On 6 July, this year’s summer school at Tokaj-Hegyalja University Get to know Tokaj Summer University got underway. A total of 32 participants arrived for the programme, representing 18 countries around the world, thereby creating a unique international atmosphere in Tokaj-Hegyalja.
The students came from Ireland, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Peru, Lebanon, Italy, Hungary, Chile, Georgia, Romania, China, Brazil, the United States, France, Slovakia, India, Croatia and Argentina – as reported by the university’s website.
On the first day, they learnt about the history of the wine region
At the official opening ceremony of the summer school, Dr Péter Molnár welcomed the participants. The first specialist lectures covered the history of the Tokaji wine region and the importance of protected designation of origin, whilst Dr Barnabás Kovács gave a presentation on current issues in organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking in Hungary and Tokaj.
The programme also included cultural elements. The participants visited the Library of the Reformed College of Sárospatak, where they were able to explore one of Hungary’s most significant historical book collections.
Professional expertise and international connections
The organisers’ aim is that, over the coming days, the students will not only gain a deeper understanding of the viticultural, oenological and cultural values of the Tokaji wine region, but also forge international connections that could prove significant for them in the long term.
