Best Hungarian Wine Tour Ideas for Wine Lovers

Are you a wine lover seeking a new and unforgettable adventure? Look no further than Hungary, a hidden gem in the heart of Europe, renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and, most importantly, its world-class wines. From the sun-kissed vineyards of Tokaj to the charming cellars of Eger, and the picturesque shores of Lake Balaton, any Hungarian wine tour offers a unique blend of tradition, taste, and travel that will captivate your senses. Join us as we uncork the best Hungarian wine tour ideas, guiding you through the must-visit wineries, the most exquisite wine tastings, and the enchanting stories behind every bottle. Prepare your palate and pack your bags – an extraordinary wine journey awaits!

A Brief History of Hungarian Wine

Hungarian wine has a rich and storied history that dates back over a thousand years. Viticulture in Hungary began with the Celts and Romans, who introduced grape growing and winemaking to the region. The arrival of Hungarian tribes in the 9th century further developed these practices. By the Middle Ages, Hungary had established a reputation for high-quality wines. The Tokaj region, in particular, gained international fame in the 17th century for its Tokaji Aszú, known as the “wine of kings.” Ottoman occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries disrupted winemaking, but the Habsburgs revitalized it in the 18th century. Phylloxera in the 19th century devastated vineyards, but resilient winemakers replanted and innovated. Under communist rule, wine production focused on quantity over quality, but the fall of communism in 1989 sparked a renaissance.

Today, Hungarian wine is celebrated for its unique varieties and high standards. Regions like Tokaj, Eger, and Villány are recognized globally for their exceptional wines. With a heritage rooted in tradition and innovation, Hungarian wine continues to thrive and enchant wine lovers worldwide.

Hungarian Wine tour - Bolyki vineyard in Eger

Bolyki Cellar in Eger

Key Wine Regions in Hungary

  • Eger: Home to the legendary Bull’s Blood from Eger, a robust red blend that combines several grape varieties to create a complex and hearty wine. Eger is also known for its elegant whites, particularly those made from the indigenous Furmint grape.
  • Lake Balaton Surrounded by vineyards producing crisp white wines like Olaszrizling and Juhfark. Northern shore, including Badacsony, offers stunning views and lakeside tastings. Central Europe’s largest lake.
  • Badacsony: Situated by Lake Balaton, Badacsony is famous for its white wines, especially those made from the Kéknyelű grape. The region’s volcanic soil imparts a distinctive minerality to the wines, making them unique and highly sought after.
  • Tokaj-Hegyalja: Known for its world-famous Tokaji Aszú, a sweet wine made from grapes affected by noble rot. The volcanic soil and unique climate of Tokaj create ideal conditions for producing this golden nectar, often referred to as the “Wine of Kings.”
  • Villány: This southern region is renowned for its powerful red wines, particularly those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the native Kékfrankos. Villány’s warm climate and long growing season produce wines with rich flavors and excellent aging potential.
  • Somló: Another volcanic region, Somló is known for its distinctive white wines, particularly from the Juhfark grape. These wines are noted for their high acidity and age-worthiness, often improving with several years in the bottle.
Hungarian Wine Tour - Balaton, Skrabski

Our favorite summer wine – Irsai Olivér from Skrabski

Must-Try Hungarian Wine Varieties

  • Furmint: A versatile white grape that is the backbone of Tokaji wines. Furmint can produce a range of styles, from dry and crisp to lusciously sweet.
  • Hárslevelű: Often blended with Furmint in Tokaji wines, Hárslevelű adds aromatic complexity and floral notes.
  • Olaszrizling: Known as Welschriesling outside Hungary, this grape produces fresh, light wines with a hint of bitterness on the finish.
  • Irsai Olivér: A fragrant and aromatic white grape that produces light, crisp, and highly aromatic wines. Irsai Olivér is perfect for summer sipping and pairs well with light dishes.
  • Kadarka: An ancient red grape variety that is a key component of Bull’s Blood from Eger. Kadarka wines are typically light-bodied with spicy, red fruit flavors.
  • Kékfrankos: Also known as Blaufränkisch. This red grape produces wines with deep color, good acidity, and flavors of dark berries and pepper.
  • Tokaji Aszú: Made from grapes affected by noble rot, Tokaji Aszú is a sweet wine with flavors of apricot, honey, and citrus. It’s known for its rich texture and balanced acidity, making it one of the most esteemed dessert wines in the world.
  • Bull’s Blood from Eger: A robust red blend traditionally made from Kadarka, Kékfrankos, and other varieties. Known for its deep color and full-bodied flavor, Bull’s Blood is a signature wine of the Eger region.
Hungarian Wine Tour - Laposa Estate

Wine Tasting at Laposa Estate, Balaton

Top Wineries to Visit

  • Laposa Estate (Badacsony): Overlooking Lake Balaton, Laposa Estate is celebrated for its crisp, mineral-driven white wines. The estate’s stunning views and contemporary tasting room enhance the wine tasting experience.
  • Skrabski Cellar (Balatonudvari): Situated near Lake Balaton, Skrabski Cellar is known for its excellent white wines and welcoming atmosphere. Their tastings often include a range of varietals and styles, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s offerings.
  • St. Andrea Vineyard (Eger): Known for its award-winning Bull’s Blood from Eger and elegant white wines. The vineyard’s scenic location and excellent hospitality make it a favorite among visitors.
  • Tóth Ferenc Cellar (Eger): A family-owned winery with a long tradition, Tóth Ferenc Cellar produces outstanding Bull’s Blood from Eger and other notable wines. Their intimate tastings provide a personal touch and deep insight into their winemaking process.
  • Bolyki Cellar (Eger): Located in a stunning natural setting, Bolyki Cellar is known for its innovative approach and high-quality wines. The winery offers guided tours and tastings, highlighting their unique blends and signature Bull’s Blood from Eger.
  • Royal Tokaji Wine Company (Tokaj): A pioneer in reviving the production of high-quality Tokaji Aszú. Their cellars offer tours and tastings that provide a deep dive into the history and production of Tokaji wines.
  • Attila Gere Winery (Villány): A leading producer in Villány, renowned for its premium red wines. The winery offers comprehensive tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the full range of Villány’s offerings.
  • Sauska Winery (Villány and Tokaj): With operations in both Villány and Tokaj, Sauska produces an impressive range of wines, from sparkling and whites to robust reds and sweet Tokaji. Their modern facilities and innovative approach make for an engaging visit.

All in all

Hungary’s rich winemaking heritage and diverse wine regions make it a captivating destination for wine lovers. Whether you’re sipping a sweet Tokaji Aszú in a centuries-old cellar, enjoying a bold Bull’s Blood from Eger in a modern tasting room, or sipping a glass of refreshing fruity Olaszrizling at a family estate’s terrace near Lake Balaton, the experience of a Hungarian wine tour will linger in your memory. If you don’t want to plan your whole tasting on your own, we offer private wine-tasting tours around the Lake Balaton and in Eger as well.  Cheers to discovering the unique and delightful world of Hungarian wine!