Tag Archive for: wine

Hungarian Wine Guide: From Tokaji to Other Great Indigenous Varieties

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Eastern Europe is increasingly known for its exciting wines, and Hungary stands out with its diverse offerings. Among them, Tokaji wines and the country’s indigenous grape varieties hold a special place, offering unique flavors and histories that rival renowned wine regions like Bordeaux and the Rhineland. We have more than 100 grape varieties that we use for the local wines, which sometimes can cause some challenges even for seasoned wine enthusiasts. That is why we thought it could be helpful to make a little Hungarian wine guide, to help everybody find their favorite Hungarian wine. 

Hungarian Wine Guide

Tokaji: Hungary’s Jewel

Tokaji wine comes from a designated area in northeastern Hungary, known for its volcanic hills and picturesque landscapes. This region is not just beautiful but historically significant, comparable in importance to Bordeaux. Since Hungary’s political shift in 1989, foreign investments, particularly from French companies, have revitalized Tokaji production, enhancing its global appeal.

Flavors and Characteristics: Tokaji wines are celebrated for their well-balanced profiles, often featuring notes of apple, autumn leaves, and apricot. The wines made from indigenous grape varieties like Furmint and Hárslevelű are particularly favored. These grapes contribute to a thick texture, chewy mouthfeel, and subtle aromas of limeflower, mint, and pastry dough. Furmint, known for its higher acidity, adds a refreshing zing to these wines.

Challenges in Global Recognition

Despite their quality, Hungarian wines face challenges abroad, where names like Furmint and Hárslevelű are not widely recognized or appreciated. As a result, international varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay dominate supermarket shelves worldwide.

Irsai Oliver: One exception to this trend is Irsai Oliver, a Hungarian crossing reminiscent of a crisp, stripped-back Gewürztraminer. Known for its musky scent and distinct character, Irsai Oliver has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the international wine scene.

Hungarian Wine Guide

Hungarian Reds: Beyond the Bull’s Blood

Hungarian red wines, often associated with the robust image of “Bull’s Blood” (Egri Bikavér), tend to surprise with their relatively light and slender profiles. Kékfrankos: Also known as Blaufränkisch in Austria, Kékfrankos produces elegant red wines with flavors of dark berries, spices, and a distinct earthy character. However, it’s worth noting that neighboring countries like Bulgaria often offer better value in this category.

 

Hungarian Wine Guide

Tips for Enjoying Hungarian Wine in Budapest

  1. Wine Bars vs. Wine Cellars: While wine bars offer convenience and a lively atmosphere, wine cellars provide a more intimate and authentic setting for wine enthusiasts. If you want to hang out with some local wine enthusiasts next to Gellért Hill, we would recommend visiting the Palack Wine Bar. 
  2. Wine Pairing Dinners: Look out for restaurants in Budapest that offer wine-pairing menus, where local wines are expertly matched with gourmet dishes for a memorable culinary experience.
  3. Buying Hungarian Wine: Consider purchasing bottles of Hungarian wine to take home as souvenirs. Many wine shops in Budapest offer a curated selection of local wines, allowing you to explore more varieties beyond what’s available in restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a wine-tasting and wine shop run by local wine professionals, check out Taste Hungary’s Wine shop. 
  4. Wine Tours: If you have a full day in Budapest to dive into our wine culture, the best way is to see the Hungarian countryside while you are trying the best local wines right from the source and learn from passionate winemakers. The scenic landscapes, charming villages, and authentic local cuisine enhance the experience, making it a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, a Hungarian wine tour promises enriching discoveries and unforgettable memories. We recommend the Around Budapest’s Wine Tours.

 

Exploring Hungarian wine in Budapest is not just about tasting great wines, but also about delving into the country’s rich winemaking heritage and vibrant wine culture. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Budapest offers a plethora of experiences to indulge in the flavors and stories behind Hungarian wines. Don’t forget to join our daily Free Budapest Walking Tours for recommendations on wine bar dinners and the best places to buy high-quality Hungarian wine at the best prices. Cheers to discovering new favorites and enjoying memorable moments in the heart of Hungary’s capital city!

Mature Budapest Nightlife: Sophisticated Bars for 45+ in Budapest

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Welcome to Budapest, where the night comes alive with sophistication and a dash of humor. If you’re 45 and beyond, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to Budapest Nightlife tailored just for you. It’s all about sipping fine wine, enjoying smooth jazz, experiencing night baths, and cruising on the Danube with a hot drink while reveling in the city’s rich cultural tapestry. 

