A Journey to Wine Country

There can be no more delightful an odyssey then to travel from Budapest to the ancient wineyards of Hungary, stopping along the way to taste the food and wine that make Hungary famous.

The first place to aim for is Eger, the beautiful Baroque town that gives its name to the local, but internationally famous, wine. Even before you get there, you will be thrilled by the 5-star neoclassic Parádsasvár Palace, built in 1827, now a hotel where you may choose to spend a romantic evening.

THE BAROQUE TOWN OF EGER
The centre of the historical wine-producing region of North-Eastern Hungary is Eger. Its fort, which was defended by heroic warriors against the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century, offers an excellent view of the beautiful downtown. The city, with its glorious historical past, minaret and palaces is a place of thermal baths, good food, wine and of course, good cheer. 
The Eger red wines - such as the renowned Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) - are characterized by attractive colour and pleasant tannin content. During several years of aging in large wooden casks in the cellars, these wines become fullbodied and rich.
Aside from quality wines, there is a fine equestrian tradition in the region. Near Eger, at Szilvásvárad the riding estate where Lippizzaner stallions are stabled is well worth a visit.

TOKAJ-HEGYALJA
Since the middle of the 16th century, thank to the Aszú wines, Tokaj-Hegyalja has been famous the world over for the quality of its wines. "Winum regnum rex vinorum" - "The wine of kings, the king of wines" - exclaimed Louis XIV when first tasting Tokaj Aszú, which became favorite of royal, papal and aristocratic tables through the centuries.
At any time of the year you can wander from wine cellar to vineyard, tasting different vintages and learning about the production of Tokaji. Only four white grape varieties are permitted: Furmint, Hárslevelü (original Hungarian varieties) Muscat Lunel and Oremus, from which seven wine types are produced: Aszú, Szamorodni (dry or sweet), "Fordítás", Aszúesszencia, Natúresszencia (Nectar) and champagne.
In October you can help in the actual making of the wine - very enjoyable excursion and stay at the Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel at Tarcal near Tokaj.