DANUBE WINE CHALLENGE 2023
SLOVAKIA
COMPETITION STATUES
STATUTES
I. Introduction
We are pleased to invite your participation in the prestigious Danube Wine Challenge International Wine Competition – a leading event for all wine producers and wine merchants.
The competition takes place at Chateau Béla in Belá (Štúrovo), Slovakia.
The Danube Wine Challenge’s main focus is wines from the Danube basin – uniting producers that share historical, cultural, winemaking and gastronomic traditions.
The competition also welcomes wines from all over the world – representing a unique opportunity to compare international wines characterised by specific soil and climatic conditions, as well as varying approaches to grape growing and winemaking.
II. Competition organization
The event is organized by Podunajská vínna cesta (Danube Wine Route), hereinafter referred to as the “Organizer”.
The Organizer appoints an Organizing Committee chaired by a competition president to organize and promote the event.
The competition is a member of The World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits Competitions VINOFED. It will be organized in accordance with these Statutes under the patronage of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic.
The competition is a nomination competition of the National Wine Salon of the Slovak Republic.
III. Participants and registration
The competition is open to all – both producers or merchants, and for all varieties or blends from all wine-producing areas of the world – those that register their products for this competition shall be referred to as a “Participant”. Such Participant shall register samples on-line via the entry form at: www.elwis.cz (Danube Wine Challenge section).
Online registration requires:
- The Participant’s identification (producerer or merchant), business name, company registration number, address and email/phone number of the contact person.
- Identification of the product: name or trade mark, vintage, production lot (batch number), quantity produced (litres/bottles)/amount in stock, colour, style, country of origin, region, appellation/protected designation of origin (if applicable), and quality designation (if used in country of origin).
- Grape variety identification (if multiple varieties then all varieties and their percentage content).
- Analytical parameters, particularly residual sugar content (g/l), acid (g/l as tartaric), total sulphur dioxide SO2 (mg/l), and alcohol (percentage volume).
- Category in accordance with Article VIII of these Statutes.
- Additional information can be included in the application.
- Laboratory analysis protocol (uploaded when registering sample).
IV. Samples
Only samples that meet the requirements of the entry form and categories in accordance with these Statutes will be accepted. For each sample the Participant shall submit six bottles of 0.75 l or smaller volume. We accept personal- or courier-delivery, all shipment costs at Participant’s expenses. The samples from non-EU countries must be delivered DDP Komárno.
The delivery address and contact:
Igor Štumpf, Slnečnicová 4, 945 01 Komárno. Phone number: +421 903 984 300
All samples submitted to the competition must be bottled and labelled for commercial distribution. Competition product must derive from a homogenous lot of at least 1000 litres intended for consumption. The Organizer may also allow samples from smaller batches to compete if it:
– comes from a small wine-growing area,
– is a specific type produced in small quantities, or
– comes from a low-yielding plot.
Samples that arrive after the official deadline will not be accepted, although the event Organizer reserves the right to extend the delivery deadline (in such case Participants will be informed by email or at www.danubewine.sk and on social media.
The Organizer has the right to exclude samples that fail to comply with these Statutes or fall outside the scope of the competition’s remit. In the event of exclusion from the competition, the Participant will receive an email explaining the decision and information about collecting disqualified samples.
V. Entry fee
Participants are required to pay an entry fee for each sample submitted to the competition. The Organizer will issue an invoice after the registration of samples. Any costs related to the payment shall be borne by the Participant.
The Organizer has the right to exclude the Participant’s sample if registration fee payment is not received by the announced deadline.
VI. Evaluation of samples
Competition samples are evaluated by sensory analysis (tasting) – using the 100–point system (OIV and International Union of Oenologists) – and fully computerized (the Czech ELWIS National Wine Centre system). Assessment criteria:
- Appearance: cleanness and appearance other than cleanness,
- Smell (immediate perception on the nose): cleanness, positive intensity and fragrance quality,
- Taste: cleanness, positive intensity, persistence and quality of aroma and flavour,
- Overall harmony.
Sparkling wines are also evaluated in terms of effervescence (appearance other than cleanness, perception in mouth – persistence and quality of foam, and overall harmony related to effervescence).