Join us on a journey through Budapest’s after-hours charm, where every moment is a celebration of the finer things in life.  However, it’s worth noting that venues designed specifically for this age group, where you can unwind in a cultured manner with your age buddies, are not very common in Budapest.

So what to look for?

Wine Bars

Fortunately, wine bars in Budapest are not concentrated in a specific location. Whether near the historical buildings of the city center, amidst the buzz of the Jewish District, or strolling along the Grand Boulevard, you can find great spots on both the inner and outer parts of the Buda side of the Danube. A wine bar differs from a traditional hospitality venue in that everything revolves around wine here. The selection is carefully curated, shaping not only the menu but often also the layout of the interior, with wine as the guiding principle. This creates a unique atmosphere, distinctly characteristic of each wine bar. Local wine bars showcase specialties from every region of Hungary and, upon request, bring flavors from France, Italy, Spain, or even Australia. As accompaniments, you can choose from traditional options like cheese and meat platters, taste olives, or, for those with a sweet tooth, find a perfect place where macarons and chocolates accompany the wine tasting. If you want to hang out amongst locals in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Buda, we can recommend the Palack Wine Bar, but if you want to stay in the heart of the town in an elegant bistro environment it is worth trying the Marlou Bistro.

Ruin Bars 

After World War II and the Cold War years, numerous buildings in Budapest’s old Jewish Quarter were left in disrepair. In the early 2000s, several enterprising individuals took on the task of transforming these rundown structures and courtyards into unique underground bars and pubs, ultimately earning them the moniker “ruin bars,” known locally as “romkocsma” in Hungarian. These bars are characterized by their eclectic and quirky decor, featuring mismatched furniture, vintage items, art installations, and graffiti. The majority of ruin bars are concentrated in the historic Jewish Quarter of Budapest, particularly in District VII. Szimpla Kert, one of the pioneering ruin bars, is often considered the flagship and is located in this district. 

 

Plenty of tourists, including those with gray hair, visit Szimpla Kert:-) Arrive early evening to avoid the crowd. Free Entry. 

Jazz Clubs

Intimate and cozy clubs are favored venues for jazz enthusiasts, serving as the bastions of a direct connection between musicians and the audience. Typically falling within the hospitality sector, these establishments feature live music with varying frequency, ranging from daily performances to several times a week. Those interested can find music to suit their taste every day of the week. 

For updated clubs in Budapest with Jazz music, please refer to Hunjazzfed.com

Winter Cruise on the Danube

Seeing the river from different sites on Buda and Pest sides is beautiful, but being on it at night is special. Take a river cruise with a hot drink. Over the centuries, this river and its banks have witnessed a rich tapestry of history, marked by bloodshed and war. While ideal for a daytime stroll, the freezing nights call for a cozier experience on a boat. 

For weekend afternoon Danube cruises please refer to Mahart Passnave. If you would like not only to cruise for an hour but also discover the sights of the Danube, you can listen to our 11-language wifi audio guide on your own phone.

 

 

 

thermal baths in Budapest

Thermal Baths at Night

A Friday night swim at Rudas thermal baths is an incredible experience. Imagine soaking in warm water beneath a 500-year-old Turkish dome, lit by the moon through skylights—it’s unlike anything else. The best part is the old thermal pools; while the new “wellness” section is just different temperature jacuzzis. The swimming pool is in the middle, with wellness pools and old thermal baths on opposite sides. Enjoy a sip of champagne in the rooftop Danube-view pool. Bring a refillable water bottle, and there are fountains for good water. Wearing flip-flops for walking around is mandatory. Bring towels and bathing suits. You’ll receive a wristband with a microchip for your cabin; it’s safe and secure. Relax and enjoy the thermal oasis on Fridays from 10 pm to 3 am. The entry fee is 12,300 HUF, and online tickets are available only.

 

Join our daily Free Budapest Walk and Free Buda Castle Hill Tour. 

But wait, there’s more! Before we release you into the wilds of Budapest, our fabulous tour guides will give you the lowdown on daytime and nighttime adventures, sprinkled with some extra handy tips for conquering the city.

Now, go out and savor your Budapest Nightlife experience—where age is just a number, and the city rolls out the red carpet for those who know how to appreciate the finer things! 

Cheers to a night of revelry and unforgettable memories.

