In 2025, the VinAgora International Wine Competition introduced a new professional initiative entitled Variety Focus. The purpose of the program is to place special emphasis each year on selected grape varieties and to present their role, diversity and significance in greater depth. The initiative received very positive professional feedback in its first year, therefore its continuation was a natural decision.
In the current edition of the program, two internationally recognised grape varieties are in the spotlight, Merlot and Riesling. Both varieties have been consistently represented at VinAgora over the years. Their stylistic diversity, prestige and international importance make them particularly suitable for the continuation of the focus program.
Photo: Merlot grape in process
Why Merlot and Riesling
Merlot is one of the most widely planted and best known red grape varieties worldwide. Its soft tannin structure, pronounced fruit character and excellent ageing potential allow it to appear in a wide range of styles, from fresh and approachable wines to full bodied, concentrated and barrel aged premium wines.
Riesling occupies an iconic position among white grape varieties. Its vibrant acidity, strong expression of terroir and outstanding ageing potential enable it to produce wines that range from fresh, stainless steel fermented examples to complex bottles capable of developing over many years. Riesling consistently represents high quality in dry, off dry, semi dry and sweet styles. Its international reputation and professional recognition among white wine varieties are particularly strong.
The objective of VinAgora is to demonstrate how these two international grape varieties can be presented in both classical and innovative forms within the portfolios of Hungarian and international wineries.
Wines entered in the Variety Focus program are eligible for a twenty percent reduction in the entry fee. In addition, every fifth submitted sample may be entered free of charge. Combining these options allows participants to benefit from increased overall discounts.
To qualify for the varietal discount, wines must be produced with a minimum of eighty five percent of the designated grape variety.
Diversity of styles
Within the framework of the Variety Focus program, the competition welcomes:
- fresh reductive wines produced in stainless steel tanks
- complex wines matured in oak barrels
- Merlot rosé wines
- Riesling wines representing the full range of residual sugar levels
Photo: Riesling Vineyard - Mosel River Valley, Germany
Year round professional visibility
As part of the Variety Focus initiative, a Top 25 ranking will be announced for each grape variety at the time of the official publication of the results. Wines included in the Top 25 will receive enhanced professional communication throughout the year and will be featured prominently in VinAgora wine recommendations.
VinAgora’s professional engagement with the focus wines extends beyond the competition itself and continues throughout 2026:
- These wines will be incorporated into professional training programs organised for VinAgora judges
- During the evaluation process, a designated jury will assess the entries with increased professional attention
- The focus wines will also be prominently represented in the professional programs of the Budapest Wine Festival and the Rosalia Wine Picnic
- In addition, they will be promoted through wine recommendations, presentations and professional content on VinAgora’s social media platforms
Focus on quality and grape variety
The Variety Focus program is not only a competitive element but also a platform for professional dialogue and inspiration. It provides an opportunity to present individual grape varieties in a deeper, more nuanced and long term perspective for both wine professionals and wine enthusiasts.