Each characteristic feature of a competition sample is evaluated individually and classified as: excellent, very good, good, satisfactory, insufficient. These are quantified by scores being allocated in the scoring sheet, so that overall marks can be compared between competition samples. The maximum rating is 100 points, while a zero rating (40 points) is the lowest-grade for an unsatisfactory product.
The final assessment of sample by the Panel is a weighted mean, i.e. calculated from the scores of all judges after the highest and lowest have been excluded.
The competition Organizer shall store the evaluation sheets for at least two years after the competition, as printed copies signed by the Expert Guarantor of the competition, the Panel Chairs, and individual judges.
VII. Composition and role of Evaluation Panels
The competition’s Organizing Committee shall appoint Evaluation Panels comprising at least five wine expert members. At least half of each Panel shall comprise international (non-Slovak) wine tasters. Each Panel will be presided by a renowned oenologist – who coordinates the Panel’s work and monitors the correct assessment of submitted samples. The rating of this Panel Chair is included in the overall scores of each wine. The Organizing Committee can also set up parallel tasting panels or invite “Observer-tasters” – comprising sponsors, journalists and other notable wine lovers to promote the competition – the ratings of which will only be illustrative.
The basic principle of the evaluation proceeds on an anonymous bases: judges and Panel Chairs will only be informed about wine category and vintage. Samples with assigned competition numbers will be presented in a non-identifiable manner, separately, and timely. Judging begins with sparkling wines, followed by still white wines, rosé, orange and red wines – from youngest to oldest and dry to sweet, concluding with naturally sweet wines (including Tokaj sweet wines) and fortified wines.
Each tasting day – prior to the competition – starts with the judges receiving a calibration sample with an overall mark allocated by the Organizing Committee. This sample sets the criteria, homogenizes and tunes the assessments of individual tasters and panels.
Assessed wine samples will be presented at the following temperatures:
- white, rosé, orange wines, fruit wines: 10 – 12°C
- red wines: 15 – 18°C
- sparkling wines: 8 – 10°C
- Tokaj wines and other naturally sweet wines, liqueur wines: 10 – 14°C
VIII. Competition categories
Category A: Still white wines (CO2 pressure <50 kPa at 20°C)
A1 – dry (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
A2 – semi-dry and semi-sweet (4 – 45 g/l reducing sugars)
Category B: Orange wines (White wines with maceration)
B1 – still dry wine (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
B2 – naturally sparkling dry wine (pét-nat, 0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
Category C : Still rosé wines (CO2 pressure <50 kPa at 20°C)
C1 – dry (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
C2 – semi-dry and semi-sweet (4 – 45 g/l reducing sugars)
Category D: Semi-sparkling wines (CO2 pressure <250 kPa at 20°C) and Sparkling wines (CO2 pressure >250 kPa at 20°C) – without colour distinction
D1 – Semi-sparkling wines dry (0 – 12 g/l reducing sugars)
D2 – Semi-sparkling wines other (> 12 g/l reducing sugars)
D3 – Sparkling wines dry (0 – 12 g/l reducing sugars)
D4 – Sparkling wines other (> 12 g/l reducing sugars)
Category E: Still red wines (CO2 pressure<50 kPa at 20°C)
E1 – dry (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
E2 – semi-dry and semi-sweet (4 – 45 g/l reducing sugars)
Category F: Naturally sweet wines (ice wine, straw wine, raisin wine, botrytis/noble-rot)
F1 – semi-dry, semi-sweet Tokaj wines (varietal wine, samorodné/szamorodni, branded wine, 4 – 45 g/l reducing sugars)
F2 – sweet wines without colour distinction (including Tokaj) > 45 g/l reducing sugars
F3 – Tokaj selections and essences
Category G: Liqueur wines (with or without added alcohol: Montilla-Moriles, Sherry, Port, Madeira and similar styles), 15 – 22% abv.
G1 – Liqueur wines – dry (0 – 6 g/l reducing sugars)
G2 – Liqueur wines – other ( > 6 g/l reducing sugars)
Category H: Fruit wines (obtained by complete or partial fermentation of fruit juice issued of apples, pears, berries, etc., non fortified), all colours:
H1 – Fruit wines – dry (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
H2 – Fruit wines – other ( > 4 g/l reducing sugars)
IX. Processing results and awards
The final sample score is a weighted mean, i.e. the average value after the highest and lowest have been excluded rounded to two decimal places.
