The Barta Winery is based in the heart of Hungary's legendary Tokaj region, in the historic village of Mád, where vineyard classifications date back to the early 1700s. The estate was founded by Károly Barta, who recognised the immense potential of a steep, imposing hillside known as the Old King Vineyard (Öreg Király dűlő). This ancient site had been abandoned after the Second World War, entirely ignored throughout the Communist regime, and gradually reclaimed by the forest. Károly pioneered the modern movement of rescuing long-forgotten, historic vineyards, painstakingly buying up parcels in 2003 and restoring 13.5 hectares of prime land. Since 2009, the wines have been crafted and aged in a beautifully restored 16th-century Baroque mansion on the main street of Mád, preserving period features for visitors and locals alike.
In the cellar, talented winemaker Vivien Ujvári brings a wealth of global experience gained from harvests in the Napa Valley, New Zealand, and Australia back to her native Tokaj wine region. The estate's winemaking philosophy relies on minimal intervention and certified organic farming to ensure the pure, mineral character of the land shines through in every glass. The steep terraced vineyards are rich in volcanic soils, which impart a distinctive, crisp acidity and complex mineral backbone to the fruit. By letting nature take the lead, the winemaking team produces incredibly clean, expressive wines that show immense respect for the unique microclimate of Mád.
The collection is a masterclass in the versatility of the native Furmint grape variety, offering styles that appeal to every type of wine lover. The range spans from bone-dry, vibrant white wines packed with green apple and citrus flavours, to the decadent, world-famous sweet styles of Szamorodni and Tokaji Aszú. These sweet expressions are crafted from hand-picked grapes affected by noble rot, resulting in luscious layers of honey, dried apricot, and orange peel balanced by a refreshing streak of acidity. It is an exceptional range for everyday drinkers looking to explore the revival of one of Europe’s most historic wine styles through a pure, organic, and deeply authentic lens.