This exceptional transoceanic collaboration offers a glimpse into distant wine regions shaped by vast oceans, where generations-old winemaking traditions meet the spirit of innovation and wineries boldly explore new directions.
Arriving together for the first time at the Budapest Wine Festival are the sunny vibrancy of Australia, the earthy depth of South Africa, and the fresh, vibrant elegance of New Zealand.
South Africa: New World Wines with Old-World Traditions
Situated at the southernmost tip of the continent, South Africa boasts a unique climatic balance that creates ideal conditions for outstanding wine production. But it wasn’t always so. Before the 18th century, local wines were often weak and poor in quality. Everything changed with the arrival of Constantia, a dessert wine that quickly became a favorite of European elites — even Napoleon ordered it during his exile. Today, South Africa’s journey to global recognition is driven by two emblematic grape varieties: Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.
Kleine Zalze Wine Estate operates in the historic Stellenbosch region on an estate founded in 1695. Still family-owned, the winery cultivates 120 hectares and produces not only classic regional varieties but also innovative wines. Their portfolio spans four categories: from easy-drinking estate wines to premium single-vineyard selections, traditional method sparkling wines, and the unique Project Z series aged in amphorae.
At the Tri-Nations Alliance (WineAge) stand, visitors can taste 24 different Kleine Zalze wines, gaining a comprehensive view of today’s South African wine culture — a perfect harmony of tradition, terroir, and contemporary vision in every glass.
Australia: Land of Kangaroos and Shiraz
Australia is best known for its bold, sun-drenched Shiraz wines, but few realize this grape is the Southern Hemisphere’s reinterpretation of France’s Syrah. Whereas Syrah is elegant and restrained in its homeland, Australian Shiraz shows a rich, full-bodied, and spicy character shaped by the sun.
This year, Fourth Wave Wines brings four distinct Australian wineries to the Tri-Nations Alliance stand: Little Giant, Elephant in the Room, Wild Folk, and Cowpunk — each from different South Australian regions, ranging from the coastal Limestone Coast to the famous Barossa Valley. Western Australia is represented by Rosabrook Wines from the renowned Margaret River region. Though stylistically diverse, these wineries share a passion for showcasing why Australia remains one of the most dynamic and exciting New World wine countries.
Oceania’s Green Wine Paradise: New Zealand
New Zealand is almost synonymous with fresh, lively, and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, but its cooler-climate Pinot Noir is equally noteworthy, producing elegant, fruit-forward wines. While Australia draws from its climatic diversity to develop world-class styles, New Zealand leads in sustainability and was among the first to widely adopt screw caps. It is also home to the world’s southernmost wine region — and did you know an iconic scene from The Lord of the Rings was filmed in one of its wine regions?
Several outstanding New Zealand wineries will be featured at this year’s festival. Nautilus Estate, located in Marlborough’s heart, excels in both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Their gravity-fed winery minimizes mechanical intervention to preserve the pure grape character. Each vintage reflects creamy whites, elegant Pinot Noir, and Marlborough’s unique terroir complexity.
Babich Wines, with over a century of history, is one of New Zealand’s oldest family-owned wineries. Now run by the third generation, Babich produces internationally acclaimed premium wines and has made significant strides toward organic viticulture. Their wines consistently earn gold medals at prestigious global competitions.
Visitors will also discover Tohu Wines and Kono Wines, completing a full picture of New Zealand’s wine culture: purity, balance, sustainability, and a deep sensitivity to terroir — all captured in a single glass.
Discover the rare gems offered by this trio of guest nations at stands 31, 32, and 33 on the Savoy Terrace:
South Africa:
Kleine Zalze Wine Estate
Australia:
Fourth Wave Wines portfolio: Little Giant, Elephant in the Room, Wild Folk, Cowpunk
Rosabrook Wines
New Zealand:
Nautilus Estate
Babich Wines
Tohu Wines
Kono Wines
Explore how three continents come together to create a perfect harmony of tradition, terroir, and innovation — all in one glass!
