Upper Pannon
Upper Pannon, Hungary’s smallest wine region along the Austrian and Slovakian borders, produces vibrant Chardonnay and Kékfrankos with depth and character in its cool, mineral-rich terroir.
Upper Pannon, Hungary’s smallest wine region, stretches along the Austrian and Slovak borders and is known for its elegant Chardonnay, mineral-driven Kékfrankos, and unique local varieties like Ezerjó and Olaszrizling. This cool-climate area produces vibrant wines with lively acidity, from sparkling wines in Etyek-Buda to rich reds in Sopron.
Upper Pannon Terroir
Upper Pannon’s cool climate is shaped by refreshing air currents from the North Sea, which pass over Central Europe, creating ideal conditions for high-acid, crisp white wines like Chardonnay. The slightly warmer microclimate around Lake Fertő (aka Neusiedlersee), near Sopron on the Austrian border, supports fuller-bodied reds, including Kékfrankos. Alluvial brown forest soils add a mineral edge to the wines, enhancing the region’s reputation for vibrant, refreshing acidity.
Sopron district borders Lake Fertö (aka Neusiedlersee) which is part of Austria and Hungary. Credit: Wines of Hungary
Wine Regions of Upper Pannon
Etyek-Buda
Right outside Budapest, Etyek-Buda is Hungary’s sparkling wine capital. The area’s cool climate and limestone-rich soils create crisp, mineral-focused wines, ideal for sparkling styles and refreshing still wines alike.
Pannonhalma
One of Hungary’s oldest winemaking regions and steeped in monastic heritage, Pannonhalma combines tradition with expressive wines, from aromatic whites like Olaszrizling and Riesling to bold, full-bodied reds.
Sopron
Nestled along Lake Fertő, Sopron produces red wines that echo Austrian styles, with Kékfrankos and Zweigelt offering bright acidity and intense minerality. Fresh whites, like Grüner Veltliner, bring lively, crisp character to this cool-climate region on Hungary’s border.
Mór
Mór is all about the indigenous white grape Ezerjó. This small but characterful district, with its unique climate and limestone-rich soils, creates wines with complex textures and a strong backbone, perfect for aging.
Neszmély
Nestled along the Danube, Neszmély is known for its expressive, elegant whites, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. These wines benefit from the cool river influences and exhibit bright acidity with a light, fresh character—a natural fit for summer.
Upper Pannon Facts
- Hungary’s smallest wine region, covering 12,300 acres (5,000 ha)
- Known for its diversity of styles including Chardonnay, Kékfrankos, and Sparkling wines
- Cool climate yields vibrant acidity, perfect for aging
- Situated along the borders of Austria and Slovakia