5 Things You Must Know About Hungarian Wine

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Step into the enchanting world of Hungarian wine, where time-honored traditions seamlessly intertwine with contemporary winemaking techniques. Hungary’s opulent viticultural history and diverse terroir render it a clandestine haven for wine enthusiasts. If you’re gearing up to immerse yourself in the rich wine culture of Hungary, here are five indispensable insights:

1. Unearthing Historical Roots

The Hungarian landscape, blessed with a climate and soil conducive to winemaking, has a history deeply rooted in Greek Celtic traditions, and Roman practices. Roughly a 1000 years later we, the Magyars arrived and added Eastern wisdom to the rest. Documented wine production flourished around 1000 in Pannonhalma, Szekszard, and the Buda area. The significance of wine in Catholic masses fueled economic interests for churches to promote viticulture in Benedictine orders. Before the 150 years of Turkish occupation, many varieties of Italian and French grapes were introduced. In the Turkish era, the Hungarians learned how to make red wines from the Serbs.

It was in the 16th century that Tokaj became known as the “wine of kings, king of wines”. This term comes from the Sun King Louis XIV. From 1882, phylloxera took a heavy toll on Hungary’s vineyards, destroying almost half of the country’s plantations. After the Peace of Trianon closed WWI, nearly two-thirds of the vineyards went beyond the borders, while more than half of the wine-consuming population remained here.

After WWII, due to economic and political decisions, wine production touched bottom economically and morally. As the system shifted in 1989, Hungary lost most of its eastern markets, and foreign investment was welcomed. Nowadays we produce roughly the same amount of wine as New Zealand, but we only send 20% of our wines for export, that is probably the main reason why you haven’t heard about the Hungarian Wines. You have to visit us to try our liquid treasures!

 

2. The Vital Elements: Weather, Soil, Crop Load, and Harvest Timing

Hungary proudly boasts 22 wine districts, each offering a unique blend of weather conditions and soil types. From almost Mediterranean to continental climates, vineyards in flat areas feature sandy soil, while higher elevations boast a mix of rich forest soils, marl, and volcanic elements. Pay attention to the crop load, measured in kilograms per vine. It plays a pivotal role in the concentration and richness of flavors in the wine. Harvest timing, determined by factors like sugar content and acidity, is a critical phase in the winemaking journey. Because of our climate and soil, we produce mostly white wines.

3. Hungarian Wine Grapes and Their Stories

Hungarian vineyards are home to a variety of grape types, but three noble white grapes stand out: Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Juhfark. These indigenous varieties contribute to the distinctive flavors found in Hungarian wines. Furmint, famous for producing the sweet nectar known as Tokaji Aszú, is a legendary dessert wine. Hárslevelű is a late-ripening variety ideal for Tokaji wines. Juhfark, named for the shape of the grape’s clusters, produces a straw-yellow wine with a restrained bouquet. Finally, Irsai Olivér has a muscat aroma and gentle acids, aging fast and making it a good wine for conversations. Behind each grape variety, there is a personal story from the inventor or a historical urban legend. We are so proud of the tokaji aszú for example that we sing about it in our national anthem. The tokaji aszú is the most protected Hungarian wine. For example, you have to handpick the grapes for those. If it is not complicated enough, you have to age them at least 6 months in local oak barrels.  Hungary has more than 100 of its own grape varieties. That is probably the other big reason you haven’t heard about them yet. Wines called ‘Cserszegi Fűszeres’ offer an impossible challenge to read or remember to non-Hungarian speakers so that makes it very difficult to sell them on the international market.

4. Renowned Hungarian Red Grape Varieties

Cirka 70% of our wines are white, but that doesn’t mean that the reds have low quality, on the contrary, local winemakers are very specific about their red grape varieties, they only plant them in wine districts with volcanic soil, like Eger, Villány , Szekszárd or Badacsony. Of course, amongst many international varieties, we have our own as well.

The best examples are the Kadarka, a native Balkan wine, that found its way to Hungary in the 16th century, becoming a key component of Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), and the Kékfrankos, with its robust acids, adds character to Hungarian reds. Hungarian reds are usually mid-bodied wines with a more neutral taste to them, they are the perfect pair next to any dish with a bunch of paprika. If you go to a traditional Hungarian restaurant you can’t go wrong if you order a Kékfrankos.

5. Hungarian Wine as a souvenir. Which one to buy?

A bottle of local wine can be a great souvenir as well, especially because grocery stores are mandated to locally source at least 50% of their wine products. That means for the visitors that you can find Hungarian wines everywhere and from 5-7 € (2000 HUF) you can buy excellent quality bottles of wine.

For souvenirs, explore Hungarian whites crafted from indigenous grapes like Furmint and Hárslevelű, presenting thick textures, chewiness, and subtle aromatics. Irsai Oliver, a surviving Hungarian crossing, offers a crisped-up, gewürztraminer-like experience. Despite the Bull’s Blood image, Hungarian reds tend to be light yet lusciously velvety, with the best Bikavér hailing from Eger and Szekszárd.

