Tips For Wine Trips In Hungary

Wine production and consumption have deep roots in Hungary. Winemaking can be traced back to Roman times and the earliest known vineyard classification system was used in Hungary long before it was introduced elsewhere in the world. Hungary's Tokaj region used botrytis mold to make dessert wines a century before France. The sweet Tokaji became a cherished wine of aristocrats and royals throughout Europe from the 17th century.

During Austro-Hungarian times many German varieties, like Blue Portugieser and Blue Frankisch were introduced. The great evolution in winemaking came to a halt during the Communist era when quality was neglected in favor of industrial mass production. In the past 20 years wine production has experienced great improvements, as winemakers once again focused on local varieties. Today, many smaller, family-owned wineries produce quality vintages in limited quantities mostly for domestic consumption.

From the 22 wine regions, Villány and Szekszárd in the south, Eger and Tokaj in the northeast, Sopron and Somló on the northwest and the area around Lake Balaton (Balatonboglár, Balatonfüred-Csopak and Badacsony) are the most suitable for wine tours. Most of these are picturesque small towns with old-fashioned cellar doors clustered together. Some people consider the red wines from Villány and Szekszárd to be amongst the best in Hungary.

The ‘Bordeaux varieties’, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from these regions usually win or make the top five in prestigious national and even some international wine competitions. Eger is best known for its famous blend, the ‘Bull's Blood’, but this region also has some notable white wines. One of the local whites to try is ‘Egri Leányka’.

Tokaj probably doesn't need any introduction, as it's the best-known Hungarian wine region and home to the world-famous dessert wine, the ‘Tokaji Aszú’. Sopron is known as "the capital of Blue Frankish" (Kékfrankos), a German variety that produces some of the country's best red wines. Somló is Hungary's smallest wine region, but it shouldn't be overlooked.

Many royals from King Sigmund to the Habsburgs favored white wines from this historic region. The wine regions around Lake Balaton are known for their refreshing whites. Wines to try around the lake are the Pinot Gris-based ‘Szürkebarát’ and ‘Kéknyelű’, an indigenous variety.

A good time to sample this year's first wine is on or after St. Martin's Day (November 11), a traditional feast day celebrated by tasting the new wine throughout Hungary.

Egészségedre!"

To learn more about the 22 wine regions and for winery recommendations visit: Wine Regions in Hungary