Discover Natural Wines from the North Shore of Lake Balaton

The north shore of Lake Balaton is more than just a scenic summer tourist destination, it’s also one of Hungary’s most exciting and rapidly evolving wine regions. With a growing number of passionate winemakers embracing organic and natural methods, this volcanic landscape is producing some of the country’s most distinctive and expressive wines.

A Land Shaped by Volcanoes

Wine begins with the land where it is made, and few places tell a geological story quite like the northern Balaton region. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the area is rich in basalt soils, giving rise to iconic mountains like Badacsony, Szent György-hegy (St. George’s Hill), and Fekete-hegy. These dark, mineral-rich soils, coupled with the microclimate created by Lake Balaton, offer ideal conditions for vibrant, characterful wines.

This concept of terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography—is central to understanding why wines from this region are so compelling. Much like in Tokaj, another volcanic wine region in Hungary with centuries-old traditions, Balaton’s terroir imparts a signature freshness, structure, and mineral depth to its wines.

Volcanic soils and the lake’s moderating climate give Balaton wines their lively, mineral edge.

During the day, the lake reflects sunlight back onto the vineyards, bathing the grapes in a gentle, warming glow that enhances ripening. As evening falls, cool breezes flow down from the surrounding hillsides, preserving acidity and freshness in the fruit. This dynamic interplay of sun and wind, combined with the region’s volcanic soils, gives Balaton wines a unique profile: juicy and vibrant, yet layered with minerality and complexity.

The Rise of Natural and Organic Winemaking

In recent years, the north shore has become a magnet for a new generation of winemakers focused on sustainability, organic farming, and minimal-intervention techniques. These producers aren’t just following trends, they’re reconnecting with the land, rediscovering local traditions, and crafting wines that truly reflect where they come from.

Winemakers to Watch

Robert Gilvesy, a Canadian-Hungarian winemaker, has made a name for himself with organic white wines grown on the volcanic slopes of St. George’s Hill and Badacsony. His wines blend regional minerality with a modern, clean aesthetic. With minimal intervention in the cellar, Gilvesy’s wines express the purity of the grape and the soul of the land. His wines range from classic volcanic whites to more experimental natural wines, for example his Pixu range.

Homola Winery, guided by cult winemaker Attila Homonna, is another standout. Though not strictly “natural,” the winery’s commitment to organic viticulture and thoughtful winemaking practices brings out the essence of the Balatonfüred-Csopak terroir. Attila Homonna also produces a few sophisticated natural reds in the area next to his famous Tokaji white wines.

Zelna Winery, a rising star in Balatonfüred, is fully committed to organic farming. Their fresh, approachable whites showcase the region’s potential with a crystal-clear, playful style, all while expressing a strong sense of place and minerality.

Szászi Birtok, based on Szent György-hegy, has been farming organically long before it became fashionable. Their family-run estate produces clean, well-crafted wines that range from elegant classics to vibrant, more experimental styles.

Dávid Bökő, working near the Tihany peninsula, crafts natural wines that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. His expressive bottles reinterpret local styles in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Why Drink Natural Wines from Lake Balaton?

The natural and organic wines of the Balaton region are redefining what Hungarian wine can be. Traditionally, many of the wines around the lake have leaned toward a light, easy-drinking style, sometimes even too simple. But today’s natural winemakers are building on that foundation, reinterpreting the region’s casual charm with just a bit more complexity, edge, and personality. The result? Wines that are approachable and refreshing, yet layered and full of life.

Olaszrizling, the region’s most widespread white grape, plays a starring role. Often considered a neutral variety, in the hands of these thoughtful producers it becomes a canvas for personal expression, showing everything from crisp citrus to rich stone fruit, and from subtle herbal notes to a briny, volcanic finish.

This new generation of Balaton wines is also fascinating for its diversity: from legacy organic estates like Szászi, who have stayed true to traditional methods for decades, to bold newcomers creating micro-batch natural wines in tucked-away cellar rooms. Each village, each hill, each winemaker brings something different to the table, and natural wines reflect those subtle local variations better than anything else.

These wines keep the easygoing charm of Balaton styles, but bring more depth and texture to the table.

Whether you’re discovering volcanic whites with electric acidity, skin-contact wines full of texture and spice, or juicy reds with unexpected depth, there’s a bottle from the north shore of Lake Balaton that will surprise and delight you.

Now is the perfect time to explore the new wave of natural wines from this captivating region. Stock your cellar—or your picnic basket—and taste the future of Hungarian wine.

Explore our selection of natural and organic Balaton wines below.