whose head winemaker received the Winemaker of the Year award this December.
The organizers continue to emphasize the value of personal connections, fostering the opportunity for discussions during the conference breaks. To further this, a Bring Your Own Bottle tasting evening is planned for Friday night, allowing participants to showcase themselves through their wines.
