Tokaj-Hegyalja has a special esteem for Hungarians everywhere. The unique soil and environment, the grape varieties and wines produced here and the centuries-old tradition of wine-making are the jewels in the crown of Hungarian grape and wine culture – said Deputy Sate Secretary for Agricultural Economy Zsolt Feldmann at the opening ceremony of the Tokaj Wine Region Viticulture and Wine-Making Research Institute in Tarcal.

The Ministry of Rural Development has decided to restart the activities of the research institute, that has a long tradition and history, but which had come close to shutting its doors during the past few years, from August 1.

Zsolt Feldman stated: the historical wine region has pooled together to enable the viticulture and wine-making research institute, which has profound knowledge of the local wine culture, to survive and continue to function. The fortunate meeting of the wine-makers’ initiative and the goals of the government, which supports the sector, has resulted in the institute being able to continue its activities.

The role of the research institute will include the preservation and development of biological gene banks, the documentation and cross-breeding of the gene bank’s stocks, the development of new wine-making technologies and the testing of environmentally friendly grape cultivation techniques.

Zoltán Bihari, the Institute’s Deputy Director stated: in addition to research, a service laboratory will also need to be established, which will supply the region’s wine makers.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)