Szentesi Winery was founded by József Szentesi in 1998. Coming from a Swabian family with roots in Budaörs, József grew up surrounded by the traditions of grape growing and winemaking. The large-scale wine production of the 1970s and 1980s temporarily distanced him from the family tradition, but in the late 1990s he returned to winemaking, initially as a hobby. Within a few years, this pastime had grown into a passion and, eventually, a family business.

Today, the winery cultivates 16 hectares around Lake Velence, with approximately 85% of the vineyards located in Nadap. Alongside familiar international varieties, József has made it a particular mission to preserve and bring attention to forgotten Hungarian grape varieties, including Lisztes, Laska, and Tihanyi Kék.

Minimal intervention is at the heart of the winery’s approach. The wines ferment spontaneously, while the vineyards are cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals, insecticides, or herbicides. The estate produces both still and sparkling wines, and its commitment to lesser-known Hungarian varieties has become one of its defining characteristics.

József Szentesi’s work has received the highest recognition in Hungarian winemaking: in 2013, he was awarded the Winemaker of Winemakers Award, cementing his place among the country’s most respected winegrowers.