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With over 20 wine regions, Hungary's exceptional wines have earned them a prestigious position on the global stage. Our lastest event explored and expanded upon Hungary's rich wine heritage, with viticulture experts sharing their insights and experiences.
MCC Debrecen hosted a fascinating discussion on the nature of wine-making, wine-selling, and the care that goes into both endevours. Featuring László Szilágyi a winemaker at Gizella Winery, and Sebastian Giraldo Makovej, a sommelier of SAUSKA Winery, their discussion touched on everything wine-related.
The event highlighted the challenges of achieving global recognition and success in the competitive international wine market. With the industry being highly diversified, maintaining a top position requires constant quality improvements, especially for producers like Gizella Winery, which distributes a significant portion of its products within the hospitality sector. This sector demands wines of the highest standard, making quality a crucial focus.
The discussion also addressed the evolving wine consumption habits, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is now a heightened demand for high-quality wines, even at a higher price point. Despite technological advancements, the role of artificial intelligence in winemaking remains minimal. While AI can assist with administrative tasks, the consensus among participants was that the human touch is irreplaceable in the winemaking process. As Zoltán Kovács, moderator and Head of the MCC's Center for Business Studies, pointed out, "AI cannot drink or taste wine." Sebastian Giraldo Makovej echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that AI's role in winemaking is limited to office work and contradicts the romanticism people associate with the craft.
Market trends discussed during the event revealed that the wine industry is in constant flux. Interest in traditional sparkling wines is on the rise, while demand for rosé wines is declining. The key takeaway was that wine can be both a luxury item and an accessible pleasure, with its true value lying in the quality and experience it offers.
