An interview by MOVIN Agency

In the latest chapter of the MOVIN Agency – Meet the Winemaker series, we travel to the volcanic hills of Badacsony to meet Csaba Török, owner and winemaker of 2HA Winery. Rooted in terroir, restraint and authenticity, 2HA has become one of Hungary’s most exciting boutique wineries, earning growing international recognition from leading wine critics.

MOVIN Agency: Csaba, how did the story of 2HA Winery begin?

Csaba Török: 2HA was born from a very personal journey. I didn’t come from a traditional winemaking family, but I felt an immediate and very deep connection to Badacsony and its volcanic landscape. From the beginning, my goal was never to follow trends or expectations, but to create wines that are honest and transparent expressions of place.

The name 2HA comes from the two hectares we started with. It reminds us that intention, care, and respect for the vineyard matter more than size.

MOVIN Agency: What makes Badacsony such a special terroir for you?

Csaba Török: Our home is Szent György Hill, located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, between Badacsony and Szigliget. It is a dramatic volcanic witness hill, and its geological and climatic characteristics fundamentally shape our wines.

The soils are defined by a unique combination of volcanic material and ancient Pannonian marine sediments. This layered geological heritage gives our wines their distinctive mineral tension and depth. At the same time, the hill shows strong microclimatic differences. All of our vineyards are located on the southern slopes, where the mountain itself provides natural protection from cold northern winds. Because of this shelter, a subtle sub-Mediterranean influence prevails, allowing for long, balanced ripening periods.

Today, the estate consists of several small parcels, all situated in the best south-facing positions on the hill. 

The estate is certified organic — meaning we cultivate certified organic grapes and work exclusively with fruit from our own vineyards. The organic certification applies to the vineyards (the grapes), ensuring full control from soil to harvest. 

We farm under certified organic practices, and our grapes come from a total of 2 x 2 hectares, harvested entirely by hand before arriving in the cellar. This scale allows us to work each parcel with maximum focus and precision, which we consider essential for truly terroir-driven wines.

MOVIN Agency: How would you describe your winemaking philosophy?

Csaba Török: Our philosophy is not about a single moment or a finished goal, but about a continuous journey. We believe in organic viticulture and cultivate our vineyards under controlled organic farming practices.

In the cellar, we follow the principle of naturalness and embrace a clear low-intervention approach. We avoid any intervention that could diminish the wine’s original aromatic richness or texture. All of our wines are barrel-aged, and both white and red wines ferment in wood. We do not fine our wines, our white wines are also unfiltered, and bottling is carried out according to the lunar calendar.

Everything we do is aimed at preserving purity, energy and authenticity, allowing each wine to express its origin as clearly and honestly as possible.

MOVIN Agency: Can you tell us about the 2HA wine portfolio?

Csaba Török: In a way that is still unusual for the region, we place strong emphasis on red wines. With this choice, we consciously reconnect with the pre-phylloxera traditions of the Balaton Uplands, where red varieties once played a much more significant role.

Our approach to red wines is deeply rooted in historical context, yet expressed through a modern, terroir-driven perspective. In terms of grape varieties, we are particularly proud to be the first winery in Hungary to experiment with Sangiovese, an ancient Tuscan variety of Etruscan origin.

From Sangiovese we produce Tabunello, a wine that has become a defining reference for 2HA. It demonstrates how an international variety can find a true and authentic home in Badacsony when carefully matched with site, climate and philosophy.

MOVIN Agency: One of your flagship wines is Tabunello. What makes this wine special?

Csaba Török: Tabunello is a very important wine for us. It represents the complexity and seriousness that Badacsony is capable of. The wine is structured, layered and strongly mineral-driven, with remarkable ageing potential.

We were extremely proud when Jancis Robinson awarded several of our wines 17 and even 17.5 points, especially because her evaluations resonate strongly with our own philosophy of balance, restraint and terroir-focused winemaking.

MOVIN Agency: Another internationally acclaimed wine is Courage. What is the story behind it?

Csaba Török: Courage is about taking risks and trusting your instincts. It is a wine that required patience, belief and long-term thinking, both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

Receiving 94 points from James Suckling was a powerful confirmation for us. It showed that this uncompromising, authenticity-driven approach can resonate on an international level, and that Hungarian wines can compete among the very best when they remain true to their origins.

MOVIN Agency: How important are export markets for 2HA Winery?

Csaba Török: Export is essential for us. It allows us to communicate the character of Badacsony and Hungarian terroir to a wider audience. Our wines are already present in several international markets, and we continue to build long-term partnerships with importers who understand and value boutique, terroir-driven wines.

For us, quality always comes before quantity. We are not looking for rapid expansion, but for meaningful presence.

MOVIN Agency: What role does MOVIN Agency play in your international presence?

Csaba Török: MOVIN Agency understands our philosophy and represents us with credibility and passion. That alignment is crucial. Export is not just about selling wine – it is about storytelling, education and building trust.

MOVIN helps translate our values into international markets in a way that feels authentic and consistent with who we are.

MOVIN Agency: Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of 2HA?

Csaba Török: Our goal is to remain focused and true to ourselves. No rapid expansion, no compromises. The future is about refining what we already do well, deepening our understanding of our vineyards, and continuing to produce wines that reflect Badacsony with clarity, depth and integrity.

MOVIN Agency: Thank you, Csaba, for sharing your story and insights with us. It was a pleasure to explore the philosophy, terroir and vision behind 2HA Winery.

Csaba Török: Thank you for the opportunity. It was a pleasure to talk about our work and our home in Badacsony.

Don’t forget to check out the products from 2HA Winery.