Athena Bochanis founded Palinkerie in 2013 to present the proud legacy and exciting development of Hungarian wine to the US market. She spent time in Budapest during law school, and while she was there she tried some incredible wines.

The more she learned about Hungarian winemaking, the more fascinated she became. She was charmed by the beauty of the vineyards, the different appellations and their stories, and the personal touch that each tiny family-run winery seemed to leave on their wines.

After she returned to New York, she was determined to share these experiences with others.

Palinkerie’s first shipment in 2014 consisted of just 270 cases. Today they carry over 55 different wines, and are proud to represent many of the top wineries from across Hungary. They are committed to partnering with growers who engage in sustainable organic farming practices and low intervention methods in the cellar.

Hungarian wine presents distinctive terroirs to unearth; fresh flavors to enjoy; rare grapes to pronounce (or mispronounce); and a new world of memories to create.