Tokaji Wine: A Symphony of History and Flavor:

Probably the sweetest dessert wine you can find. Embark on a journey through Hungarian history with a sip of Tokaji wine, a region that once rivaled Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhineland. Nestled in volcanic hills in the Northeast, Tokaj produces sweet, botrytized wines, with Aszú wines often called “liquid gold” for their exceptional quality.

Eger and Bull’s Blood: Legends in Every Sip:

Eger, renowned for its robust reds, introduces Egri Bikavér, or Bull’s Blood, a blend featuring Kékfrankos, Kadarka, and local varieties. Legend has it that this wine’s name originated from a 16th-century battle, a tale your Free Budapest Walking Tour guide will delightfully share. Discover the essence of Hungarian wine – a delightful revelation for every wine enthusiast.

 

We recommend the following Hungarian winemakers, whose names you can find proudly displayed on the wine labels: Bock József, Gere Attila, Mészáros Pál, Áts Károly, Thummerer Vilmos, and Gál Tibor. Look for Hungarian wine at Bortársaság, ‘Borháló,’ Spar, and Tesco shops for the most reasonable price.

As you take our Free Budapest Walking Tours, your tour guide will speak about Hungarian wine. Most of us are big fans of the local wines so it can be a delightful discovery for every wine enthusiast.

12 Ideas for Souvenirs from Budapest

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If you’re on a mission to bring back the coolest mementos from Budapest, you’ve hit the jackpot! Budapest is a treasure trove of quirky gifts that will have your friends saying, ‘Where on earth did you find that?’ All we love full-heartedly is eating and drinking, so most of the souvenirs from Budapest going to be consumable, but we have some great little inventions you wouldn’t even think that it comes from Hungary! So let’s get to it: 

 

1) Palinka: Liquid Courage, Hungarian Style: Need a boost of confidence? Take a sip of Palinka and conquer the world (or at least your next karaoke performance).

2) Paprika with an Attitude: Budapest’s paprika isn’t your average spice; it’s a spice with personality. Your bland dishes will thank you. The best source for the local paprika powder is the Great Market Hall.

3)Embroidered Towels: Now with Bonus Cabbage Design: Because nothing says ‘I had a blast in Budapest’ like drying off with a towel adorned with cabbage embroidery. It’s the vegetable chic everyone’s talking about.

4) Unicum: The Elixir of Instant Wisdom: Forget wisdom teeth; get instant wisdom with a shot of Unicum. It’s like a PhD in a bottle, minus the student loans.

5) Hungarian Playing Cards: Because Regular Cards are Boring: Add a touch of Hungarian flair to your card games. Warning: opponents may be distracted by the sheer awesomeness of your deck.

6) Spicy Sausage: Make Your Taste Buds Dance: This sausage is so spicy; it makes salsa look like mild ketchup. Challenge accepted!

7) Tokaji Wine:  The Grape Escape: Forget your standard grape juice; Tokaji Wine is the grape escape your taste buds have been dreaming of.

8) Hungarian Pottery and Porcelain: Breakable Art You Didn’t Know You Needed: Sure, it’s delicate, but so are dreams. Embrace the fragility with some beautiful Hungarian pottery.

9) Rubik’s Cube:  The OG Brain Teaser Because nothing says ‘I can solve complex problems’ like carrying around a Rubik’s Cube. Impress your friends and leave them in a colorful twist.

10) Bejgli: The Hungarian Roll of Delight: It’s not just a pastry; it’s a delicious cultural experience. Warning: may cause addiction.

11) Hungarian Dolls: Not Just for Kids: These dolls are so charming; that even adults will want to play pretend. Go ahead, have a doll tea party; we won’t judge.

12) Goulash Paste: because nothing says ‘I had a blast in Budapest’ like souvenirs that spice up both your trip memories and your kitchen adventures!

Seize the day in Budapest with our daily free guided tours! Discover the top spots for souvenir shopping, master the art of bargaining, and unlock a wealth of insider tips – all on us! Grab your wallet and get ready for a shopping spree that’ll have your suitcase begging for mercy. Budapest, you’ve outdone yourself in the souvenir department!” 

