Collection: Kristinus Wine Estate

Kristinus Wine Estate along with its biodynamically farmed vineyards and lands is located in Hungary, 10 kilometers away from the southwestern shore of Central Europe’s largest water surface, Lake Balaton, close to Slovenia and Austria.

Wine and a better future - these two notions combined provide a great basis to any new cooperation . Behind this is, Florian Zaruba - Winemaker and General Manager.

CULTIVATION

Since the end of 2018, they have been cultivating their land biodynamically. This means treating the vine and the surrounding environment as a whole, which is inseparable. Biodiversity is crucial in this system, where every living organism and microorganism plays a key role at its level. In line with the principles of biodynamics - just like humans - they strive to develop the strongest immune system in the vineyard, instead of just treating the symptoms. 

Instead of chemical sprays, herbicides, and fertilizers, they use natural preparations for plant protection. It is a process that requires a constant presence, so human work is irreplaceable for them. As they say, a walk in the vineyard is worth two sprays - and they like to walk.

FARM

Why a winery is keeping animals? Because they believe and go the biodynamic way. They think that animals give a soul to a holistic farm and closing also the circle of sustainability in terms of own produced manure and food. The biggest responsibility is animal welfare. But first of all it’s a great feeling having them around, they make every day a bit better! Therefore since 2020, winged and four-legged colleagues have joined them on the exciting journey towards biodynamics. Gisi and Goldi, their first two Murbodener cows, who are the keys for them holistic biodynamic farming. They are the link to make preparations for their vineyards. A closed sustainable circle, with the goal making expressive and healthy terroir wines. 

WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC?

Internationally accepted and regulated biodynamic certifications, such as the DEMETER Certification, are highly demanding for both viticulture and winemaking. Behind the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner's system there is a complex, holistic approach that assumes that the entire estate is a unified whole. It is not just about animals and cultivated plants. In addition to landscape features (meadows, forest patches, pastures, wildlife), there is also the wider environment, up to the stars: the farmer takes cosmic rhythms such as the moon into account when planting, winemaking and carrying out livestock operations.Instead of chemical sprays, herbicides, and fertilizers, they use natural preparations for plant protection. It is a process that requires a constant presence, so human work is irreplaceable for them.

WINEMAKING

Just like in the vineyard, they aim for the least intervention in the cellar. They are working to make the most of the soil and climate in the vineyard so that the wines truly reflect the terroir. The work they do here is about working with nature to make the best quality wines possible. They believe that in this case, returning to the basics is a step forward, including the use of winemaking techniques such as the ancient sparkling technology, pétillant naturel, or also called PET-NAT.

So lay back, enjoy this wines and discover the terroir of lake Balaton!