History

Zichy and Tokaj — heritage, elegance, precision from Tokaj-Hegyalja

The history of the Zichy family can be traced back to the 13th century. For centuries, the name Zichy has stood for patriotism, the advancement of social and economic progress, the support of culture and the arts, and an active role in public life. From this rich legacy, the ZICHY ANNA SPARKLING WINE HOUSE was born—opening a new chapter today in the family’s story in the Tokaj Wine Region.

Our mission is to present the pure, mineral character of Tokaj’s terroir in our sparkling wines and still wines with a contemporary mindset and uncompromising quality. We believe sparkling wine and wine are more than drinks: they are heritage, community, and experience. True to the Zichy name, we aim to show the harmony of tradition and innovation in every bottle.

The Zichy family’s centuries-old heritage now continues in Tokaj in a contemporary, living form. The estate’s rise in Tokaj-Hegyalja began with the reinterpretation of historic vineyard sites:

Professional re-planning and renewal of the vine stock, the introduction of modern cellar technology, and the strengthening of terroir-focused thinking.

As a result, a winery was created with a clean, precise, site-specific style at its core—alongside traditional-method sparkling wines.

Historical Background

The Waldbott Connection

The name Zichy is part of Hungary’s aristocratic history—and in Tokaj-Hegyalja today it has a tangible presence. Founded by Count Aladár Zichy, the Zichy Vineyard Estate marks a new era for these legendary sites, where noble heritage meets a modern winemaking approach. We acquired our Tokaj-Hegyalja vineyards from the Waldbott family, and today we farm nearly 30 hectares on the borders of Mád, Szegi, Tarcal, and Sárospatak. After extensive renewal and modernisation of the plantings, the winery relaunched in 2015—now aligned with the quality standards of the 21st century.

Tokaj is not just a place on the map - Tokaj is a feeling.

What does the name Zichy mean in Tokaj today?

The Zichy family is one of Hungary’s oldest and most respected aristocratic dynasties. Tokaj is one of the world’s most exceptional volcanic wine regions, where soil and microclimate create a unique harmony. In the 21st century, the meeting of these two stories gained new meaning: through the purchase and revival of our Tokaj-Hegyalja vineyards, a modern, clean, elegant winery was born—worthy of both the family name and the traditions of the region.

A true Tokaj-Hegyalja presence through our own vineyards and on-site processing.

Historical continuity: our background is rooted in the former prestigious ownership of these vineyards—carried forward today in modern quality.

A quality-driven mindset: hand harvesting, strict selection, and faithful expression of variety and site character—elegantly, without exaggeration.

A responsible interpretation of noble heritage: for us, the name is not a privilege but a duty. Our wines and sparkling wines are made to give voice to Tokaj’s terroir—gently, clearly, with restrained elegance.