For SPAR, these are not merely professional questions, but parts of a long-term perspective. They want to showcase this philosophy once again at this year's Budapest Wine Festival: wine is not simply a product, but the story of Hungarian landscapes, the expertise of winemakers, and collaboration. The company has been consciously building its domestic wine selection for years. Today, the range features more than 450 wines, nearly 90 sparkling wines, and close to 25 wine-based cocktails, the vast majority of which come from Hungarian wineries. They work with around 75 domestic suppliers, while smaller wineries also get the opportunity to reach consumers through the "Régiók Kincsei" (Treasures of Regions) program. However, quantity alone has never been the goal.
"Borban otthon" ("At Home in Wine") - SPAR's wine slogan encapsulates an approach where customer trust, expertise, and the support of Hungarian wineries play an equal role. This is why curating the selection every year is the result of extremely thorough professional work. To shape this year's range, SPAR's wine experts tasted over 1,800 wines. Every single wine is evaluated by three experts, who assess not only the sensory qualities, but also how well each bottle represents outstanding value for money and meets consumer expectations.
Even in the smallest SPAR store, the assortment is curated so that everyone can find a wine that suits them, even from a narrower selection. Following this principle, a broader and deeper range awaits wine lovers on the shelves of larger supermarkets. The common denominator, however, is the same everywhere: reliable quality and carefully selected bottles. In recent years, SPAR made another important decision: to shine the spotlight not only on the wines, but on the winemakers themselves. The covers of the wine catalogues now feature the professionals standing behind the highlighted offers. The cover of the autumn publication features three "Winemaker of the Year" award-winning winemakers, emphasizing that behind every fine wine stand dedicated people, families, and long years of hard work. The inside pages of the catalogue reflect this same authenticity. The images are provided by the partner wineries themselves, allowing consumers to discover real Hungarian wine regions, wineries, and estates.
Meanwhile, the world of wine is constantly changing, and SPAR is acutely aware of this. Consumers are increasingly turning toward lighter white wines, sparkling wines, and bubbly drinks, while the popularity of wine-based cocktails is also growing dramatically, especially among the younger generation. In response, the company has expanded its range even further this year: the existing selection of wine cocktails has grown, alongside the debut of the new Florence bag-in-box private label wines, offering a practical alternative for everyday wine enjoyment.
In addition to all this, SPAR continues to believe that great wine doesn't have to be a luxury item. The goal is for customers to find bottles at affordable prices that deliver lasting quality and enjoyment. This approach is reflected at this year's Budapest Wine Festival as well. At the SPAR BOR stand, visitors can sample key highlights from the autumn wine catalogue and selected items from the private label collection. Furthermore, on Friday, September 11 at 5:00 PM, a special meeting will take place: SPAR's winemaking partners—who have previously won the "Winemaker of the Year" title—will personally share stories about their wines, their collaboration, and the secrets behind winemaking alongside SPAR's own wine experts.
The conversation will be just as SPAR envisions wine culture: approachable, insightful, and open to everyone. Because a good wine offers an experience not just in the glass, but through the stories told by the people who craft it.
If you'd like to discover these stories, taste this season’s featured wines, or simply chat with the people dedicated to shaping Hungarian wine culture every day, stop by the SPAR stand at the Budapest Wine Festival, right next to the Lion Courtyard entrance.
SPAR WINE. At home with wine.