A maximum 30% of evaluated wines can receive a medal – the score limits for medals are:
1/ Double Gold medal, 93-100 points
2/ Gold medal, 89 – 92,99 points
3/ Silver medal, 85 – 88,99 points
Additional Danube Wine Challenge Awards:
1/ Prix VINOFED will be announced in these categories:
A – still dry white wine (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
C – still dry rosé wine (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
E – still dry red wine (0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars)
D – sparkling dry wine (brut: 0 – 12 g/l reducing sugars)
The laureates will be selected in a special final round (Final Tasting), with at least three and no more than five of the highest-rated wines from the given category, which have also received a score of at least 89 points. The Final Tasting Panel will mainly comprise representatives of VINOFED competitions and individual Panel Chairs led by an oenologist or the competition’s Technical Director (whose evaluation will not be taken into account). The Final Tasting judges will decide the ranking of individual samples (1st place = 1 point, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 3 points, etc.). Wines with the highest average ranking (i.e. the lowest summary of points) will become the Prix VINOFED laureates of their respective category. Should points be equal, then the wine with the most first places will be awarded Prix VINOFED.
The Organizer reserves the right to award the winners of the Prix VINOFED with the title of Champion of the Danube Wine Challenge in the respective categories.
2/ The Category winner will be announced for each of the remaining categories in accordance with these Statutes. The winner will be the overall highest-scoring wine.
3/ Danube Wine Trophy – for the best rated still dry wine in the competition ( 0 – 4 g/l reducing sugars) made from:
- Veltlínske zelené (Grüner Veltliner)
- Frankovka modrá (Blaufränkisch / Kékfrankós)
The laureates of these awards will be the winners of the final round in the same way as for the Prix VINOFED.
4/ The Best Wine Collection – this award will go to the Participant who enters at least six samples and achieves the highest total rating of the six best rated wines from the entire collection.
6/ The Best Wine of the Danube Wine Route – the Annual Challenge Cup – for the highest scoring wine of a Participant – member of the Danube Wine Route (Podunajská vínna cesta) association.
7/ The Best Wine of the Nitra Region (The Best of Region Nitra) – for the top-rated wine from a Nitra region-based wine-producing company.
Should points be equal, the winner will be the wine with the highest average scores, taking into account all evaluation Panel members, including highest and lowest scores. Should the scores still remain equal, the winner will be announced ex-aequo.
The Organizer reserves the right to announce additional special prizes.
The Organizer will generate and deliver the diplomas for laureates in an electronic form, stating the name of the competition, date and place of its celebration, type of prize and category, identification of the producer/ participant and that of the awarded wine.
The Organizer will issue an edition of self-adhesive medals that Participants can order and purchase for awarded wines.
X. Marketing and PR
Competition information and results will be published online at the competition’s website: www.danubewine.sk, at the website of VINOFED www.vinofed.com, promoted on social media, sent by e-mail newsletter campaign, and via media partners to ensure the most exposure for the competition and award-winning wines.
All medal winners will be invited to present their rewarded wines to the public in a walking tasting following the prize-giving ceremony.
The place and time of the ceremony will be announced by the Organizer on the website and by email to all Participants, media, and advertising partners.
Wines not consumed during the competition will be used by the Organizer to promote the competition at official events, or provided to scientific and educational institutions for research/teaching purposes.
XI. Final provisions
By completing the Entry form, the Participant agrees with all the terms and conditions in these Statutes. The Organizer reserves the right to amend these Statutes according to current requirements.
Should a category have too few entries (less than 10 samples), the Organizer reserves the right to merge the category with the closest category. In this case a winner of the joint categories will be appointed, or if this is not possible or there are less than five samples in a category, the Organizer reserves the right to not award such category.
