The wine cellar is part of the Research Institute for Viticulture and Oenology of the University of Pécs located at 4 Pázmány Péter Street, Pécs 7634. The property formerly called Mária Vineyard was originally owned by the cathedral chapter in Pécs. The main building of Mária Vineyard with an enormous subterranean cellar was built in the first half of the 19th century. The cellar with 3×2 branches was originally a “tithe cellar” used for storing the wine owned by the cathedral chapter estate. The main building above the cellar is embowered with grapevines in the same way as it was in former times. This cellar reminds us of the important role the chapter of Pécs played in the city’s economy and architecture.

In the past six decades, the Research Institute for Viticulture and Oenology has not only preserved historical traditions but also created new values in the former cathedral chapter estate. Two hundred years after its establishment the cellar with several branches at Mária Vineyard with a capacity of storing 5000 hectolitres of wine is still a significant asset. Due to the Institute’s research activities, the cellar is home to approximately 500 wine samples of 5-50 litres every year. Due to innovative oenological technologies and the use of directed fermentation, acid-proof stainless-steel containers can also be found in the wine cellar. The uniqueness of the buildings and the fact that they are among the very few historical buildings that have remained intact today make them even more valuable.

A new floor was added atop the south wing of the main building at Mária Telep in 1991 and 1992, because the old building could only house the cellar master’s flat. The roof and the windows were changed during the reconstruction. The most valuable part of the building, the cellar, enjoying special protection, has remained intact.