Savouring the elegance of a Malbec wine, its deep aromas and silky texture
Edited by Anna Popper
The Embassy of Argentina in Budapest celebrated the 15th Malbec World Day in 2025 with a series of special events at WineHub, a unique wine centre and community platform founded and led by Mr. Carlos Coelho in Budapest. More than just a venue, Winehub serves as a lively gathering place inspired by the spirit of wine, bringing together winery representatives, wine enthusiasts, and industry professionals to nurture Hungary’s wine culture and gastronomy. The celebrations united key figures from the wine industry, culinary arts, the diplomatic corps accredited to Hungary, and members of the Hungarian public administration.
On 23 April, an exclusive Argentine wine tasting welcomed sommeliers, wine journalists, influencers, importers, and leading representatives of the HORECA sector. Special thanks went to the Hungarian importers: Haraszthy Winery, Zombory Pincészet, Heinemann Testvérek, Wineage, and Gepárd és Űrhajó, as essential partners in promoting Argentine wines in Hungary.
On the occasion of Malbec World Day, observed annually on 17 May, the Embassy hosted a grand wine event, attended by representatives of the Hungarian government, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, and prominent business leaders, dedicated to Argentina’s finest Malbec wines, known for their plump, dark fruit flavours and spicy finish, proudly representing the Latin American country.
The event started with the speech of Her Excellency Maria Lorena Capra, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Hungary, addressed to the guests:
“Distinguished representatives of the Hungarian Government, Esteemed Colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps, Dear Friends, it is a true honour to welcome you to a new edition of Malbec World Day here at WineHub, where once again we come together to celebrate the excellence of Argentine wine.
Since April, we have been carrying out a series of activities to promote Malbec, one of our most emblematic products and an essential part of our national identity.
Malbec, a grape variety of European origin, found its ideal home in Argentina’s soil and climate, allowing it to fully develop and gain international recognition. Thanks to the tireless work of winemakers, agronomists, and passionate professionals, Malbec has become the country brand variety of Argentina.
The year, 2025, also marks the 15th anniversary of Malbec World Day, a campaign by Wines of Argentina that has successfully positioned Malbec as a global symbol of quality and diversity. Today, this grape not only leads in terms of cultivated area, production, and exports in Argentina, but is also exported to over 100 international markets and enjoyed on five continents.
This year, under the slogan “Your Malbec”, we celebrate the versatility that allows every consumer worldwide to find their own personal way of enjoying Malbec.
Tonight, we have the privilege of presenting a special selection of labels from five outstanding Argentine wineries: Familia Zuccardi, Escorihuela Gascón, Los Helechos, Tutu Wines, and Ojo de Agua. We deeply appreciate their generous support, which makes it possible for us to continue promoting the presence of Argentine wines in Hungary.
I would also like to highlight the cooperation of Hungarian importers who believe in our products, and especially acknowledge the role of Mr. Carlos Coelho, who has played a significant part not only in strengthening the presence of Argentine wines, but also in becoming the first direct importer of high-quality Argentine beef meat in this market – thus expanding the reach of our agri-food offering in Hungary. Thank you, Carlos, for your tireless work and unwavering commitment to Argentina and to our Embassy.
To close this evening, we will have the pleasure of enjoying a special tango performance by the renowned artist Zsolt Szénási, who, together with the Embassy, organized the official Preliminary Round of the Tango Buenos Aires World Cup for the first time in Budapest. This round selected the Hungarian couple who will represent Hungary at the global competition in August 2025.
With events like this, we seek to continue bringing the best of Argentina to the Hungarian public, creating new commercial and cultural opportunities, and strengthening the ties that unite us.
Thank you very much for being here with us – and enjoy this experience of flavours, aromas, and emotions!”
Guests had the opportunity to taste excellent Argentine wines – especially Malbec varieties – paired with traditional specialties such as empanadas and the world-famous Argentine beef, all in a convivial atmosphere.
Carlos Coelho: Pioneering Spirit of Hungarian Wine Culture
Carlos Coelho has lived in Hungary for almost 30 years, blending his Argentine, Spanish, and Irish-Italian heritage with formative years in California and a deep immersion in Hungarian culture.
From the outset, he has been a pioneer with an innovative spirit – rooted in tradition, driven by vision.
Together with his wife, Ingeborg, Carlos owns Haraszthy Vineyards in Etyek, named after Ágoston Haraszthy, the 19th-century Hungarian-born pioneer of Californian viticulture.
Haraszthy Vineyards has been nominated for the “Hungary’s Most Beautiful Vineyard 2025” competition!
In December 2022, the Coelhos opened WineHub, a wine and gastronomy centre in the beautifully repurposed space within the former Goldberger textile factory in Budapest. Originally from Buenos Aires, Carlos envisioned WineHub as a vibrant meeting place for wine lovers and gourmets – a place where tradition and innovation meet, and cultures connect through shared experiences.
The couple continued this vision by opening the Cut&Barrel Restaurant and Salumeria & Vineria in the same building, transforming the venue into a dynamic gastronomic destination.
For Carlos and Ingeborg Coelho, it all begins – and continues – with the motto: Wine Connects.
Further information: winehub.hu | haraszthy.hu
Source: Embassy of Argentina in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Argentina in Budapest and DPA
