We made it to Tomi’s after a little under 2 hours of gentle train ride from Budapest to Akja. Kis Tomi and Kovács Tomi from St.Donat rented us a small bus for the day to explore this part of the countryside. A 30 minute drive brought us to the base of Somló Hill where Tomi got us acquainted with some of the local grapes. For an exclusive tasting and homemade lunch, we trailed behind Tomi through compact streets to meet his wife Dori (of Bussay Wines) at their beautiful home surrounded by vines and fruit trees. The generosity, open heartedness, engagement, and caliber of the wines made for an exceptional experience for my first overseas winery visit. While he does not come from a wine making family or region, Kis Tomi grew up with a cultural appreciation for wine that fed his passion as an adult and led him to Somló where he continues to share with the world all that comes with the region.
What is one thing you'd like people to know when consuming your product?
"The wines came from a really incomparable volcano, with heart and character. We just want to respect it and enjoy it as much as possible! So the terroir is the main message and focus."
What is one thing that you are looking forward to in the future (winery related, or other)?
"In the vineyards, moving from an organic to a biodynamic perspective is a new goal for me, but it needs some time for me to realize it.
We should take more time with young people, show them nature, and educate them on what a magical and REAL thing the world of wine is."
