ABOUT
The people who animate the winery, fire & basalt, the estate, farming & wine making.
People
Robert Gilvesy near the cellar door with Kokó.
About the Founder
Robert Gilvesy grew up on a tobacco farm near Lake Erie, where his connection to the land was forged early on. Deeply influenced by his Hungarian heritage, he moved to newly democratic Hungary, initially pursuing a career as an architect and later in business. Years later, Robert transformed his life once again by returning to the farm to embrace winemaking. In 2012, he opened the Gilvesy estate on Szent György-hegy(Mount Saint George), embarking on a new journey to farm organically and produce fine Hungarian wines.
At work in the cellar.
Our Team
The estate’s first harvest was in 2012, and as with all great adventures, Robert has had many hands to help him and share his passion for the wine region and to make honest wines. Robert’s family has always been his most prized resource and an endless well of support.
Our core team is lean and mean, multi-tasking and trouble-shooting throughout the year. We are also lucky to have a network of good friends in the community, hospitality professionals, interns and of course many enthusiastic importers around the world. Many thanks to those that share their talents with us.
The Estate
The winery circa 2008 prior to renovations.
From Heritage to Harvest
In 1994, Robert became the owner of a beautiful, albeit dilapidated estate on Mount Saint George, originally built by the aristocratic Lengyel family circa 1680 and later owned by the noble Eszterházy family.
The estate's pre-renovated cellar. Pictured here are Robert Gilvesy (far right) and friends.
Beneath the surface, the estate’s historic cellar lay dormant, waiting to return to its former purpose. In 2009, Robert, pictured to the right, embarked on the journey of turning this forgotten estate into a thriving winery.
The inside of the historic building prior to renovations.
Drawing on his architectural expertise, he worked with SAGRA Architects to preserve the estate’s Hungarian heritage while reimagining it for modern winemaking, transforming a centuries-old legacy into a living dream.
The winery post renovation looking toward Mount Badacsony.
A Timeless Revival
Since 2012, the renovated estate has proudly gleamed under the sun, its original pristine white facade and robust structure restored with a touch of contemporary flair.
The cellar.
Today, the cellar—central to the estate’s history—continues to be where all vinification takes place. This cellar too is part of the "flora" from which our wines develop their unique character.
The cellar.
The property itself encompasses 15 hectares of vineyards across three distinct blocks: Tarányi, Váradi, and Mogyorós. True to Robert’s philosophy, all Gilvesy vineyards have been organically cultivated since 2014, with a commitment to both tradition and sustainability.
Fire & Basalt
Map of Lake Balaton and it's surrounding areas.
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 north-west shore is dotted with extinct volcanic mountains; one of them is our beloved Mount Saint George.
Mount Saint George (Szent György-hegy) in the 1930s. Photo: Fortepan
8 Million Years Ago
Volcanic activity shaped the Badacsony appellation around 8 million years ago, with the Mount Saint George itself emerging from the earth roughly 5 to 6 million years ago.
The eroding basalt “Organ Pipes” of Mount St. George.
Our Soil
Today, its 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 to the vines they sustain. The unique composition of the ancient Pannon Sea soils, scattered with basalt and basalt tuff, impart a distinct vibrant "minerality" and and savouriness.
Farming
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.
Wine Making
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.
