The Bock family has been making wine for nine generations in the Villány region where they settled in the 18th century.

The ancient family estate vineyard - a couple of hectares on the Jammertál slopes of the Villány Mountains - is where the history of the current winery begins.

József Bock, the current winemaker, began making wine after his father passed away in 1981 although he had been around grapes and wine making since 1958. He had his first competition success in 1994 when he was honoured as ‘Champion’ at the VinAgora International Wine Competition for his 1991 Bock Cuvée. This has been followed by numerous other national and international awards and recognitions, including ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 1997 and ‘Winery of the Year’ in 2007.

Today the Bock family – József, his wife, son, daughter and son-in-law – are all involved in the business. They grow grapes on 70 hectares of land spread out over 10 of the Villány Mountain’s most fertile slopes. Villány’s signature grape, the Portugieser, is grown in large quantities. Other varieties, like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are also grown.

When visiting their cellars in Villány, apart from the familiar range of wines, you can taste some real treats and catch a glimpse of the winemaker’s craft. Furthermore one can stay at the “Bock Hotel Ermitage” and dine in its restaurant.

A significant feature of the underground cellars where the wines are matured is at the end of the “Bock 100-metre Cellar”. Here there is an interestingly formed circular cellar, otherwise known as the Bock Chapel. Due to its special acoustics, lighting technology and atmosphere it is an excellent venue for concerts and wedding ceremonies.

The estate’s special wines are kept in the “Jammertál Cellar”. The cellar had been in the family since 1850 but it was confiscated by the authorities in 1946; in the end being repurchased in 1958.

The Bock Winery is one of Villány’s most distinguished wineries. The family only produces quality wines most of which are sold to Hungarian gastronomic and wine outlets.

Fresh, aromatic wines are made from Cserszegi Fűszeres, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Hárslevelű. Full-bodied whites come from Olaszrizling, Rajnai Rizling, Chardonnay. Rosé wines are also made.

The “Estate” brand wines come from Portugieser (today called PortaGéza in Hungary), Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot. Special cuvees made from them are “Ermitage” and the cleverly-named “Bock’N’Roll”.

“Premium” wines are made from selected Kékfrankos, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon. Cuvees born from them are “Royal”, “Bock”, “Libra” and “Capella”.

The family’s top wine however is named rather appropriately “Magnifico”. It is made from 100% Ördögárok merlot.

Editor’s note
As part of the programme for the 2017 Final of the International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition, the Bock family generously sponsored a dinner at Bistro Vendéglő a Kisbíróhoz in Budapest for the competitors and their companions together with the judges and committee. It was a very generous act and one which was much appreciated by all concerned especially given that a selection of the Bock wines could be tasted with the courses.