Tokaj-Hegyalja is known and renowned worldwide as well as it is Hungary’s only closed wine region. Its 6,700 hectares are blessed with all the conditions essential for producing the world’s most noble sweet dessert wine: the Tokaji Aszú. For many centuries, Hegyalja's winemakers have utilized special methods to handcraft the dry and sweet Szamorodi, 3 to 6 puttonyos (baskets) Aszú, as well as the Aszú essence and nectar. Legend has it that at Easter of 1630, Szepsi Laczkó Máté was the first to offer Tokaji Aszú, made from the grapes of the Oremus Hill, to Lorántffy Zsuzsanna. Although earlier references to Aszú do exist, the above date is claimed to mark the Tokaji Aszú’s birth. Tokaj-Hegyalja’s history has always demonstrated a close correlation with wine. Many Hungarian aristocrats (the Báthorys, the Bethlens, the Rákóczis, the Thökölys) owned cellars in Hegyalja,  the most famous among which are the cellars of the Rákóczis in Tokaj and Sárospatak that welcome visitors to date. As early as in the 12th century, the Tokaji wine enjoyed an exceptional reputation and popularity. Louis XIV, Cromwell, Tsar Peter the Great as well as Tsarina Catharine were all lovers of Tokaji wines. Szepsy István, a winegrower taking pride in his own estate of 20 hectares in Mád, is considered as one of the most prominent figures in modern days’ Tokaji wine production. Thanks to his expertise, mentality and the bar raised high for his own self, Aszú wines handcrafted by Szepsy meet every expectation of the highest standards by wine lovers anywhere in the World. In addition to his family winery, Szepsy István coordinates the recently established Királyudvar (King’s Court) located in Tarcal. Further acclaimed wineries in Mád are: the cellars with Demeter Zoltán at helm, Hétszőlő Szőlőbirtok, and Disznókő Cellars which was honored the „Cellar of the Year” award in 2005. The area totals 11,251 hectares.