The Szent Donát estate was founded in 1994 by the Kovács family. The family has been in Csopak and the Káli basin for over 200 years, and their love of grapes and their winemaking traditions have carried on through the generations. The winery and the estate was named after Szent Donát, the protector of the wine harvest and the patron saint of Csopak. The estate lies along the stunning northern slopes of Lake Balaton. They own some of the best parcels in Csopak, Tihany, and the Kál basin.

Tamás Kovács, the winemaker at Szent Donát, is passionate about the different terroirs that run along Csopak’s hillsides facing Lake Balaton. He not only makes wines according to varietal, but according to soil type – limestone, red sandstone, and black basalt. The winery has been organic since 2015, and Tamás works with spontaneous fermentation, low or no sulfur, and little or no fining and filtering in the cellar. The winery is known for its clean, terroir-driven wines and its incredible views overlooking Lake Balaton.

Szent Donát is located in the small village of Csopak, on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. The predominant and most historically relevant varietal here, as in most towns in north Balaton, is Olaszrizling (Welschriesling). Szent Donat’s Rizling Selection comes from the Sáfránkert vineyard, rich in 300-year-old red permian clay sandstone. The soils give the wine a powerfully mineral character with ample texture. The wine is fermented spontaneously in stainless steel and remained on the lees for 6 months before bottling. Rough filtration and fining only, low sulfites added. Aromas like melon and pear, with green fruit, quince and salt on the palate.

-Palinkerie