From Vineyard to Vineyard: a Hungarian Tour for the Thirsty

From Vineyard to Vineyard: a Hungarian Tour for the Thirsty

April 11, 2025

Hungary is a country that has been famous for producing fine wines for centuries. Our journey through Hungary's vineyards is not only an opportunity to taste delicious beverages, but also a chance to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. From the famous Tokaj, to the picturesque countryside of Eger, to the shores of Lake Balaton, each stop on this tour offers unique experiences and unforgettable flavors. Get ready for a fascinating journey that will stimulate all your senses and leave you with indelible memories. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting out on your oenology adventure, this tour has something to offer for everyone. We invite you to discover the magical world of Hungarian wine!

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Tokaj - the cradle of Hungarian winemaking

Our Hungarian wine adventure begins in the legendary Tokaj region, known worldwide for its sweet wines. Our first stop is Hímesudvar winery, located in the heart of Tokaj at Bem József u. 2, 3910, a place that impresses not only with the quality of its wines, but also with its atmosphere and hospitality.

To get to Hímesudvar, it is best to take the train to Tokaj and then walk or take a short cab ride. The winery is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, but it's always a good idea to book a visit in advance by calling +36 47 352 416 or emailing [email protected].

At Hímesudvar, not only is there a tasting of delicious Tokaj wines, but also the opportunity to visit the historic cellars. We especially recommend a tasting package combined with a tour of the cellars, during which you can learn more about the production process of the famous tokaj. Tasting prices start at around HUF 5,000 per person, depending on the package you choose.

After visiting Hímesudvar, it's worthwhile to head to the nearby Rákóczi Pince, located at Kossuth tér 15 in Tokaj. This is a place of great historical significance, where you can delve into the secrets of Tokaj wine production. The Rákóczi cellars are very impressive in their vastness and atmosphere.

Rákóczi Pince offers various tasting packages, led by experienced sommeliers. We especially recommend a tasting led by Isztvan, who not only shares his knowledge of wines, but also enriches the story with local trivia. Tasting prices range from HUF 3,000 to HUF 8,000 per person, depending on the package selected.

After the tasting at both wineries, take a walk through the streets of Tokaj, admiring the town's charming architecture. For those who want to extend their stay, we recommend staying at one of the local guesthouses, such as the Botrytis Boutique Hotel or Tokaj Csurgó Vendégház, which offer comfortable accommodations in the heart of the wine region.

Keep in mind that the Tokaj region isn't just about wine - it's also about picturesque landscapes and rich history. Plan time for a walk along the Bodrog River or a visit to the Tokaj Museum to get a better idea of the culture and traditions of this unique region.

Eger - the land of Bikavér and beyond

The next stop on our wine tour is the charming town of Eger, famous for its production of Egri Bikavér red wine, also known as 'Bull's Blood'. We begin our adventure in this region with a visit to the Gál Tibor winery, located at Csiky Sándor u. 10, 3300 Eger.

Eger is most easily reached by train from Budapest; the trip takes about 2 hours. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the train station to the Gál Tibor winery, or you can take local public transportation.

The Gál Tibor winery is a place that impresses not only with the quality of its wines, but also with its modern approach to winemaking. The winery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tastings must be booked in advance by contacting www.galtibor.hu or by phone at +36 36 555 255.

At Gál Tibor we can taste a wide range of wines, from classic Egri Bikavér to innovative blends. Tasting prices start at HUF 4,000 per person. We especially recommend the tasting package, which also includes a tour of the winery and learning about the wine-making process.

After visiting Gál Tibor, head to the Valley of the Beautiful Lady (Szépasszonyvölgy), where there is a complex of historic wine cellars. One of them is Szépasszonyvölgy 46, owned by the Ferenc Toth winery. It's an ideal place for tasting classic wines from the Eger region.

Szépasszonyvölgy 46 offers tastings in a stylish but cozy interior. Here you can taste a variety of wines, including, of course, the famous Egri Bikavér. Tasting prices are affordable, starting at around HUF 3,000 per person. The winery is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

For those who want to experience the more upscale side of Hungarian winemaking, we recommend a visit to Faust Wine Cellar in Budapest. This unique cellar, located in the basement of the Royal Castle (Hess András tér 1, 1014 Budapest), offers an unforgettable tasting experience.

To access the Faust Wine Cellar, enter through the Hilton Hotel on Castle Hill. The cellar is open daily from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, but advance reservations are required via www.gbwine.eu or by phone at +36 1 489 3358.

Faust Wine Cellar offers various tasting packages, led by experienced sommeliers. Prices start at around HUF 9,000 per person for a 5-wine tasting. This is an ideal place to experience a wide cross-section of Hungarian wines from different regions in one place.

After an intensive day of tasting, relax at one of the charming hotels in the center of Eger, such as the Hotel Korona Eger or the Imola Udvarház Wellness Hotel, which offer comfortable accommodation and often also their own wine tasting offers.

Balaton - wines overlooking the lake

The final leg of our wine journey is the Balaton region, where picturesque vineyards stretch along the shores of Central Europe's largest lake. We begin our adventure in this region with a visit to Folly Arboretum and Winery, located in the village of Badacsonytomaj at Kápolnavölgyi út 25.

Badacsonytomaj is most easily reached by train from Budapest to Balatonfüred, and from there by local bus or cab. Folly Arboretum and Winery is a unique place, combining a vineyard with a rich botanical garden. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during the summer season (April-October) and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm during the winter season.

Admission to the arboretum costs about HUF 2,000 for adults, and children under the age of 6 enter for free. The ticket price includes a map and a guide to the arboretum. Wine tastings are held in a cozy wine bar on the property and cost an additional HUF 3,000 per person.

Folly Arboretum and Winery is an ideal place for families with children. In addition to wine tasting for adults, children can enjoy walks through the beautiful gardens, use the playgrounds and learn about a variety of plant species. There is also a café and restaurant serving local specialties.

The next stop on our tour is ST.DONAT Organic Wine Estate, located in the picturesque village of Csopak at Szitahegyi u. 28. It is an organic winery that is famous for producing high-quality organic wines.

Csopak is most easily reached by car or cab from Balatonfüred. ST.DONAT Organic Wine Estate is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season, but it is always a good idea to book a visit in advance via the website www.stdonat.hu or by phone at +36 70 333 2333.

The winery offers various tasting packages, from simple tastings of 3-4 wines to more elaborate experiences combining wine with local delicacies. Prices start at around HUF 5,000 per person. We especially recommend a tasting combined with a tour of the winery and cellar, which gives a complete picture of the organic wine making process.

ST.DONAT Organic Wine Estate is not only a winery, but also a place with a beautiful view of Lake Balaton. It's worth planning a visit for late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the lake with a glass of fine wine in hand.

After a busy day of tasting, we recommend an overnight stay at one of the charming hotels on the shores of Lake Balaton, such as the Anna Grand Hotel Wine & Vital in Balatonfüred or the Hotel Silverine Lake Resort in Balatonfüred, which offer not only a comfortable rest, but often also their own wine tasting programs.

Keep in mind that the Balaton region is not just about wine - it's also a great place to relax by the water. You should plan time for swimming in the lake, taking a boat cruise or visiting charming towns such as Tihany and Keszthely.

Our Hungarian wine tour is not only a journey through the flavors and aromas of fine spirits, but also an opportunity to experience the diversity of landscapes, cultures and history of this fascinating country. From the sweet wines of Tokaj to the characterful red wines of Eger to the refreshing white wines of Lake Balaton, each region has its own unique story to tell. We wish you an unforgettable experience and discover new favorite wines!

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