BUD WINE 2023 – Budapest Airport’s first wine tasting

In 2023, Budapest Airport launched its very first wine selection event, marking the beginning of a new tradition. The occasion brought together three professional sommeliers, airport executives, and key business partners for a blind tasting aimed at finding wines deserving of the “BUD Wine” title. These selected labels not only reflect Hungary’s rich winemaking culture but will also represent the country’s leading airport in the years ahead.

Budapest Airport commissioned us to create and manage a wine competition to discover exceptional wines that embody the company’s refined image and premium standards. The goal was to design an elegant yet relaxed evening for the airport’s leadership and invited partners — one that encouraged networking, conversations, and the shared enjoyment of fine wines.

Winetasting with a mission

To give the event its own distinctive character, we developed a unique visual identity. The logo and graphics subtly combined aviation elements with the world of wine, appearing on all materials — from event décor to the neck labels of the winning bottles.

Following the competition, the four category-winning wineries formed a close partnership with Budapest Airport. Throughout 2023 and the first half of 2024, their award-winning wines serve as exclusive gifts and brand ambassadors, presented to prestigious business partners.

Our team managed every detail — from liaising with wineries and handling logistics to the presentation and tasting flow — ensuring the event unfolded seamlessly. Our assignment was to plan and deliver a comprehensive, high-end evening programme for 80 VIP guests — a smooth-running wine dinner and tasting where everything behind the scenes stayed invisible to guests.

The blind tasting was structured as a formal yet friendly ceremony, hosted by a patron and supported by a team of professionals. Meticulous coordination was required to align every technical and logistical element with the client’s timeline. Meanwhile, participants enjoyed a warm, conversational, and environmentally conscious experience.

Challenges

This project came with some impressive firsts. We received 321 wine samples! That’s more than ever before. Also, we coordinated with numerous winemakers to manage submissions, transport, and compliance details.

We also fine-tuned the communication strategy in partnership with Budapest Airport. The goal was to suit the winemaking community best and adjusting messaging and deadlines accordingly. Managing so many moving parts demanded careful organisation to ensure the event reflected the client’s premium vision.

Sustainable touches we loved

• Eco-friendly stationery: Guests received cork-covered notebooks and pens — practical, stylish, and in line with the wine theme.

• Natural décor: We decorated the venue with dried and fresh plants, seasonal flowers, and name cards handwritten on real leaves. We rented all textiles to reduce waste.

• Carbon offset & green recognition: Budapest Airport compensated for the event’s carbon footprint. A special sustainability award was given to Zelna Winery, recognised for its certified organic production methods.