In the heart of Hungary’s historic Tokaj region, the 2025 Women in Wine Expo unfolded as a vibrant, three-day celebration of female voices shaping the global wine industry. Against the backdrop of sunlit vineyards, volcanic hills, and centuries-old cellars, attendees shared not just wine, but wisdom, creativity, and connection.

Global Voices, Local Stories

Women from across the world gathered in Tokaj, bringing their experience, energy, and stories. Among them was content creator Dóra Éva Hauser, who captured the spirit of the event through her vlogs—including a thoughtful interview with WIWE founder Şenay Özdemir. Participants were warmly welcomed by celebrated Tokaj winemakers like Sarolta Bardos and Judit Bodó, both past recipients of Hungary’s Winemaker of the Year award, as well as Marianna Pelle and the Zsirai sisters, Petra and Kata.

Each visit became a meaningful encounter: a shared glass, a peek into family cellars, a walk through sun-drenched vineyards. Judit Bodó’s presence at the Gala added both prestige and heartfelt generosity. Timea Éless opened her world of biodynamic viticulture to attendees, while Tibor Gál’s red wines (announced later that evening Winemaker of the Year!) left everyone talking.

Stillness and Insight: The Spiritual Thread

Throughout the Expo, calm and introspection were just as important as conversation. Karuna Vasantha, yoga teacher and numerology expert, led meditative sessions at the peaceful Terézia Chapel. Her one-on-one numerology consultations quickly became a quiet sensation, quickly fully booked, even during the return train ride to Budapest. Participants described her sessions as insightful, affirming, and spiritually energizing.

Day 1 – May 7: Arrivals and First Toasts

The event began with a warm, informal Meet & Greet. Over light bites and international wines, guests from across continents—winemakers, writers, sommeliers, and importers—gathered for their first toasts. With twilight over the Tokaj hills, a sense of excitement and openness took hold.

From Soil to Soul: Tokaj’s Wine Immersion

After the morning meditation at the hilltop chapel, the groups visited Gróf Degenfeld Winery, where winemaker Máté Tóth and sommelier Gergely Somogyi offered a deep dive into Tokaj’s terroir. They walked the vineyards, tasted in centuries-old cellars, and discovered the delicate elegance of Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Tokaji Aszú.

Later, visits to local wineries—including small family-run and experimental producers—revealed a region deeply rooted in history yet bursting with innovation.

Day 3 – May 9: Wisdom, Sisterhood, and Storytelling

The final day began joyfully, with laughter yoga led by Karuna—a welcome reminder not to take life too seriously. WIWE Founder Şenay Özdemir officially opened the day, emphasizing the power of visibility and community. Emily Saladino followed with a sharp, data-driven look at the U.S. wine market, highlighting key trends and how authenticity remains a winning strategy.

Masterclasses That Inspired

Timea Éless’s biodynamic session combined tasting with poetry, as participants wrote verses inspired by each wine. Her class brought soil science and spirit together in poetic harmony.

The Hungarian Reds Masterclass (“Bull’s Blood & Beyond”) - led by Ivett Vancsik - featured a dynamic panel of winemakers who showcased bold, expressive reds—proof that Hungary’s wine story extends far beyond Tokaj’s famed whites. Both masterclasses highlighted the depth and diversity of Hungary’s winemaking tradition and innovation.

Sisters in Wine: Stories That Moved Us

The emotional heart of the Expo was the “Sisters in Wine” panel with Petra and Kata Zsirai, who shared how they took over their family winery at just 21. Their story of resilience resonated deeply and set the stage for an afternoon of shared personal stories from around the world: Helene Temmerman from Belgium shared her journey growing up with an alcoholic mother. Abby Bibens from the U.S. credited the Pink Boots Society with giving her a voice in the beer industry. Gizem Duyar from Turkey detailed her battle to establish wine culture in the conservative Black Sea region.

Earlier talks by Nelly Ward and Yvonne Niebergall showcased how women are redefining wine tourism through luxury, storytelling, and personalized travel—proving the future of wine isn't only in the vineyard, but in how we share it.

Final Tastings and Sunset Reflections

The day wrapped with a regional tasting of wines from Croatia, Bulgaria, and Slovakia—an invitation to explore the rich potential of Central and Eastern Europe. Special thanks to the Bulgarian delegation (Deanne Travis, Helen Yanek, Emy Marino, Nicoletta Dicavo, Sylvia Taskova), young Slovak winemaker Andi Szalai, and our Croatian contributors Helene Temmerman and Katherine Pepper.

As the sun set, guests walked once more to the chapel for a final meditation—this time, to carry Tokaj’s stillness and inspiration into the wider world.

More Than a Wine Event

WIWE in Tokaj wasn’t just a celebration of craft—it was a celebration of spirit. Through shared laughter, hard-won wisdom, and heartfelt storytelling, it reaffirmed what happens when women in wine come together: we grow stronger, wiser, and more connected.

And yes—for everyone asking about Şenay’s stunning dress (designed by a Hungarian fashion house)—you’ll find the link right here.
Huge thanks to Nelly Ward and Darya Kryzhanovskaya for capturing these beautiful moments. We raise a glass to you both! 🥂