HUNGARY
EXPLORING HUNGARY'S WINE COUNTRY
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
Exploring Hungary’s Wine Country
Embark on a vibrant journey through Hungary’s wine country, celebrated for its sweet Tokaji Aszú and bold Bull’s Blood. This guide unveils the charm of Tokaj’s historic cellars and Eger’s scenic vineyards. From Budapest’s lively wine bars to Villány’s robust reds, savor unique flavors paired with Hungarian cuisine. Our curated itineraries (1, 3, 5, and 7 days) and top winery picks ensure an unforgettable adventure. Dive into Hungary’s rich wine culture and let every sip tell a story!
Top Tips for Exploring Hungary’s Wine Country
Best Time to Visit
Visit in September–October for harvest festivals and mild weather (15–23°C). Spring (April–June) offers blooming vineyards; summer is warm (20–30°C), winter colder (0–10°C).
Transportation
Rent a car (~€30–€50/day) for flexibility across Tokaj and Eger. Alternatively, book private wine tours to avoid driving after tastings.
Wine Tasting Etiquette
Sip slowly to appreciate complex flavors. Toast with “Egészségedre” (cheers). Pair wines with local dishes like goulash for a full experience.
Language and Culture
Learn basic Hungarian phrases like “Egészségedre.” English is limited outside Budapest; a guide enhances winery visits. Dress casually but respectfully at estates.
Budget Tips
Book winery tours in advance for discounts (~€10–€20). Stay in guesthouses in Eger (~€30/night). Enjoy affordable meals at csárdas (~€5–€15).
Safety
Hungary is safe, but stay cautious in Budapest’s crowded markets. Stay hydrated during tastings and use designated drivers or tour services for safe travel.
About Hungarian Wines
Hungary’s wine heritage, dating back over 2,000 years, shines in regions like Tokaj, Eger, and Villány. Tokaj is world-famous for its sweet Tokaji Aszú, made from Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes affected by noble rot. Eger’s Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) blends Kékfrankos and Kadarka for bold reds, while Villány excels in Cabernet Franc. With 22 wine regions, Hungary’s volcanic soils and continental climate produce diverse wines, from crisp whites to robust reds. Wine culture is central to Hungarian life, celebrated in festivals and paired with hearty cuisine, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Disznókő
Location: Mezőzombor, Tokaj, 230 km northeast of Budapest.
History: Founded in 1992, known for its historic Tokaji Aszú production.
Wines: Tokaji Aszú, Dry Furmint. Noted for honeyed, complex flavors.
Activities: Cellar tours, tastings, vineyard walks.
How to Book: Reserve in advance (~€10–€25).
Oszvald Winery
Location: Eger, 130 km northeast of Budapest.
History: A small, traditional winery specializing in Bikavér.
Wines: Egri Bikavér, Kékfrankos. Known for spicy, bold reds.
Activities: Intimate tastings, cellar tours, food pairings.
How to Book: Book in advance (~€8–€20).
Bock Winery
Location: Villány, 220 km south of Budapest.
History: Family-run since 1850, known for Cabernet Franc excellence.
Wines: Bock Cuvée, Villányi Franc. Noted for deep, fruity profiles.
Activities: Tastings, vineyard tours, wine dinners.
How to Book: Reserve in advance (~€10–€25).
Szepsy Winery
Location: Mád, Tokaj, 240 km northeast of Budapest.
History: Family-run, led by István Szepsy, a Tokaj legend.
Wines: Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos, Szamorodni. Known for intense sweetness.
Activities: Exclusive tastings, cellar tours, winemaker talks.
How to Book: Reserve in advance (~€15–€30).
Holdvölgy
Location: Mád, Tokaj, 240 km northeast of Budapest.
History: Founded in 2006, known for innovative Tokaji blends.
Wines: Tokaji Dry, Aszú. Noted for balanced, elegant flavors.
Activities: Underground cellar tours, tastings, vineyard visits.
How to Book: Reserve in advance (~€10–€25).
Budapest & Eger (Day 1)
Highlights: Oszvald Winery, Budapest wine bars, Széchenyi Square.
Transport: Train from Budapest to Eger (2 hrs, ~€5–€10) or car (~€30/day).
Eger & Tokaj (Days 1–3)
Highlights: Oszvald Winery, Disznókő, Eger’s Valley of the Beautiful Lady.
Transport: Train from Budapest to Eger (~2 hrs, €5–€10) or car (~€30–€50/day).
Day 2: Morning – Drive to Tokaj (1.5 hrs), Disznókő cellar tour; Afternoon – Explore Tokaj town; Evening – Dinner at a local csárda.
Day 3: Morning – Visit Tokaj’s wine museum; Afternoon – Return to Budapest, relax at a wine bar; Evening – Depart Budapest.
Budapest (Days 1–2)
Highlights: Budapest wine bars, Széchenyi Square, Danube Promenade.
Transport: Fly into Budapest (BUD).
Day 2: Morning – Stroll Danube Promenade; Afternoon – Relax at a wine bar; Evening – Stay in Budapest.
Eger & Tokaj (Days 3–5)
Highlights: Oszvald Winery, Disznókő, Szepsy Winery, Eger Castle.
Transport: Drive from Budapest to Eger (~2 hrs) and Tokaj (~3 hrs, €30–€50/day) or tour.
Day 4: Morning – Drive to Tokaj, Disznókő tasting; Afternoon – Szepsy Winery visit; Evening – Dinner in Tokaj.
Day 5: Morning – Tokaj vineyard walk; Afternoon – Return to Budapest; Evening – Depart Budapest.
Budapest & Eger (Days 1–3)
Highlights: Oszvald Winery, Eger Castle, Budapest’s Chain Bridge.
Transport: Fly into Budapest (BUD). Drive to Eger (~2 hrs, €30–€50/day).
Day 2: Morning – Drive to Eger, Oszvald Winery tasting; Afternoon – Valley of the Beautiful Lady; Evening – Stay in Eger.
Day 3: Morning – Explore Eger Castle; Afternoon – Relax at a local winery; Evening – Stay in Eger.
Tokaj & Villány (Days 4–6)
Highlights: Disznókő, Szepsy Winery, Bock Winery, Tokaj wine museum.
Transport: Drive from Eger to Tokaj (~1.5 hrs) and Villány (~4 hrs, €30–€50/day) or tour.
Day 5: Morning – Visit Tokaj wine museum; Afternoon – Drive to Villány, Bock Winery tasting; Evening – Dinner in Villány.
Day 6: Morning – Villány vineyard walk; Afternoon – Relax at a local winery; Evening – Stay in Villány.
Budapest (Day 7)
Highlights: Budapest wine bars, Buda Castle, Danube Promenade.
Transport: Drive from Villány to Budapest (~3 hrs, €30–€50/day).
Your Hungarian Wine Adventure Awaits
Hungary’s vibrant wine country has enchanted you with its sweet Tokaji Aszú and bold Bikavér. From Disznókő’s historic cellars to Bock’s robust reds, your journey through this storied region is unforgettable. Savor the flavors and raise a glass—Egészségedre!
For more inspiration and detailed travel tips, visit our Exploring Hungary’s Wine Country.
Hungary Wine Region Map
