Somló Wine Region
The smallest of all Hungarian wine regions, the Somló wine region in the north-west of Hungary consists of three hills rising up from the surrounding plains. The largest and most impressive is Somló Hill itself – a solitary volcanic butte rising to a height of 1417 feet. Kis-Somló Hill lies 20 kilometres to the east and Ság is a further eight kilometres north.
The volcanic rock and soil imparts a strong, mineral characteristic to the wines grown here. The terroir is unique, and the wines made from the grapes grown here have long been attributed medicinal and even aphrodisiac qualities.
The St. Márton Winery welcomes visitors and offers traditional Hungarian food to complement the local wine. In the region’s main town, Somlóvásárhely, you can visit the House of Somló Wines (Somló Borok Háza) and learn about the history and traditions of local winemaking. The nearby town of Pápa holds a wine festival in mid-August.
The Somló region also boasts the fifteenth-century chapel of St. Margaret and the hilltop ruins of Somló Castle, built in the 11th century. Another three 14th century chapels share the hillside.
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