The region of Somló (Northern Transdanubia) has been known for its winegrowing traditions for centuries: grapes were cultivated here as far back as by the Celts and Romans. Following the destruction by the Tartar hordes, Italian settlers introduced the Furmint variety to this area. The region has reached its zenith in the 18th century. Prior to the devastation caused by the phylloxera, the area had been characterized by a diversity of grape varieties to be later outweighed by Olaszrizling, Mézesfehér and Ezerjó varietals. A distinguishing feature of the Somló area is in that the plantings are stretched all around the hill, including even the northern hillside. Also, they are typically partitioned into small parcels. The hill itself is a volcanic formation, made up of basalt rocks at its core with brown forest soil settled over loess mixed with basalt detritus at its foothill, while farther uphill it is composed of black moist soil. The Transdanubian climate is balanced yet extremely windy, resulting in moderately high temperatures and an abundance in sunshine. Local characteristic varietals are: Furmint, Hárslevelű, Olaszrizling, and Juhfark. This region totals 500 hectares.