One of the modern wineries in the Crișana Region, Békési Wineries was born on a vineyard plantation dating back to the time of the great-grandparents. In addition to traditional methods, Békési Wineries also uses modern technology in grape processing, as well as in the stages of winemaking, bottling, labeling, and packaging.
Transilvania Business: How did the idea of establishing a vineyard and a winery come about? What’s the story behind it?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: Our family owned a vineyard plantation since the time of our great-grandparents, which was taken over by the Agricultural Production Cooperative (CAP) during the collectivization era. After 1994, the vineyard—still cultivated to this day and now over 50 years old—was returned to our family, and we began tending to it using strictly traditional methods. In 2015, we began to “fall in love” with the art and culture of viticulture and winemaking. By 2017, we had established a modern vineyard in Vaida, Roșiori, in the Crișana wine region, built to European standards. At the same time, we also developed the winery needed for processing—our own “wine treasury.”
The “Wine Treasury” is the cellar where we store our wines at the ideal temperature and humidity. It’s also the place where we host presentations and tastings. The location, fully renovated down to the last brick, dates back to 1868.
Transilvania Business: How did you develop the winery? Did you access any European funding?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: Initially, the winery was developed using our own funds. Starting in 2020, we began equipping it with modern technology through funding aimed at developing the wine sector, by accessing the “National Support Program for the Wine Sector 2019–2023.”
Transilvania Business: What does it mean to manage a winery – from preparing the land, to harvesting, winemaking, and distribution?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: The management of the winery is carried out strictly by our family, using our own equipment. During harvest, we involve external human resources, mainly extended family, friends, and acquaintances. The biggest challenge is the lack of qualified labor, as well as identifying the crucial moments for various interventions. The vine is extremely demanding and sensitive, requiring immense attention and involvement.
Since 2020, alongside traditional methods, we have been using modern technology in grape processing, as well as in the stages of winemaking, bottling, labeling, and packaging.
Our wines, crafted using traditional methods, are made with great passion and dedication. In each bottle, you will find the personality of the vintner and winemaker. The entire activity is supported by the Békési family.
Transilvania Business: What is the size of the vineyard you cultivate? What grape varieties do you grow?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: The current cultivated area is close to 2 hectares, and the grape varieties are traditional, evenly divided between white and red wine grapes. On our plantation, you’ll find Muscat Ottonel, Fetească Regală, Merlot, and Fetească Neagră.
Transilvania Business:. Have you participated in any competitions? Are you satisfied with the results you’ve achieved? Which wines do you place your bets on?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: Competitions are, first and foremost, an opportunity to socialize, interact, and—why not—learn from one another. Unfortunately, in recent times, due to the pandemic, these events have moved online, and the social aspect has disappeared. However, we hope that life—for all of us—will return to normal, and that this sector will thrive once again.
We don’t believe we can place our bets on a single wine. All the wines we produce are of exceptional quality, intended for connoisseurs—those who appreciate wine at its true value, who are open to learning and cultivating a culture of responsible wine consumption. The best wine is the one enjoyed—responsibly—with the people we love.
We believe that the wines produced in this region can compete with major national producers and even with international wines.
Woywoda wines
Transilvania Business: Given that the HORECA sector was closed for a long time and events were—and in some cases still are—restricted, how did you manage to cope with the pandemic?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: This pandemic period had a tremendous impact on the industry, especially on the new players in the market and small local producers. However, we remain very confident that with the economic recovery, we will be able to relaunch the wine commercialization stage as well. Our hope is that, just like in other European countries, local producers will gain access to restaurants and local accommodation units, and that wines produced at this level will become known and appreciated by local communities.
We strive to approach both production and distribution through the lens of the cultural significance of viticulture. Our wines are organized under the name “Woywoda Wines”, and we integrate all these stages into a curated tourism experience. We offer visits, tastings, and unique experiences for small, organized groups who genuinely wish to be part of this concept.
Transilvania Business: How has the state supported you? Do you believe more could have been done?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: At every stage of our journey—as a winery, an agricultural unit, and a tourism destination—the involvement of state institutions has been essential. We’ve established a very close collaboration with ONVPV (National Office for Vine and Vitivinicultural Products), DAJ Bihor (County Agricultural Directorate), OJFIR, ANAF, and others. This cooperation has been built on mutual professionalism and integrity. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but that improvement must be nurtured from both sides.
Transilvania Business: What future plans do you have? Some wineries organize tastings right in the vineyard and invest in agritourism guesthouses. Do you have any similar projects in mind?
Békési Csaba and Békési Lajos: Our desire is to maintain the winery at this level of production—around 10,000 bottles per year—organized into various assortments. We aim to get as close as possible to our consumers, to educate and cultivate wine appreciation, to build an honest and open relationship with the local HORECA sector, and to bring joy and quality to the right glasses on the tables of those who place their trust in us.
As we mentioned earlier, we’ve already taken steps into the tourism sector by offering memorable experiences to small visitor groups. These include guided tours of the vineyard, the winery, and the wine treasury, as well as accommodation and relaxation in the traditional agrotourism setting of Bihor.
Article published in Transilvania Business, Issue No. 101
