Vineyard regeneration and aging in Hungary: a spatial analysis based on 2020 data

The age structure of vineyards fundamentally determines the sustainability of winemaking, the economic stability of production, and the future competitiveness of wine regions (Costantini–Bucelli, 2014; Priori et al., 2019). Hungarian viticulture builds on centuries of tradition, yet global economic, social, and environmental challenges—such as climate change, market competition, and demographic shifts—have redefined the framework within which the sector operates (Matthews, 2013; Lencucha et al., 2020). The aim of this study is to examine the age structure of Hungarian vineyards using settlement-level data from 2020. The analysis investigates the spatial distribution of four age groups (0–3 years, 3–9 years, 10–29 years, 30+ years) at national, wine region, wine district, and municipal levels. Special attention is given to the Danube Wine Region, which in recent decades has exhibited the most dynamic vineyard renewal processes. The methodology combines descriptive statistical analysis, cartographic visualization, and spatial autocorrelation techniques (Deloire et al., 2003; Bramley, 2020). The novelty of the research lies in its detailed, settlement-scale approach, which enables the identification of spatial patterns of vineyard rejuvenation and aging. The findings highlight those wine districts where vineyard stocks are undergoing dynamic renewal - most notably in the Danube Wine Region - as well as areas where the predominance of older plantings threatens sustainability. The study contributes to the assessment of vineyard sustainability and provides guidance for development and support policies aimed at securing the long-term competitiveness of Hungarian wine regions (Máté, 2008; Schwarz, 2003; Kovács, 2010).