sisters in wine

WOMEN HEIRS

Wineries around the world have been passed down through generations. Traditionally, these family businesses have often been handed over to male heirs. However, in recent decades, this trend has changed, with more women taking on the responsibility of continuing their family legacies in winemaking. While many well-known winemakers are celebrated worldwide, from Napa Valley to Argentina and Alsace to Piemonte, our focus is on the stories of the often-overlooked and diverse lesser-known wine regions. In these areas, a variety of winemakers, including women, are making significant contributions to the industry.

FAMILY OWNED WINERIES

Being part of a family business is like inheriting a vibrant legacy, intricately woven from the threads of shared history, values, and traditions. It involves carrying forward the stories of ancestors whose hard work and dedication laid the foundation for what exists today. This collective past fuels the family's passion, igniting a drive that propels them toward growth and innovation. However, this journey is not without its challenges. Family members often face significant struggles, navigating relationships in a professional setting, adapting to an ever-changing market landscape, and maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. The weight of their commitment—both to the business and to one another—adds depth to their experiences, profoundly influencing their decisions and shaping their resolve. In our session titled "What Does It Mean to Be Part of a Family Business?" the Zsirai Sisters will share their passion for their family winery. They will discuss how they propel their journey forward, the significant struggles they face along the way, and how the weight of their commitment affects them deeply.

The Zsirai Winery was established by Csaba Zsirai in 2005. Following his tragic death in 2011, his daughters, Petra and Kata, took over to fulfill his dream. Love for nature and respect for tradition are the core principles of the winery. Operating in three emblematic Hungarian wine regions—Tokaj, Somló, and Villány—and cultivating indigenous varieties, their goal is to put Hungary back on the map of the wine world.

Petra Zsirai

Born in Nagyatád, Petra Zsirai (38) graduated from college in Budapest with a degree in economics and tourism. In 2010, after completing her studies, she moved back to her hometown and began working with her father to establish the family winery. Following her father’s sudden passing, she has been running the business as managing director since 2011. She married in 2016, and her husband is also a key member of the winery. They now have two sons, aged 6 and 3. In addition to her responsibilities at the winery, she also focuses on her interior design career.

KATA ZSIRAI

Younger sister Kata Zsirai, three years Petra's junior, continued her education in Pécs after primary school and earned a degree in economics with a major in management. In 2012, as part of her graduation work, she studied winemaking in Budafok and passed her sommelier exam. In 2013, after completing her studies, she moved to Mád to become the winery's winemaker. She finished WSET Level 3 in 2015 and later received the Best Young Winemaker award in 2018. Kata has also participated in viticulturist-winemaker engineering training and continues her work in Mád to this day. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog and baking delicious desserts.