Komárno, 20 October 2020
Updated in Komárno, 2 February 2023
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
IGOR ŠTUMPF
President of
the competition
Organizer of wine events
EDITA ĎURČOVÁ
General director
Enologist, international taster and member of Executive Committee of VINOFED
JOSEF VALIHRACH
Technical director of the competition
Winemaker and Viticulturist
KATARÍNA ĎURČANSKÁ
Project Manager
JAN BIELIK
IT & Communication Support
Technical & Organizational Support
GABRIEL KOLLÁR
Head Sommelier of the competition
Enthusiastic, wine and hospitality professional, sommelier
VLADIMÍR MÉSZÁROS
Sommelier of the Competition – samples preparation
Wine and gastronomy professional, sommelier
BLAŽENA FELVIDÉKYOVÁ
Supervisor of young sommeliers at the competition – students
KATARÍNA BURIKOVÁ
guest service
Enthusiastic winelover
JÁN KEPIČ
IT support
Enthusiasted winelover
ĽUBOMÍR BUCHA
Technical Support
Professional in Gastronomy and Ethusiasted winelover
Ambassadors of the Competition
MICHAL HUDÁK
Actor, presenter,
wine lover
LUCIA HURAJOVÁ
Actress, presenter, wine lover
TASTERS SCHEDULE
Note: Bold marked names are President.
| NAME | THURSDAY 1.6. | FRIDAY 2.6 | |
| ANSELMANN Ralf | D | K03 | K03 |
| ANTOCE Arina | RO | K09 | |
| BEHÚN Michal | SK | K09 | |
| BERNHEIM Ben | IL | K09 | K09 |
| BERTA Lukáš | SK | K05 | |
| BESLER Tomáš | SK | K02 | K02 |
| BRUTTIN Fabienne | CH | K03 | K07 |
| BUCHTA Pavel | CZ | K03 | K06 |
| BUZALKA Juraj | SK | K07 | K07 |
| COLLINS Christine | FR | K01 | |
| CVACHOVÁ Zuzana | SK | K01 | |
| DILONG Tomáš | SK | K06 | K05 |
| DOMIÁN Emese | HU | K02 | K02 |
| ĎORĎ Ladislav | SK | K09 | K02 |
| DVOŘÁK Ivo | CZ | K09 | K09 |
| FONDRK Miroslav | SK | K01 | K01 |
| GABAY MW Elisabeth | USA | K08 | K08 |
| GAJDOŠÍK Ján | SK | K08 | K08 |
| GALLEGOS RIOS Fabiola | MX | K07 | K09 |
| GASCO Thierry | FR | K07 | K07 |
| GURUCHARRI JAQUE Fernando | ES | K01 | K01 |
| GRÁCZ Vladimír | SK | K05 | K05 |
| GURUCHARRI RODRÍGUEZ Casilda | ES | K04 | K04 |
| HELMOVÁ Tereza | CZ | K01 | K08 |
| HUDÁK Michal | SK | K09 | |
| JÁVORKA Bence | SK | K02 | K06 |
| JOVELLAR PARDO María Begoňa | ES | K05 | K05 |
| KÁČER Pavol | SK | K03 | |
| KECSKÉS Peter | SK | K07 | K04 |
| KOLLÁROVÁ Klára | CZ | K08 | K05 |
| KVAČALA Juraj | SK | K04 | |
| MACIK Jaro | SK | K01 | K03 |
| MACIKOVÁ Erika | SK | K04 | K04 |
| MARTÍN BAZ Alberto | ES | K06 | K07 |
| MÉSZÁROS Gabriella | HU | K06 | K03 |
| NAGY Filip | SK | K08 | |
| NAGY Ivo | SK | K04 | |
| NAIDOO Yegas | RSA | K03 | K03 |
| NICHTA Jakub | SK | K07 | |
| OPET Peter | SK | K05 | K08 |
| OSTROŽOVIČ Jaroslav | SK | K09 | K09 |
| PELLS Elsie | RSA | K06 | K06 |
| PETRECH Miroslav | SK | K03 | K03 |
| PRICART Jean-Philippe | FR | K05 | K05 |
| RAŠKOVIČ Slavomíra | SK | K01 | |
| RIEL-SALVATORE Gabriel | IT | K06 | K06 |
| RIEL-SALVATORE Martina | CZ | K04 | K03 |
| RODRÍGUEZ MONTILLA Casilda | ES | K02 | K02 |
| SEBESTYÉN Csilla | HU | K01 | K01 |
| UGARTE CRUZ-COKE Pablo | CL | K05 | K01 |
| VALDEARCOS CABRERA José | ES | K07 | K07 |
| VAN DEN BOSSCHE Patrik | BE | K08 | K08 |
| WOLFE Réal | CA | K02 | K01 |
| ZÁHORSKÝ Jozef | SK | K02 | K02 |
| ZILAI Zoltán | HU | K04 | K04 |
| ZLATNICKÁ Alžbeta | SK | K06 | K06 |
PROGRAM
WEDNESDAY 31/05/2023
19:00 – 22:00 – Orangery („Oranžéria“) – buffet dinner
- dress code: casual
THURSDAY 01/06/2023
7:00 – 8:00 – Orangery – breakfast buffet
1st TASTING DAY – 01/06/2023 THURSDAY
8:15 – 8:45 – Congress Hall, 1st floor – introductory briefing, presentation of the competition and instructions for evaluation
