Tokaj Wine Region
The world-famous Tokaj-Hegyalja region lies in the foothills of the Zemplén mountains in the far north-east of the country and extends over the Slovakian border. Easily accessible from Budapest by car or train, the picturesque town that gives the region its name is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding winegrowing villages. What’s more, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
Traditionally, the region is best known for the unique Tokaji aszú and szamorodni wines produced mainly from the Furmint, Hárslevelű and Sárga Muskotály varietals. More recently, local winemakers have also turned their attention to creating fine dry wines from both indigenous and international grapes, with award-winning results.
Most of the vineyards in the Tokaj region welcome visitors, but it is often necessary to make an appointment in advance – the tourist information office in Tokaj (1 Serház utca; Tel.: +36 47 552070) will help with this. The prestigious Hétszőlő winery welcomes visitors to its historic Rákóczi cellars – named after the Transylvanian princes who owned the estate in the late 17th century – in Tokaj. The Gróf Degenfeld winery has a shop in Tokaj and the four-star Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel in Tarcal offers that extra touch of luxury.The Tokaj region may be famous for its wines, but it also has its fair share of high-quality restaurants, such as the Ős Kaján in Tolcsva. The French couple that runs it serves up fine food made from local produce, and a selection of the region’s finest wines to wash it down with.
Some winemakers in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region:
Aurenum Vinum
Disznókõ Szõlõbirtok és Pincészeti Rt.
Crown Estates
Bene Winery
Hímesudvar
Tokaj Oremus
Comprehensive listing of accommodation.
Further information:
House of Hungarian Wines
Tokaj.hu
Wine regions in Northern Hungary
Tokaj wine sale in the UK:
Everywine.co.uk
Gauntleys of Nottingham
Hungarian Food and Wine
Wine Tours:
Our Hungary
