Hungarian Törley sparkling wine

Hearing the name Törley, tradition and quality are among our first associations. This champagne is essential part of every Hungarian New Year’s Eve.

This pearly drink, a true Hungarikum, has crowned countless festive moments in Hungary and around the world, yet few people know its history. Did you know, for example, that Törley champagnes have been made in Budafok, formerly known as Promontor, for more than 130 years?

The poplularity of the Törley sparkling wine

Törley Pezsgőpincészet, originally known as the “József Törley and Partners Public Limited Company”, was registered on August 31, 1882. Since then, the quality champagnes produced here have not only gained a great deal of popularity in Hungary, but they have also been nurturing the reputation of Hungarian products in many countries around the world. Törley is in market-leading position in Estonia and during the holidays, Törley champagne corks pop next to numerous dinner tables in Sweden too. However, the reputation of the drink does not stop in Europe, as this iconic Hungarikum can also be found on store shelves in Nigeria, Vietnam and China.

The history of Törley

József Törley, who was born in Szabadka, started working in Teofil Roederer’s champagne factory in Reims after graduating from the Academy of Commerce in Graz. He traveled to France with the intention of learning the art of champagne-making and then using his experience in Hungary, making his own drink.

He founded his first factory in Reims, which he later moved to Hungary in 1882, where he continued to produce champagne with French machines and French specialists. The factory that still operates today on Anna Street was established a few years later, in 1890, together with a huge cellar system.

The brand was among the first to recognize the importance of advertising and marketing, so a castle similar to French knights’ castles was built next to the factory, partly for business purposes. This building complex is still one of the widely known symbols of Törley’s status in the national market.

To this day, the renowned champagne factory kept the motto of the founder, József Törley: “I don’t want to sell an imperfect product because of the reputation.”

Photos, more information: torley.hu