Pannonhalma is the smallest wine region in Hungary with the longest wine-making tradition. Grapes have been grown on the eastern and south-eastern slopes of the Pannonhalma hills, also known as the Sokoró hills, since Roman times. The first written documents of the smallest wine region date back to 1002, when the Benedictine monks founded their first monastery. They went on to convert Hungarians, establish the first school, write the first Hungarian language document (in 1055), and cultivate vine on the nearby slopes. Ever since, the Pannonhalma Abbey Winery has been one of the major winemakers in the region.
Moderately cold winters and warm summers with lots of sunshine in the Pannonhalma-Sokoróalja wine region mostly favor the production of fragrant white wines. The most characteristic soil of the region is loess. In addition to the quality white wines produced in the region, the Pannonhalma Abbey Winery also makes red wines.
Registered vine-yards consist of 650 hectares cultivated by about 500 wine-growers.
Grape Varieties
The most grown variety in the region is Olaszrizling (Italian Riesling), taking up taking up approximately 30% of the land followed by Tramini which accounts for approximately 8% of production.
Pannonhalma Wines
Tramini, Chardonnay, Irsai Olivér
Pannonhalma Wineries
Pannonhalmi Abbey Winery
Wine Tourism & Sights
The Pannonhalma Monastery, a World Heritage Site, and the Benedictine Secondary School are worth a visit. Guided tours are available. It’s also interesting to note the small statue of Saint Martin (Szent Márton) near the abbey, based on the belief that Martin of Tours was born in Pannonhalma, as opposed to the nearby Szombathely. Read about the story of St Martin in our post St. Martin's Day in Hungary.
Getting there from Budapest
Pannonhalma is about a one-and-half-hour drive from Budapest. Take highway M1 to exit 119. Continue on route 82 towards Veszprém/Pannonhalma. Buses leave from the Népliget bus terminal via Győr. Trains leave from Budapest Keleti Railway Station.
