The Szekszárd wine region is one of the oldest red-wine growing areas of Hungary, with vines first established here over 2000 years ago. The continental nature of the climate is shaped by Mediterranean influences to the south and the nearby Danube River, with the large body of water reflecting the sun’s rays and reducing extremes of temperature. Summer is long and sunny and the autumn is dry and warm, so grapes have plenty of time to ripen with a good quantity of sugar. So with beneficial weather conditions and fertile, loess soil, the main challenge for wine growers is low rainfall.  Szekszárd wines are famously full bodied, velvety, and spicy reds. The best-known grape variety of the region is Kadarka and Kékfrankos, but others include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Zweigelt.