Locals Guide to Find The Best Mulled Wine in Budapest

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Exploring the Hungarian Art of Mulled Wine in Budapest 

 

Have you ever wondered why mulled wine in Budapest ( “forralt bor” in Hungarian)  is such a big part of Hungarian Christmas? Join our daily Free Budapest Tours as we explore the fascinating history of this warm and spiced holiday tradition. First things first before we show you the best mulled wine in Budapest, let’s discover its background a little bit:

 

History of the Mulled Wine 

 

Mulled wine is a mix of red wine with spices, berries, lime, and dried fruits, served in mugs for that extra cozy feeling. Ingredients like cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, and raisins add a special touch of flavor and warmth.

Let’s travel back in time to discover how mulled wine became a Christmas classic. The idea originated in ancient Greece, where they heated leftover wine with spices to make it suitable for colder weather. This aromatic concoction, named Hippocras after the father of medicine, Hippocrates, soon spread across Europe.

Rome embraced this elixir as Conditum Paradoxum, a recipe still enjoyed today. The concept reached Nordic countries, where enthusiasts added ginger and bitter orange to the mix.

By the Middle Ages, mulled wine had become a European favorite, especially during challenging times like the Great Plague. People believed that adding spices not only made the drink tastier but also provided health benefits. In a time of uncertain food and water quality, mulled wine became a comforting, nutritious treat.

Today, mulled wine continues to be a magical part of our festive celebrations. As you embark on your holiday adventures, consider adding a bit of merry mulled wine to your festivities.

Mulled Wine Recipe as Your Tour Guides Love

 

To make it even more special, here’s a simple recipe that will make your taste buds sing carols:-) 

Share it with your loved ones and spread the holiday cheer!

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 1 bottle of red wine 
  • 1/4 cup sugar (or more if you’ve been extra naughty this year)
  • 1 orange (sliced, because even mulled wine needs a little Vitamin C)
  • 1 apple (sliced, to strengthen your immune system while also helping to prevent heart and cardiovascular disease) 
  • 8 whole cloves (your tour guides favorite spice, right after cinnamon)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (or 3 if you’re feeling spicy)
  • 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg (because it’s not Christmas without a little nutmeg magic)
  • half  teaspoon of red pepper (because you need a nice kick, you will feel more heat)
  • A handful of star anise (for that extra twinkle in your cup)

 

Instructions:

  • Pour the red wine into a pot.
  • Add sugar and stir until it dissolves (like the snow on your driveway… or not).
  • Squeeze the juice from the orange slices into the pot and then toss in the slices.
  • Add apple slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, red pepper, and star anise. Stir it like you mean it.
  • Heat on low for about 25 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
  • Spoon the warm, spiced goodness into your favorite mug (preferably one with a witty Christmas pun on it).
  • Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick because, let’s face it, you can never have too much cinnamon.

Of course, if you are here for the holidays there are plenty of great options to buy a mug of mulled wine while you are discovering our beautiful town! So let’s see our favorite spots to get mulled wine in Budapest:

Best Mulled Wine in Budapest

 

It is a relatively easy drink to make. The main secret of course is the quality of the base wine, so you can avoid the headache the next morning. Keeping that in sight we only picked places that take pride in their wine selection anyway, so you can enjoy that “one too many” extra mug of sweet-sweet mulled wine without worrying about the next day. The other big influencing factor in choosing our mulled wine sources is the general atmosphere of the place. So let’s see our favorites:

 

  • The Christmas Markets: Let’s get over the most obvious option, the amazing Christmas market in front of the St. Stephens Basilika is a great place to warm yourself up with a little mulled wine. Always look for the Divino signs, it is the name of a Hungarian wine bar so they take pride in the quality of their wines.
  • Csendes Létterem: Now this is more of the hip choice amongst the three. Csendes is one of the oldest ruin bars and student cafés, which is still pretty frequented by the locals. It is in front of our oldest and biggest liberal arts campus so the students are the regulars of the place. During the day it is a very cozy café and after the sun goes down it turns into an even cozier bar. Perfect place for a nice coffee or mulled wine!
  • Városliget Café:If you haven’t heard about the ice skating ring of Budapest in the City Park, you are missing out! It is a great winter program with your friends or a very romantic date with your significant other. This park used to be the main leisure area of Budapest, so it has so much fun to offer. In 10 minutes’ walking distance, you can find the Zoo, Széchenyi Bathhouse, Vajdahunyad Castle, Circus, plenty of Museums, and many more…but after a while, you need something to warm you up, and the café at the ice skating ring has one of the best mulled wines in the city!

 

Enjoy responsibly, and remember: if your nose starts glowing, you’ve probably had one mug too many. 

Cheers to a holly, jolly Christmas! 

 

May your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and the timeless joy of mulled wine!

 

Sip-sip Hooray!