Founded on 12th March 2005, the Hungarian Association of Independent Winegrowers (Vindependent) aims primarily to advocate for the interests of small and medium-sized winegrowers in liaising and consulting with trade organisations and authorities in Hungary and the European Union. Vindependent also provides a forum for the discussion of related economic and legislative issues, as well as issues of European and national policies with a view to finding a common ground and driving advocacy accordingly.
Vindependent is a member of CEVI (Confédération Européenne des Vignerons Indépendants), the European Confederation of Independent Winegrowers, whose membership includes family-run wineries from France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Belgium. CEVI actively represents its members’ interests, having managed to be allowed to attend as observer the sessions of the European Management Committee for Wine starting from 2011 and voice the opinions of nearly 200,000 producers before legislation is enacted.
With its Ecological Section, Vindependent is also the only advocacy organisation for organic growers in Hungary, assisting such producers through organising training and educational events, as well as providing occasional consultancy. The Eco Section is headed up by Tokaj-Hétszőlő estate manager Gergely Makai.