9:00 – 12:30 – Lounges: Calibration sample and evaluation in commissions
10:30 -11:00 – Foyer, terrace and garden of the hotel – coffee break
- dress code: smart casual/formal
13:00 – 14:30 – Orangery – buffet lunch
15:30 – 18:00 – Congress hall, 1st floor
Masterclass: Noble sweet wines – in English
– Vinařský ráj – trends in winemaking, processing of grapes with noble botrytis
– RONA – selection of a suitable glass for sweet wines
Presentation and tasting of representative samples
– from Moravia: Klára Kollárová, national sommelier of the Czech Republic
– from Slovakia: Edita Ďurčová, oenologist and international taster
- dress code: smart casual/formal
18:30 – 22:00 – Visit to the winery and vineyards Világi Winery, tasting and dinner – local specialties
- (transfer by bus from the hotel and back)
- DEPARTURE by bus from the hotel at 18:30
- dress code: informal
FRIDAY 02/06/2023
7:00 – 8:00 – Orangery – breakfast buffet
2nd TASTING DAY – 02/06/2023 FRIDAY
8:30 – 8:45 – Foyer – morning briefing
9:00 – 12:30 – Lounges: Calibration sample and evaluation in commissions
10:30 – 11:00 – Foyer, terrace and garden of the hotel – coffee break
- dress code: smart casual/formal
13:00 – 14:30 – Orangery – buffet lunch
16:00 – 17:30 – Chateau Belá wine tasting in the cellar of the winery under the guidance of master Miro Petrech
In the Slovak language, translated into English
- dress code: informal (warm jacket)
18:00 – 22:00 – Boat cruise on the Danube Visegrád – Ostrihom – Štúrovo combined with commented tasting, free tasting and buffet dinner
(bus transportation from the hotel to Visegrad and from Štúrov to the hotel)
- DEPARTURE by bus from the hotel at 18:00
– commented tasting – Pavel Buchta, Vinařský raj – in English
– free tasting – dear tasters, bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share with your colleagues
- dress code: informal
SATURDAY 03/06/2023
8:00 – 9:00 – Orangery – buffet breakfast
11:00 – Mastertasting: Final tasting (Champion, VINOFED Award, Best Grüner Veltliner, Best Blaufränkisch)
- dress code: smart casual/formal
Check-out by 11:00, departure of tasters who will not participate in the press trip
12:00 – Orangery – lunch for the tasters who evaluate in the Mastertasting
13:00 Press trip – departure by bus, for registered international tasters
OFFICIAL PARTNERS
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
DPD – your reliable partner for wine transportation
Media partners
DEGUSTATION JURY
ANSELMANN Ralf
Germany
Oenologist, winemaker, co-owner and GM and oenologist of a family wine estate in Germany, Winemaker of the Year 2010 in Germany, taster at many prestigious international and national wine competitions and evaluator for wine magazines.
ANTOCE Arina
Romania
Oenologist, university professor at USAMV Bucharest, technical director of Vinarium IWC (member of VINOFED), delegate of Roumania to the OIV.
BEHÚN Michal
Slovakia
Wine merchant, sommelier, marketing and creative project specialist, CEO of a wine import and distribution company, wine taster.
BERNHEIM Ben
Israel
Sommelier, associate of Elizabeth Gabay MW, specializes in rosé wines, co-author of the publication Guide to the rosé wines of Southern France, judge at several international wine competitions.
BERTA Lukáš
Slovakia
Oenologist, winemaker in an ambitious family winery, wine judge at several international and national competitions.
BESLER Tomáš
Slovakia
Managing director of a famous winery in Tokaj, wine taster.
