Spoilt for Choice
Hungary has 22 designated wine regions, and they all have something to interest not just the visiting vinophile, but anyone who appreciates fine scenery and wants to discover Hungary first hand. A visit to top vineyards and cellars can be combined with activities as diverse as hiking, cycling, canoeing, caving, or simply just relaxing in some of the thermal baths for which Hungary is famous. And because Hungary is a fairly small country, you can easily take in several winemaking towns in the course of a week, either by travelling around or making day trips from Budapest.
But where to start? Most people have heard of Tokaj – the toast of pontiffs and tyrants alike, and famously dubbed the “king of wines and the wine of kings” by Louis XIV of France. The historic town of Eger, and its Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) in particular, may also be familiar, but Hungary’s other regions are also producing award-winning wines. Connoisseurs consider the red wines from Szekszárd and Villány in southern Hungary to be the cream of the crop. Many winemakers from these regions have started using international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, to produce wines that are giving some of top French names a real run for their money.
Around Lake Balaton, you will find the Balatonfelvidék, Balatonfüred-Csopak, Balatonboglár, and Badacsony regions. No visit to Hungary is complete without a visit to Europe’s largest freshwater lake, andit makes sense to visit a couple of wine cellars along the way. Further to the north, the Somló hills and Sopron region also offer opportunities for exploring the local culture, nature and fine wine.The Eger region is flanked by two more winegrowing destinations of outstanding natural beauty: the Mátraalja region to the west and Bükkalja to the east. All three lie in the foothills of Hungary’s highest mountain ranges, the Mátra and the Bükk hills, making them popular destinations with walkers.
Hungary's Mediterranean
An Art and Wine Itinerary featuring Southern Transdanubia
Interwoven with intrigue and drama, the tapestry of Hungarian history also glistens with two distinctly civilized pleasures: fine art and great wine.
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