It was a great honor for us that the Chinese Ambassador and his delegation chose to visit the Disznókő Winery while exploring the Tokaj wine region. We had the pleasure of speaking with Ambassador Gong Tao about wine, tradition, and friendship.

What left the biggest impression on you during your visit?

I am glad we had the opportunity to visit the wine region, especially now, during the harvest season, when the landscape is most beautiful. It was a unique experience to get an insight into the process of aszú grape harvesting.

What struck me the most was the complexity of the conditions required to create Tokaji Aszú. Its success as a world-renowned Hungarian brand is due to the perseverance and wisdom of the people here, the unique characteristics of the wine region, and the respect for tradition. This spirit was particularly evident during our visit to the estate.

Why did you choose Disznókő Winery?

The decision was primarily influenced by our embassy colleagues who speak Hungarian. Many have lived here long, know the culture well, and are interested in Hungarian wine culture. They mentioned that Disznókő is one of the finest estates in the Tokaj wine region, and after our visit, I can confidently say they were right. In addition to the high quality of the wines, the estate’s beauty, the team’s expertise, and the attentive hospitality all impressed us. It was a great pleasure for us to receive such a detailed and comprehensive overview of the traditions of Tokaji winemaking.

China is becoming one of the largest wine-consuming countries in the world. How do you see this change?

The tradition of wine in China goes back thousands of years, and although our wines are less famous than Tokaji, we also have excellent wines. While baijiu remains the most popular drink, in recent decades, wine has gained more popularity, especially among the younger generation. With globalization, foreign wines have also become more popular.

In my experience, Tokaji sweet wines pair exceptionally well with Chinese cuisine and are regularly served at our embassy events. Wine not only brings people closer together but also bridges cultures. As President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China said, the Chinese-Hungarian friendship is „”like a fine Tokaji wine: fragrant, sweet, rich, and lasting.””

Tokaji wines are becoming increasingly popular in China, and Chinese tourists and delegations visiting Hungary show great interest in quality Hungarian wines. One of the main goals of my visit is to promote excellent, high-quality Hungarian products, like those represented by Disznókő wines, to the Chinese market through the embassy. Trade between the two countries is steadily growing, and with the opportunities provided by online platforms, even wineries in the two countries can collaborate more closely.

What was your favorite wine and why?

The 10-year-old Disznókő 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2014 left a lasting impression on me. It beautifully illustrates why Tokaji Aszú is so exceptional worldwide. I also greatly enjoyed the dry and late-harvest wines. These latter wines shine when paired with the right food during a meal, while Aszú is best enjoyed on its own, either at the beginning or the end of a meal. 

More and more Chinese people are living in Hungary. Why would you recommend a visit to the Tokaj wine region to them?

A bottle of good quality Tokaji Aszú is one of the best Hungarian gifts worth taking home. More and more Chinese people living here are discovering this specialty, and I hope that in the future, even more, will visit the wine region or Disznókő Winery to taste and fall in love with Tokaji Aszú.

China and Hungary are proud, tradition-respecting countries with long and rich histories, including centuries-old traditions like aszú-making. Visits to estates like this help bring Tokaji values closer to the Chinese public while fostering mutual cultural understanding and strengthening these relationships.