Historical Cellar Tours and Vertical Tastings at Hungary’s Premier Wineries

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Szabó Sára

Disznókő Szőlőbirtok Folly Arborétum és Borászat Kányaváry Borbirtok Kis-Balaton Látogatóközpont

Nowadays, progressive Hungarian wineries offer complex experiences that go far beyond a simple tasting. You can journey through different vintages, explore a historic sparkling wine cellar, or discover the hidden paths of an arboretum. If you want to not only taste the wines but also understand and truly experience them, these places are definitely worth a visit!

What’s on the agenda?

The unique world of vertical wine tasting in Tokaj
Arboretum walk and wine tasting in Badacsony
Panoramic views of the Little Balaton and premium wines in Zalaszabar
A visit to a sparkling wine cellar in Budafok’s historic cellar system

Disznókő Vineyard, Tokaj

At the Disznókő Vineyard in Tokaj, wine tasting is also an exciting educational journey. One of the estate’s most unique programs is the vertical tasting, during which multiple vintages of the same wine are served. Participants can thus experience how time and vintage affect the wine’s character, while also gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Tokaj wine region’s distinctive features and the unique characteristics of its vineyards. As part of the program, you can also take part in a guided tour of the estate and vineyards, which brings Tokaj’s world-famous terroir even closer to you, making the tasting not only a sensory experience but also a truly educational one.

Folly Arboretum and Winery, Badacsonyörs

In this arboretum, often referred to as the “Garden of Eden of Lake Balaton,” you can discover Folly’s wines in a truly unique setting. Unusually, the 3-course wine tastings do not take place in the cellar but among the rare cedar and cypress trees, on the grill terrace. The glasses are filled with whatever is currently available, with selections changing seasonally: Boróka rozé, Buboréka, Buda Green, Riesling. One of the winery’s specialties is the Boróka Red blend, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties.

The Badacsonyörs estate regularly hosts pre-announced wine dinners; in addition, for groups of at least 10 people – upon prior reservation – 3-, 4-, or 5-course wine tastings, as well as wine dinners, are also available.

Kányaváry Winery, Zalaszabar

At the Kányaváry Winery, located at the western gateway to Kis-Balaton, wine tasting is made complete by Zala County’s hospitality and the stunning natural surroundings. On the panoramic wine terrace, you can sample premium wines accompanied by carefully curated wine pairings while taking in the views of the surrounding hills and Kis-Balaton. The programs are available by advance reservation, ensuring a more intimate atmosphere for every visit.

It’s worth combining the wine tasting with an exploration of the area: nearby Kányavári Island, the Búbos Vöcsök Nature Trail, and the Kis-Balaton Visitor Center are all great places to visit. And if you’re planning a longer getaway, you can stay at the estate’s accommodations, where you’ll definitely want to try out the panoramic sauna in the newly renovated wellness area, among other amenities.

Sauska Budapest – Budafok

A walk through Budafok’s historic cellar system? It’s possible! In the Sauska Budapest champagne cellar, visitors can follow the key stages of traditional champagne production while exploring the unique cellar passages. During the guided tour, the group will learn about disgorgement, the aging process, and the “méthode traditionnelle” technique, and the experience culminates with a tasting of the cellar’s sparkling wines.

During the tour, we’ll discover the history of Budafok, Tokaj, and the cellars, as well as the secrets of making traditionally aged sparkling wines, and embark on a mystical journey through time in the hidden recesses of the historic cellar system.

The cellar’s unique atmosphere and the premium wines poured into your glasses are sure to sweep wine enthusiasts, novices, and even history buffs off their feet!