Barnag Wines: The Vision of Bence Szilágyi

Nestled in the Hungarian village of Barnag, near the shimmering shores of Lake Balaton, Grand Vin de Barnag is the passion project of Bence Szilágyi. Managing approximately five hectares of vineyards, Bence splits his resources between cultivating half the vines himself and sourcing the other half from a trusted local négociant. His approach to winemaking is rooted in experimentation, enthusiasm, and an unwavering dedication to crafting wines he loves to drink.

A Focus on Unique Varieties and Terroir

Bence's vineyards feature an array of grape varieties, including Riesling, Furmint, Kékfrankos (also known as Blaufränkisch in Austria and Lemberger in Germany), Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Planted on predominantly limestone soils, the vines thrive under a no-till regime, where naturally occurring flora serves as a sustainable cover crop.

Among the highlights of his winemaking are the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Vörösmál-Aszófő, harvested over a week in mid-September. These wines undergo whole-cluster fermentation in open vats for more than two weeks, with some juice added from the bottom. A gentle pressing follows, and the wines are left to ferment slowly in several 225-liter oak barrels.

Since 2020, Bence has embraced a no-sulphites philosophy, ensuring his wines remain true to their origins and natural character.

A Humble Beginning and a Slow Growth

Bence’s journey into winemaking started with his family’s hobby vineyard, which his father used to cultivate for fun. In 2017, Bence produced his first small batch—just 400 bottles—with no intention of turning it into a career. But the experience of making wine with friends was transformative.

"I didn’t always want to be a winemaker," he recalls. "But when I made that barrel of wine, I enjoyed it so much. Even now, I work a lot with friends during bottling or harvest. It’s a really great group of people who share in this journey with me."

The following year marked the first official vintage of Grand Vin de Barnag. Determined to avoid bank loans or investors, Bence opted for gradual growth, reinvesting profits and scaling the winery organically. Today, the winery produces around 12,000 bottles annually, all crafted with the same dedication and passion that defined its early days.

From Family Cellar to Historic Winery

Initially, Bence operated out of a cellar dug into the limestone bedrock beneath his family home. As production expanded, he moved operations to a 200-year-old stone barn, now converted into a functional winery. This move symbolized a new chapter for Grand Vin de Barnag—a space that reflects both tradition and a forward-thinking approach to natural winemaking.

The Future of Grand Vin de Barnag

Bence Szilágyi’s vision for Grand Vin de Barnag is not one of rapid expansion but of thoughtful evolution. With a focus on organic practices, low-intervention techniques, and a deep respect for the land, his wines tell the story of their origins while offering a taste of Hungary’s rich viticultural heritage.

Whether it’s the bold reds of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon or the delicate whites of Furmint and Riesling, each bottle encapsulates Bence’s passion for crafting wines that resonate with both tradition and innovation.