In the latest edition of our Meet the Winemaker series, we sit down with Anna Tornai, third-generation owner of Tornai Winery, nestled on the slopes of Hungary’s legendary Somló hill. With over 75 years of history, international accolades, and a passionate commitment to native grape varieties, Tornai Winery is a shining ambassador of what volcanic terroir can express in a bottle.

MOVIN: Anna, you’re the third generation in the family to lead Tornai Winery. What has this legacy meant to you personally and professionally?

Tornai Anna: It means the world to me. My grandfather started with just a few rows of vines in 1946, driven by an incredible passion and belief in the potential of Somló. My father took the estate to the next level, expanding the vineyards and introducing modern technologies, while still staying true to the soul of the region. For me, continuing this legacy is a deep responsibility, but also a privilege. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a winemaker — I studied other fields — but Somló has a magnetic pull. Coming back to the winery felt natural. It’s not just a business, it’s a way of life.

MOVIN: For wine lovers who may not be familiar with the region, how would you describe Somló?

Tornai Anna: Somló is one of Hungary’s smallest but most distinctive wine regions. It's literally a single hill — an ancient volcanic butte — rising dramatically from the plains of western Hungary. This unique geological formation gives our soil an extraordinary mineral composition, especially rich in basalt, which gives the wines a signature salty and flinty character. The region’s microclimate — with strong winds, cool nights, and long ripening periods — allows our white wines to develop great complexity, structure, and age-worthiness. It’s truly a hidden gem in the European wine map.

MOVIN: Tornai Winery is strongly associated with indigenous grape varieties. Which grape varieties are you growing and why?

Tornai Anna: Our focus is firmly on native Hungarian white grapes, especially Juhfark, Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Olaszrizling. These varieties thrive in our terroir and reflect Somló’s unique character like no others. Juhfark in particular is our flagship – a grape that’s almost exclusively found here. It produces bold, mineral-rich wines with vibrant acidity and an unmistakable volcanic edge. It’s a variety with real personality and history — it was even traditionally consumed at weddings and royal courts for its supposed "male heir–producing" powers! But myths aside, it’s a world-class grape that deserves global recognition.

We also work with Tramini, a variety that may not be native to Hungary but finds a beautiful expression on Somló's volcanic soils. Our Selection Tramini 2021 not only received a Gold Medal at the Mundus Vini 2025 competition, but was also awarded the Best of Show Hungary White Wine title — an incredible honor and testament to the diversity and potential of our region.

MOVIN: Tornai wines have won numerous awards. Could you share some highlights?

Tornai Anna: Yes, we’ve been very proud of the international recognition our wines have received. Over the past decade, we’ve collected more than 150 medals from top international competitions. Our Premium and Top Selection wines, particularly Juhfark and Furmint, have earned gold medals at Decanter World Wine Awards, Mundus Vini, and even in South Africa’s Michelangelo Awards. Most recently, our Selection Apátsági Furmint 2021 was the only Hungarian wine to win a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025, which is especially meaningful for us. These accolades are not only a validation of our hard work but also raise awareness of Hungarian wines on the global stage. It's proof that volcanic terroir, handled with care, can produce truly world-class wines.

MOVIN: Where are Tornai wines available outside of Hungary?

Tornai Anna: Our export presence is growing steadily. Currently, we ship to Germany, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, and Japan, among others. We’re also exploring new partnerships in Asia and Scandinavia. What’s exciting is that sommeliers and wine lovers abroad are increasingly curious about lesser-known regions and grape varieties — they’re hungry for authenticity, and that’s exactly what Somló offers.

MOVIN: How would you define your winemaking philosophy today?

Tornai Anna: It’s about harmony — between tradition and innovation, between nature and craftsmanship. We respect traditional methods like spontaneous fermentation and barrel aging, but we also use precise, modern techniques to ensure quality and consistency. Our approach is sustainable: we see ourselves as custodians of the land. Each bottle should tell the story of Somló — its volcanic past, its native grapes, and our family's dedication to excellence.

MOVIN: What can visitors expect when they come to the Tornai estate?

Tornai Anna: We’re passionate about hospitality. Our modern visitor centre, tasting rooms, and wine terrace with panoramic views offer an immersive experience. Guests can taste a wide range of our wines — from fresh, crisp whites to structured, age-worthy selections — and explore the cellar where generations of winemaking come to life. We also host guided tours, gastronomic events, and wine-pairing dinners, all rooted in Somló’s unique cultural and geological heritage.

MOVIN: What are your goals for the future?

Tornai Anna: Our vision is to continue elevating the reputation of Somló on the international wine map. We want more people to discover the elegance and power of our volcanic wines. We're also investing in sustainable vineyard practices, expanding our export network, and experimenting with new expressions of Juhfark and Furmint, including small-lot and single-vineyard bottlings. There’s still so much potential to unlock.

Don't forget to check out the products from Tornai Winery.