The VinAgora professional training is an annual, inspiring workshop where leading figures of the Hungarian wine community meet, exchange ideas, and engage in professional discussions. Experts travelled from different parts of the country to Budapest for the event.
The venue was once again the Buda Campus of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, specifically the VinAgora Hall, which provided an ideal setting for in-depth professional work. The course had the atmosphere of an interactive workshop: participants tasted wines together, exchanged opinions, discussed the strengths and stylistic characteristics of individual samples, and shared their own experiences and results, while also refining the judging criteria.
Variety Focus: Riesling and Merlot in the Spotlight
The training programme was organised around three main topics, the first of which was closely linked to the Variety Focus initiative launched by VinAgora last year. The programme proved highly successful already in its first year, and this year’s course also attracted strong interest in wines made from Riesling and Merlot.
Two particularly exciting tasting flights were assembled, which the judges evaluated blind. The aim was not individual scoring, but rather reaching a professional consensus through discussion regarding the characteristics and evaluation criteria of these varieties.
What defines an exciting character? Where is the boundary between quality and style? How should varietal character be interpreted across different terroirs and winemaking approaches? These and similar questions guided the constructive discussions, which provided valuable professional insights for all participants.
A New Recognition in the VinAgora Award System: Introducing VinAgora Commended
An important element of the programme was the presentation of the newly introduced VinAgora Commended special award. According to the regulations of the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine), no more than 30% of the wines entered in an international competition may receive medals. This strict limitation often leaves wines without recognition even though their quality would merit an award.
The VinAgora Commended distinction offers a solution to this situation by allowing outstanding wines that cannot receive a medal due to the 30% rule to still obtain official, professionally grounded recognition and a marketable distinction.
The presentation generated considerable interest and sparked lively discussion, during which several practical aspects and questions were also examined.
A New Judging Category for De-Alcoholised Wines
After a short lunch break, the programme continued with an exciting and highly topical subject: de-alcoholised wines.
The introduction was given by Victoria Evans, Hungarian Sommelier Champion and one of Hungary’s leading experts on non alcoholic wines. She was joined by Dr Diána Sárdy Nyitrainé, Director General of the MATE Buda Campus, and Gergő Szendei, a technological specialist in de-alcoholised wines.
Following a discussion of the innovation background of zero-alcohol wines, participants naturally proceeded to taste several examples. Although this category is still relatively new in the Hungarian wine sector, international trends clearly show significant growth. During the tasting, participants gained first-hand experience of the technological and sensory challenges of dealcoholisation and discussed how quality can be interpreted within this segment.
Opinions were mixed, but there was consensus on one point: the category deserves serious attention, as consumer demand clearly indicates its growing importance, and the industry must respond to these new challenges and expectations.
Closing Thoughts
Beyond the official programme, numerous informal yet highly valuable professional conversations took place, contributing to shared thinking and the development of professional perspectives.
This year’s VinAgora training once again demonstrated that high-quality judging is built on continuous learning, openness, and professional dialogue. The day was not only about the wines, but also about the community – the spirit of professional cooperation that forms one of the most important foundations for the future of Hungarian wine.