The largest lake in Central Europe
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, covering about 217 square miles. It was formed by volcanoes about 1.5 million years ago, and is fed by underground springs. The lake is relatively shallow at only 12 feet deep on average and 75 miles long with a maximum width of 8 miles.
A volcanic region
The Balaton wine-growing area is located in a volcanic region at the western boundary of the Carpathian Mountain Range and the Transdanubian Mountains on the border between Hungary, Austria and Slovakia. This unique geographical position is protected from cold winds from the north by Kőszeg, Fertő and Bakony mountains. The warm climate provides excellent conditions for cultivation of Olaszrizling and Chardonnay grape varieties but we can also find Furmint, Hárslevelű, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir.*
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. It’s also a popular tourist destination, largely because of the warm weather and water temperatures during the summer months. The lake is shallow—only 12 feet deep—but it’s deep enough to allow for sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing. In the winter, Lake Balaton freezes over, which allows for ice fishing.
Because of its size and temperature, Lake Balaton also provides drinking water to approximately one million people each year
Mild winters and warm summers
As any winemaker will tell you, temperature is a factor that can make or break a wine. For example, if summer temperatures are too hot, grapes can become over-ripe and their acidity levels drop; this results in wines that lack the proper balance of flavors. On the other hand, if winter temperatures don’t drop below freezing, vines don’t have time to properly go dormant; this leads to an imbalance between new growth (good) and old growth (bad).
Classic Hungarian wines and Italian grape varieties
Hillside areas receive more sunlight, while flat landings are cooler and encourage late-ripening grapes making different areas ideal for different varieties.
- Kéknyelű is a white variety of grape that is similar in style to Furmint.
- Pinot Grigio, an Italian grape variety, is known locally as Szürkebarát.
Sun-drenched hillside areas of this wine district encourage early ripening grapes that produce rich, vibrant wines. On the other hand, cooler flat landings are prone to late-ripening grapes. These are reflective of the region with their refreshing aromas and flavors.
Warm days and long nights produce aromatic, fruity and refreshing wines
Balaton produces quality red wines, whites and rosés from Kéknyelű, Rózsakő and Zöldveltelini grapes. Common varieties include Olaszrizling, Furmint and Chardonnay for whites; Kékfrankos, Portugieser and Pinot Noir for reds; and Kadarka for rosés.
Compared to other parts of Hungary’s wine regions, Balaton is relatively new to wine making. Its climate is warmer thanks to its proximity to Lake Balaton (the largest lake in Central Europe) with warm days lengthening into long nights that produce wines that are aromatic, fruity and refreshing. Almost half the wine made here is white followed by red while rosé production accounts for most of the rest.
The Balaton Wine Route is a tourist-friendly way to explore the region’s wineries. Most are open daily except Mondays but it’s wise to make an appointment just in case. The tasting route can be done on foot or by bike but those who wish can take a special bus that runs between designated stops during the peak season from May through September.