BRUTTIN Fabienne
Switzerland
Graduate in Marketing and Communication, WSET2, Director of VINEA – organiser of Mondial des Pinots & Mondial du Merlot IWC (both members of VINOFED), responsible for the Permanent Secretariat of VINOFED,
BUCHTA Pavel
Czech Republic
Winemaker, sales director in the field of wine technology, wine taster at several wine events.
BUZALKA Juraj
Slovakia
Social anthropologist, among other things researching movements in the production, distribution and consumption of food and wine, university professor at Comenius University in Bratislava, author of numerous publications on the cultural and social transformation of wine, taster at national and international wine competitions.
COLLINS Christine
France
Director of Le Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg (member of VINOFED), certified taster by CIVA – 3rd grade Diploma, experienced wine judge at several international and national competitions.
CVACHOVÁ Zuzana
Slovakia
Sommelier, wine merchant, wine exporter – Asian market, wine taster.
DILONG Tomáš
Slovakia
Winemaker, studied and practiced winemaking in New Zealand, director of a young Slovak winery, judge at several international and national wine competitions.
DOMIÁN Emese
Hungary
DipWSET & Weinakademiker, member of the Hungarian Wine Academy, advisor to the President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, judge at several national and international wine competitions.
ĎORĎ Ladislav
Slovakia
Oenologist, successful winemaker at two very ambitious Slovak wineries, judge at several national and international wine competitions.
DVOŘÁK Ivo
Czech Republic
President of the Association of Sommeliers of the Czech Republic, WSET 3 certified, lecturer of wine education programs, wine publicist and presenter, forensic wine expert, author of hundreds of articles and co-author of many publications on wine, multiple successful participant in several national and international sommelier competitions, winner of the World Championship Habanosommelier, evaluator at many national and international wine competitions.
FONDRK Miroslav
Slovakia
Oenologist, President of the Guild of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Slovakia, winemaker and winery owner, wine judge at several international wine competitions.
GABAY MW Elisabeth
USA
Master of Wine, currently based in Provence, wine presenter, consultant, columnist, critic and publisher, author of numerous articles and publications on wine (e.g. Rosé – understanding the pink wine revolution), correspondent of several prestigious wine magazines, she focuses mainly on rosé wines, wines of the South of France and of the Central Europe, expert wine judge at many international wine competitions.
GAJDOŠÍK Ján
Slovakia
In addition to his main job (European scout for the New York Rangers – NHL), he promotes Slovak wine abroad and supports the export of Slovak and Moravian wines, hobby-sommelier and taster.
GALLEGOS RIOS Fabiola
Mexico
Sommelier, currently based in Prague, WSET 3 Certified, graduate of the Spanish Tasting School, co-founder of the Czech-Mexican Chamber of Commerce, judge at several international wine competitions.
GASCO Thierry
France
Oenologist, vice-president of VINOFED, president of TG-Vin-Conseil, director and oenologist of an important Champagne Maison for 25 years, wine consultant, Rector of the Union of Oenologists of France, Technical director of Vinalies Internationales and Vinalies Mondial du Rosé IWC (both members of VINOFED), experienced wine judge at many international wine competitions.
GAUDIO Roberto
Italy
Oenologist, president CERVIM – Viticoltura eroica, organiser of Mondial des Vins Extremes IWC (member of VINOFED), experienced taster at many international and national wine competitions.
GURUCHARRI JAQUE Fernando
Spain
Biologist & Oenologist, President of he Union of Spanish Tasters and Director of Bacchus Madrid IWC (member of VINOFED), President of VINOFED, respected wine judge at many international wine competitions.
GURUCHARRI RODRÍGUEZ Casilda
Spain
Graduate in gastronomy and culinary sciences, Head sommelier Élkar restaurant (Madrid), WSET3, DipWSET candidate.
HELMOVÁ Tereza
Czech Republic
Oenologist, PhD student at Mendel University. Involved in a family winery from a very young age. Currently working for top Moravian wineries and teaching at Mendel University. Jury member at many national and international wine competitions.
HUDÁK Michal
Slovakia
Popular Slovak actor and a presenter. Enthusiastic wine lover and promoter of fine wine. Ambassador of the Danube Wine Challenge. Guest Wine Taster, representing consumers.
JÁVORKA Bence
Slovakia
Oenologist, young winemaker at an ambitious winery in the South of Slovakia, wine taster.
