Introduction

I am Pál Espák, a young winemaker and one of the owners of Espák Winery in Tokaj-Hegyalja. I was born in Hercegkút, in the neighborhood of the town of Sárospatak in 1985. I inherited the love of grapes and wine from past generations while continuously gaining knowledge and experience. In cooperation with my father, Bálint Espák, we strive to achieve the noblest goal for us, to produce quality Tokaj wines. We believe that the finest wines can be created by heart only. In addition to the elegance and richness of our wines, the main aspect of our wines is to preserve the character of the grape varieties and to create a recognizable style. In our family, experience and tricks are passed from father to son, we share our knowledge and the secret of winemaking with the next generation. Our family winery is located on the Kőporosi cellar row in the settlement of Hercegkút, which has some 700 inhabitants. The cellars that form romantic triangles have been a World Heritage Site since 2002. The cellars carved into the rhyolite have been renovated following old Swabian traditions, so was our cellar in the year 2009. In our cellar, we can seat up to 45 people for wine tastings. With my young age and fresh knowledge, I can rely on my father’s wisdom and expertise with confidence: this unit provides the key to the future of our family and opens up new dimensions for us in preserving the unique character of Tokaj wines.