The integrated approach is the key tenet that directs us. We practise winemaking and viticulture in a disciplined way. Quality is valued above quantity, and we take all possible measures to protect the environment.

Grapes are a magnificent plant, as anyone with even a basic familiarity with them will agree! Liana is continually battling, pushing, always forward, and always heading for the light because of his nature. Mankind soon discovered that the fruit and the wine made from it are beautiful gifts of nature, and that in order to appreciate these treasures, he needed to shape the vibe-stock. Grapes must be cultivated, in the noble sense of the word. Methods have evolved in the course of viticulture history when viticulturists tried to reach a "agreement" with the crop. While attempts were made to provide the ideal environment for growth, it was crucial that the quantity and quality of the berries be consistent with the desired goals (fruit or wine).

However, we can't ignore the significance of our local environment, which affects both the interaction between the grape and its grower, and the never-ending rhythm of nature. We think that only a responsible attitude should be used when cultivating grapes. We work to maintain the balance of nature throughout the entire process of growing our grapes and making our wine. We are adamant about upholding its ideals. We design our everyday cultivation practices and viticultural activity using these guidelines.

We take pride in the fact that without our plantations, invasive plant species would likely blanket the hillsides where, owing to our profession, our vineyards now flourish.

Our farming technology is primarily guided by the integrated method, or viticulture and winemaking based on contol. We value quality over quantity, manage the environment with the utmost care, keep an eye on the health of our plants, and safeguard biodiversity and natural resources. For this, when taking into account and choosing the most appropriate agricultural technology, an ecological approach based on adequate professional knowledge is necessary. In order to protect our grapes, the use of plant protection products is unavoidable, but we always uphold our ethical standards. We always consider comprehensive forecasting so that we can successfully combat the natural enemies and pests of our grapes.

The wines most favored by wine consumers are predominantly made from grape varieties that are more or less susceptible to damage by pathogens and pests. That is why we need to prevent these damages in order to grow our grapes successfully. The emphasis is on prevention, so the environmental impact of our defence can stay the lowest. However, science is also committed to protecting the environment, so viticultural work around the world is moving towards breeding varieties that can be grown without compromising on quality, but with little or no impact on the environment.

Two directions are lined out is this aspect. First and foremost, there is genetic engineering in the hands of New World vine-breeders (the EU is still banned from cultivating GMOs), which can introduce genes that make the variety resistant to certain diseases into proven world varieties. For example, Chardonnay, which is resistant to powdery mildew, would significantly reduce the risks of cultivation and allow more economical and pesticide-free cultivation, while the values of the variety could be enjoyed in the wine in the same way. But the question raises itself: do we want to achieve environmentally friendly viticulture in a way that is alien to nature, such as genetic engineering?

The other way is to continue the traditional breeding procedures that have recently gained encouraging momentum. Here, noble grapes are crossed with other natural grape species or varieties that are already resistant to disease. The previous problem with these was that the quality – despite resistance – did not reach that of the proven noble varieties. Nowadays, this trend seems to be reversing, so there is hope that in the near future there will be more varieties in public production that can be successfully grown with reduced plant protection, and the quality of the wine made from them will convince consumers too.

We believe that that the sooner we gain experience with new, promising varieties, the sooner we can create chemical-free grape plantations. In 2020, we planted half a hectare with experimental variety candidates from the university workshop in Keszthely, whose wine quality competed with the already known large varieties. We hope that some of the varieties can flourish here, giving us the opportunity to grow uncompromising organic grapes.

Wine tasting in the Attic Cellar

You have the company but you don’t know what to have and where to have it?

Is there anything you always wanted to know about grapes, plantations and wines, but never dared to ask? We have good news! The excellent wines of Zala are provided, and the one telling all the stories is the winemaker himself. He can tell you all the tales and details, and you can ask him anything. You are welcome to our Attic Cellar, which can seat up to 60 guests. Here you'll find a place of broad cheerfulness and loud laughter. Let's pay tribute to wine, let the tasting be your personal Bacchus celebration! PS: Even if you have no questions and are just looking for a drink, feel free to drop by.