JOVELLAR PARDO María Begoña
Spain
Oenologist, DipWSET2, for more than 20 years oenologist of Vega Sicilia, later Bodegas Otazu, lecturer in sensory analysis courses, President of the Association of Oenologists of Castilla-León, member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Associations of Oenologists of Spain and Spanish delegate to the International Union of Oenologists, founding member of the Gastronomic Academy of Castilla-León, taster in many prestigious international and national competitions.
KÁČER Pavol
Slovakia
Winemaker, cellar master at one of the most importantz Slovak wine producers in Nitra region, wine taster.
KECSKÉS Peter
Slovakia
Sommelier. Winner of many sommelier contests. Professional sommelier in several hotels and restaurants, currently the Brand Ambassador of a successful winemaking project in South Slovakia. Jury member at national and international sommelier contests and wine competitions.
KOLLÁROVÁ Klára
Czech Republic
National sommelier of the Czech Republic, DipWSET, Weinakademiker, Fine & Rare Wine Specialist, lecturer and wine presenter, judge at many national and international wine competitions.
KVAČALA Juraj
Slovakia
Oenologist, winemaker at a leading Slovak winery, wine taster.
MACIK Jaro
Slovakia
MBA – PR & marketing communication in the wine industry, winemaker, CEO of the family winery Tokaj Macik Winery, committed supporter of Tokaj wines, judge at many national and international wine competitions.
MACIKOVÁ Erika
Slovakia
MBA. Sommelier. She works in the family company Tokaj Macik Winery. Jury member at national and international wine competitions.
MARTÍN BAZ Alberto
Spain
Oenologist, technical director Premios Zarcillo IWC, taster at several international and national wine competitions.
MÉSZÁROS Gabriella
Hungary
DipWSET & Weinakademiker, Associate professor, co-founder of Bórkollégium (The Wine College), wine educator, wine writer, editor and publisher, author of many articles and several books on wine. Originally a lawyer by profession, she has been actively working to promote wine culture in Hungary, organising wine tastings, competitions, presentations. Experienced taster at national and international wine competition.
NAGY Filip
Slovakia
Enologist, WSET 3 certified, viticulturist and winemaker, visionary representative of the young generation of Slovak winemakers, works in a bio-certified winery in Bratislava, judge at several major international wine competitions.
NAGY Ivo
Slovakia
Winemaker, cellar master at one of the most importantz Slovak wine producers in Nitra region, wine taster.
NAIDOO Yegas
Republic of South Africa
Bsc in Biochemistry, MBA in Marketing, DipWSET, wine adviser, experienced judge at numerous international wine competitions.
NICHTA Jakub
Slovakia
Graduate in trade and marketing in wine, 3rd generation working as a marketing manager in a family winery in Nitra wine region, sommelier, wine taster.
OPET Peter
Slovakia
Musician and writer, he is a member of the successful Slovak band Polemic. He is an enthusiastic wine lover and promoter of wine culture. He produces popular podcasts about wine Na dúšok s Petkom (On Sip with Petko). Guest Wine Taster, representing consumers.
OSTROŽOVIČ Jaroslav
Slovakia
Oenologist, renowned viticulturist and winemaker in the Slovak Tokaj region, co-owner of a well-known family winery in Tokaj, experienced judge at many national and international wine competitions.
PELLS Elsie
Republic of South Africa
Cape Wine Master, Australasian Wine Master, wine educator, consultant and wine purchase adviser, experienced judge at several international and national wine events and competitions, currently partially based in Prague.
PETRECH Miroslav
Slovakia
Oenologist, viticulturist and winemaker, legend of Slovak winemaking, creator of the wines of the prestigious Chateau Bela brand (the Slovakian venture of the famous Mosel winemaker Egon Müller), experienced judge at many national and international wine competitions.
PRICART Jean-Philippe
France
Oenologist, Head of Production of the Arrive winery within the production of IGP Charentais and AOP Cognac. President of the Citadelles du vin Bordeaux competition, a member of VINOFED. Taster at many prestigious international and national wine competitions.
RAŠKOVIČ Slavomíra
Slovakia
Sommelier, DipWSET and Weinakademiker, founder and co-owner of the fine-dine restaurant in the High Tatras, wine taster.
RIEL-SALVATORE Gabriel
Canada
Sommelier, WSET 3, wine writer, managing editor Panoram Italia Magazine, taster at several international and national wine competitions.
