The survey also reveals that one-third of Hungarians never drink wine, a lower proportion than for any other alcoholic beverage; wine drinkers preferences’ are equally divided between dry and sweet wine; and 30% drink their wine with soda water.

The survey results were presented in Budapest by HNT chairman Ottó Légli, who called for a broad assessment of the country’s wine growing industry. He praised the work of industry insiders, but said much still needs to be done to implement a strategy for the profession approved last year.

Hungarian winemakers produce about 2.2 million hectolitres of wine a year with a value of almost 315 billion forints (EUR 1.0bn). About 1.6 million hectolitres, worth 195 billion forints, are sold domestically.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.