GILVESY

ABOUT US
Founded by Robert Gilvesy in 2012, Gilvesy Winery is rooted in the volcanic slopes of Szent György-hegy and shaped by a life that bridges continents. Raised on a farm near Lake Erie, Robert returned to Hungary after 1989, bringing with him both Hungarian heritage and an architectural background that informed the restoration of the estate’s 17th-century cellar, completed between 2009 and the first harvest in 2012.

Working with vineyards that transitioned to organic cultivation in 2014, the winery focuses on varieties that express the character of the mountain’s basalt-rich soils, including Riesling, Furmint, and Olaszrizling. These wines pack precision, purity, and mineral structure, reflecting Robert’s commitment to thoughtful, low-intervention winemaking.

As a founding member of Volcanic Wines of Pannonia, Robert has helped bring global attention to the Balaton Highlands and its unique geological heritage. Gilvesy Winery continues to build on this vision, uniting history, craft, and a sense of place to create wines that feel both rooted and forward-looking.

8 MILLION YEARS AGO
Volcanic activity shaped the Badacsony appellation around 8 million years ago, with Mount Saint George itself emerging from the earth roughly 5 to 6 million years ago.

OUR WINE REGION
Our wine region is defined by Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Europe. Sometimes affectionately referred to as the Hungarian Sea. The lake's northwest shore is dotted with extinct volcanic mountains; one of them is our beloved Mount Saint George.

OUR SOIL
Today, this rugged landscape features ancient basalt rock formations, standing as silent witnesses to a dramatic geological past. These volcanic origins have left behind mineral-rich soils, which play a crucial role for the vines they sustain. The unique composition of the ancient Pannon Sea soils, scattered with basalt and basalt tuff, imparts a distinct vibrant "minerality" and savoriness.

CULTIVATING WITH CARE

As custodians of the land, we hold a profound respect for the vineyards that nurture our wines. Our commitment to sustainability is not just a choice; it is the only viable path forward.

While we pursue organic certification, it’s not merely about the stamp we seek. Sustainable farming demands a heightened level of care and dedication. We continually search for better ways to farm organically, driven by our passion for the land and our promise to craft true wines. This isn’t just our profession; it’s a heartfelt mission that guides every decision we make, honoring the land for generations to come.

PURE EXPRESSION
Our fruit is grown organically, prioritizing the health and sustainability of our land as well as the purity of our harvested fruits. We ferment naturally, using indigenous yeasts with minimal interference in the fermentation process.

We embrace a variety of vessels for winemaking, as each type highlights different natural characteristics without overshadowing the essence of the fruit, place, or vintage. We use little sulfur, applying it late in the process, and fining and filtering are performed only judiciously.