Flavescence Dorée Threatens Hungary’s Tokaj Vineyards, Endangering 270 Million-Liter Wine Industry

Hungary’s National Food Safety Office announced that vineyards in the country’s northeast, including those producing the renowned sweet Tokaj wine, have been infected by flavescence dorée. Inspectors collected samples from two separate locations, and laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the pathogen in both regions. The agency released this information on Wednesday, raising concerns among wine producers and local authorities.

The Tokaj wine region, one of the oldest in the world, was officially recognized as a protected area by imperial decree in 1737. Its landscape has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. The recent detection of flavescence dorée threatens not only the vineyards’ output but also the cultural and historical significance of the area.

Hungarian authorities have responded by establishing containment zones around the affected plots. Within these perimeters, officials are inspecting grapevines and removing infected plants to prevent further spread of the disease. Flavescence dorée is a plant disease mainly transmitted by a leafhopper insect. In recent years, its spread across Central Europe has been linked to changing climate conditions, which have allowed the insect vector to thrive in new areas.

The disease poses a serious risk to grape production because it can cause significant damage to vines, reducing yields and affecting wine quality. The Tokaj region is especially vulnerable due to its international reputation for producing high-quality sweet wines.

According to data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), Hungary produced 270 million liters of wine last year, making it the world’s 14th largest wine producer. The country’s wine industry is an important part of its economy and cultural identity, with Tokaj wines holding a special place both domestically and abroad.

Local growers are working closely with government agencies to monitor the situation and implement control measures. Experts warn that continued vigilance will be necessary to protect Hungary’s vineyards from further outbreaks. The current response includes regular inspections, removal of infected vines, and restrictions on movement of plant material from affected areas.

The spread of flavescence dorée in Hungary reflects broader challenges facing European viticulture as climate change alters pest and disease patterns. Wine producers across the continent are being forced to adapt their practices to safeguard their crops and maintain production levels.

For now, Hungarian authorities remain focused on containing the outbreak in Tokaj and surrounding regions. The coming months will be critical for determining whether these efforts can prevent wider damage to one of Europe’s most historic wine landscapes.