Horst Hummel, Weingut Hummel (Villány, Hungary)

Horst Hummel is a highly respected, unconventional winemaker in the Villány region of Southern Hungary. Originally a lawyer from Berlin, Germany, Hummel was drawn to the climate and wine culture of Villány during a trip to explore his family's Swabian-Hungarian winemaking roots in the Austro-Hungarian empire.

He established his winery, Weingut Hummel, in 1998, and has since carved out a unique identity centered on artisanal, low-intervention methods that stand apart from many of the region's more traditional styles.

Philosophy & Winemaking

Hummel's philosophy is rooted in the belief that the soil is the centerpiece of quality viticulture, striving to create wines with character that are authentic reflections of the terroir.

• Organic & Biodynamic: The winery has practiced organic farming since 2008 and has followed biodynamic principles since 2016, focusing on living soil and minimal intervention. He has even developed his own system called "Natural Synergetic Winegrowing."

• Low-Intervention Cellar: His winemaking is "hands-off." Wines are made with spontaneous fermentation using wild yeasts, and they sit on their lees (must) for extended periods (2-4 weeks for reds).

• Minimal Additives: Horst uses no additives, save for a small amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to prevent oxidation. The goal is to produce unadulterated, pure wines.

• Unique Style: His wines—made from indigenous grapes like Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) and Portugieser, as well as international varieties like Cabernet Franc and Merlot—are known for their freshness, vibrancy, and supple texture, offering a distinctive counterpoint to some of the heavier, more rustic styles sometimes found in Villány.

Vineyards & Varieties

Weingut Hummel manages 7.5 hectares of vineyards in the prestigious Villány region, characterized by loess soils rich in limestone and magnesium.

• Red Focus: The region is primarily known for red wine, and Hummel excels with varieties like Kékfrankos, Portugieser (which he makes in a serious, structured style), Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• White Wines: He also produces dry, skin-contact wines (often referred to as Orange Wines) from white varieties, notably Hárslevelű and Furmint, which display intense flavor, complexity, and a mineral edge.