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The evening’s wine selection ranged from crisp whites, fruity roses and full-bodied reds crafted by some of Hungary’s most elite wine makers, including Villa Pátzay (Badacsony), Dubicz (Mátra), Patricius (Tokaj), Vida (Szekszárd), Gere Tamás és Zsolt (Villány), representing five of Hungary’s best-known wine regions, as well as brandy from Márton és Lányai. Accompanying complementary finger food enhanced the tasting as well as kept guests on an even keel.

The eclectic group of guests from a range of ages and smattering of professional backgrounds, including law, yoga, real estate, online marketing and insurance, were united by their interest in fine wine and stellar company. Attendees shared views on topics from the wines to the weather (very summery that evening) as they traipsed from one virtual wine region to another in a couple of steps.

The venue, Veritas Winebar, opened in September 2017 on Dohány utca near Blaha Ljuza ter in Budapest’s “party quarter” of the seventh district. Consisting of a ground-floor and cellar, Veritas Winebar has a decidedly modern and casual yet elegant feel. As one of the larger such complexes in Budapest, it leaves its guests sufficient room for manoeuvre, both at its proper wooden bar and individual tables. The cellar, where Xpat Wine Club was held, can accommodate larger groups for events, complemented by wine tastings and meals. The space is the work of noted Hungarian interior designer Viktor Csap.

As the flagship bar and restaurant of Veritas Wine Trading, Veritas Winebar offers a selection of 380 wines from both abroad and Hungary, making it the largest and widest in Hungary. A rotating selection of 60 wines are promoted by Veritas at any one time, as well as brandies, sparkling wines and liquors.

The kitchen features a diverse choice of traditional Hungarian fish, meats and cheeses but prepared with a modern twist and presentation. Patrons can also buy wine by the bottle for take-away.

While host and xpatloop.com owner Stephen Linfitt ensured that no guest went home thirsty, at least a couple of groups seemed to have bonded sufficiently to head off to spontaneous after-parties to continue the merrymaking into the night. In vino veritas.

Words by László Nagy for XpatLoop.com