The Dobosi Winery produces a wide selection of white and red wines and rosés, using varieties such as the Italian Riesling, Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Tramini and three Hungarian grape varieties, namely, Juhfark, Kéknyelű and Kékfrankos. Their wines have won several national and international awards. The winery also produces pálinka (a traditional Hungarian spirit), grape juice, grape seed oil, grape seed extract, etc. Sales are mostly made direct to the consumer in Hungary, and 60% of their wines are sold in the shop located on the estate, in their restaurant or through their web shop.

Wine tastings, visits and events were often organised at the Dobosi Winery, and since there is zero tolerance for driving while drinking in Hungary, if a group of friends, or the employees of a company wanted to participate in these events, their designated drivers must attend as observers only. Thus, a demand was identified to create an overnight accommodation offer, where participants could spend the night if necessary.

As a first step, in 2014, they used LEADER support to create five guest rooms in the attic of the family house. In the first year, they attracted 1 500 guest nights with these rooms. The high level of use was a clear sign of a demand for much more accommodation.

The farmers saw an opportunity to increase employment options for family members and this second CAP investment project was funded to expand the agri-tourism business.

The main objectives of this investment project were to further develop the wine estate and increase the accommodation capacity so that the winery could organise more and new types of events (e.g. weddings, local wine festivals, etc.). The growth of the business would also generate an increased income for the owners providing more family members with stable incomes to live and work in their area, supporting its generational renewal.

CAP funds were used to build a 600 m² guesthouse that houses a retail shop, a tasting and event space, and a panoramic terrace. The application only covered the construction expenses of the guesthouse. The equipment, as well as the design of the winery’s restaurant and wellness space, were not supported by the EAFRD.

Construction started in April 2019 and lasted a little over a year. It was completed in October 2020. A contractor from the village was entrusted with the bulk of the construction, and they tried to buy all materials and services locally.

Unexpected factors (i.e. COVID-19 pandemic and inflation crises) created a financial need for additional fund-raising activities. The company made a crowdfunding campaigning video in which they presented how they are doing with the development and announced a voucher option called ‘Friendship builds’ to their closest clientele. Supporters paid various amounts through the web shop, which could be spent on anything in the built accommodation, restaurant and winery. The contributors received a 15-20% discount for 2-3 years and their names would be written on the wall of the completed building.

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