Ep 10. / István Bencze’s savory way from the IT sector to natural winemaking

“Natural wine is like jumping in the dark without a safety net, but if you have the knowledge, you can solve it. … But you have to sit down and think.” |  Another unique face in the Balaton Upland series: István Bencze. István is a first-generation winemaker, who got inspired by the Tuscan lifestyle and natural wines, so he decided to leave his successful IT career behind and establish his family-owned biodynamic winery on the Saint George Hill, Hungary. He lives on the hill with his caring dog, makes natural wines with zodiac labels and shows other Hungarians that making great natural wines is possible and practiced around the world. Listen to him, eye-opening and deep thoughts. |  2:15: Beginnings, motivation, personal story |  9:50: Labels & zodiac signs, moon calendar |  13:15 – Motivations for biodynamic winemaking |  20:00 – Unique terroir & vineyards |  29:15 – “Bakators”, ancient Hungarian varieties |  37:00 – Why biodynamic winemaking keeps your mind fresh |  46:40 – Natural wines & why sulfur kills the wine |    Guest: István Bencze, Bencze Winery |  Location: Saint George Hill, Hungary |  Bencze's Instagram: @benczebirtok |  Wine Ghosts Instagram:@wineghosts | E-mail: [email protected]