Bringing Cider to Hungary: The Story of Abaliget Garden Projects

In this episode of Cider Chat, we learn about the southwest Hungary, where Ancha Gergely is building Abaliget Garden Projects, her small-scale cidery focused on Hungarian apples, pears, and centuries-old varieties. Ancha’s journey began in England, where she developed a love for cider. For Hungary it appears that there is little known about cider or cider making, prompting her to craft her own.

Ancha Gergely

With a deep passion for apples and heritage varieties, Ancha started her orchard in 2018 by grafting local and English varieties onto Hungarian rootstock. Her husband’s contribution of English cider apple graft wood expanded the orchard significantly, leading to her current collection of 600 apple and pear varieties.

Ciders at Abaliget Orchard Projects

Ancha crafts unique Hungarian ciders that highlight the region’s apple diversity. Some of her featured ciders include:

• Fishti – A smoky cider aged in a Speyside whiskey barrel, offering mellow whiskey notes balanced with local apples.
• Birs is the Hungarian work for Quince – This is a 100% quince cider with a delicate sweetness

Abaliget Garden’s Quince Cider Back label of Birs – Quince Apple Varieties at Abaliget Garden

Abaliget Garden includes a mix of English, Hungarian, and other European varieties. Here are a few notable apples in her collection:

• Kanizsai – A classic Hungarian apple with a sweet profile
• Húsvéti Rozmaring – Known for its rosemary scent, this apple can keep until Easter
• Various Perry Pears – 20 different types from the UK, bringing unique flavor profiles for perry production

Cider Making Techniques at Abaliget

Ancha’s approach to cider-making combines traditional fermentation methods with her unique orchard composition, balancing Hungarian and English influences. In addition to cider, her nursery serves as a source for new Hungarian cider makers, offering heritage and cider-specific apple trees.

Contact Info for Abaliget Garden Projects

• Website: Abaliget Garden Projects via Facebook

Mentions in the Cider Chat

• Totally Cider Tours
• EsoTerra Ciderworks – Arboretum Initiative
• Cider Explorer review of Abaliget Garden Projects ciders and perry