Why ST.DONAT?

 

We named our estate after St.Donat, the patrone saint of vintners in Csopak. He is believed to protect the vineyards against summer storms and hail. St.Donat was a true Roman born in Rome with a strong faith in God. In 173 AD he served as a legionary in the Roman army and protected the borders of Pannonia (today Western Hungary). Once in a battle their legion got trapped. A heavy summer storm interrupted the fight and the legion could finally escape. It is believed that Donat’s prayers made this miracle happen. During his time veteran legionaries started planting the first vineyards in Csopak. Maybe not a coincidence that hail damage is very rare in the area.

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A Passion for Terroir

 

Our vineyards are situated in Csopak and in the Tihany peninsula. Each of these Balaton areas has its unique microclimate and geological characteristics. The diversity is one of the reasons we have such a passion for this region. The different soil structures and microclimates in our plots contribute to the richness of our wines.

 

CSOPAK is renowned for its southern exposure, which offers stunning views of the lake's vast surface and benefits from reflected sunlight. The vineyards closer to the lake are on a distinctive Permian red sandstone bedrock, which enriches the soil with hematite iron oxide and potassium. In contrast, the vineyards positioned higher above the lake rest on marl and limestone bedrock. The age and type of limestone rock layers vary approximately every 100 meters. 
These two distinct types of soil impart different characteristics to the wines. When combined with the diverse local microclimates and exposures, it becomes clear that this region is ideal for crafting exceptional vineyard selections.

 

TIHANY is a complex extinct volcanic peninsula located in the middle of Lake Balaton. It features two main craters, each hiding crater lakes, surrounded by vineyards. The island effect and the closed crater system, protected by the remnants of the caldera walls, create a unique microclimate that benefits the vineyards. This, combined with the mineral-rich basaltic tuff bedrock and soil, makes Tihany a truly unique terroir.

 

We cultivate 12 vineyards and produce wines from a total of 15 hectares in the areas of Csopak, Tihany.

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Organic Farming

 

Our human-scale organic estate spans 15 hectares, allowing us to manage viticulture entirely while prioritizing high quality. We focus on grape varieties that align with the local wine region's traditions.

We manage our vineyards and cultivate our grapes ourselves, never integrating or purchasing grapes from outside our production. All aspects of winemaking take place at our winery in Csopak. 
We believe that the philosophy outlined above is essential for maintaining quality.
In all our vineyards, we practice organic farming, certified by Bio Garancia in Hungary. 

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