RIEL-SALVATORE Martina
Czech Republic
Sommelier, WSET3, product manager in wines, experienced taster at several international and national wine competitions and for wine magazines and guides.
RODRÍGUEZ MONTILLA Casilda
Spain
Graphic designer – wine labels, Design & Marketing Management, member of the Union of Tasters of Spain, , judge at national and international wine competitions.
SEBESTYÉN Csilla
Hungary
Sommelier, DipWSET & Weinakademiker, Fine & Rare Wine Specialist, works in the family winery Sebestyén Pince Szekszárd, presenter and promoter of regional and Hungarian wines, judge at several national and international wine competitions.
UGARTE CRUZ-COKE Pablo
Chile
Diploma in wines at the Catholic University of Chile. International consultant and wine marketing advisor. President of the Catad’Or World Wine Awards and CEO of the Catad’Or Group. Member of the executive committee of VINOFED. Co-author of the Latin American Wine Guide with Alistair Cooper MW. Taster at many prestigious international and national wine competitions. Musician.
VALDEARCOS CABRERA José
Spain
Director of F&B Parador de Alcalá y Hostería del Estudiante, President of Alcalá Gastronómica Fomentur, member of ChaÎne des Rôtisseurs España, experienced judge at many national and international wine competitions.
VAN DEN BOSSCHE Patrik
Belgium
Importer and distributor of Slovak wines, owner and CEO of slovakwines.be, passionate promoter and ambassador of Slovak wines and Slovakia as a wine tourism destination, wine taster.
WOLFE Réal
Canada
Oenologist, president and c-owner of Sélections Mondials des Vins Canada (member of VINOFED), experienced taster at several international and national wine competitions.
ZÁHORSKÝ Jozef
Slovakia
Oenologist, winemaker working for a new winery in Nitra region, wine taster.
ZILAI Zoltán
Hungary
Oenologist, Member of the Executive Commitee of VINOFED, General Director of Bórkultúra – organiser of wine events i.e. VinAgora IWC (member of VINOFED), experienced judge at several international and national wine competitions.
ZLATNICKÁ Alžbeta
Slovakia
Oenologist, MBA, production director in a well-known winery in Tokaj, wine taster at several international and national wine competitions.
DANUBE WINE CHALLENGE 2023
SLOVAKIA PRESS TRIP – PROGRAM
SATURDAY 03 JUN 2023
13.00 departure by bus from Chateau Bela
CHATEAU TOPOĽČIANKY https://vinotop.sk/
13.30 visit Modrany vineyards – visiting vineyards and wine tasting of awarded wines
15.00 departure by bus
16.30 Chateau Topoľčianky – welcome drink + finger food
17.00 – 18.30 – visiting vineyards by bus
18.30 hotel – check-in
19.00 visiting cellars Chateau Topoľčianky
Dinner + free wine tasting
SUNDAY 04 JUN 2023
7.00 – 8.00 breakfast
8.30 departure by bus from Chateau Topoľčianky
Short visit to the distillery
10.00 departure by bus to Košice
16.00 Košice – visiting the oldest pub & brewery “Hostinec” in actual Slovak territory
https://www.pivovarhostinec.sk/en/
visit to Cognac Embassy https://www.cognac-embassy.com/
18.00 departure by bus to Tokaj
19.00 Winery Ostrožovič https://www.ostrozovic.sk/
Visiting cellars, wine tasting + finger food
MONDAY 05 JUN 2023
7.30 – 8.30 breakfast
08.50 – departure by bus to winery Tokaj&CO https://www.tokaj.sk/
09.00 – 10.50 – visiting winery, wine tasting
11.00 – 13.00 – visiting Tokaj Macik Winery, wine tasting https://www.tokajmacik.sk/
13.10 – visiting “Majer Bara” and sightseeing tower Tokaj https://majerbara.sk/
13:30 – lunch at Majer Bara
Visiting winery Tokaj Gold, wine tasting
15:30 – visiting Chateau Grand Bari – relax at terrace https://www.grandbari.sk/
17:00 – departure to Chateau Grand Bari vineyards
17:30 – visiting vineyards, cellars, wine tasting
20:00 – dinner with Tokaj winemakers at Chateau Grand Bari
22:30 – departure to hotel by bus