THE CONQUEST OF HUNGARIAN WINES: THE PANNONIA LADIES’ WINE ORDER IN NEW ZEALAND

Three members of the Pannonia Ladies’ Wine Order arrived in New Zealand at the end of October as part of a special mission to showcase the outstanding products of Hungarian winemaking. Starting their journey from Budapest, the ladies held presentations – which also served as wine tastings – first in Singapore and then in Auckland.

Their trip will later continue through Wellington and the South Island to Australia, where they will further promote Hungary’s wine treasures.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, the Pannonia Ladies’ Wine Order is one of Hungary’s most prominent organizations dedicated to wine culture. Its primary goal is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Hungary’s historic wine regions and to popularize high-quality Hungarian wines and winemakers both at home and abroad. The members of the order – including professional sommeliers, winemakers, and wine enthusiasts – are committed to showcasing the diversity of Hungary’s wine regions. They have organized numerous Hungarian Wine Balls and annually host a gala dinner honoring the “Winemaker of the Year,” where they also select the order’s flagship wine. Through their activities, they contribute to increasing international awareness of Hungarian wines while engaging in professional exchanges with their foreign colleagues. In addition, they have supported several young winemakers through the Pannonia Golden Ring Foundation and successfully raised funds in the past to aid the restoration of Krásna Hôrka Castle, which suffered severe damage in a fire.

At the Auckland event on October 27, twelve wines were presented to the guests, offering a fine representation of the diversity of Hungarian winemaking. The selection included wines from Tokaj, Villány, Szekszárd, Eger, and Arad, giving participants a comprehensive overview of Hungary’s various wine styles and regions. The event attracted a mixed audience of experts – local restaurant owners, sommeliers, and journalists – providing an excellent opportunity to introduce Hungarian wines to professionals in key decision-making positions within New Zealand’s hospitality and marketing sectors.

As part of their Auckland program, the members of the Pannonia Ladies’ Wine Order also visited Waiheke Island, where they explored three local wineries and familiarized themselves with New Zealand wines. They showed particular interest in the region’s signature Sauvignon Blanc, which has earned international recognition for New Zealand’s wine industry.

Vadász Viola