A tour in a wine-growing region on ‘iron horse’, to the cellars of the Baji hills

Baj-Szőlőhegy is located in the Neszmély wine region, just a few kilometres from Tata. In this scenic setting behind God’s back, a handful of winemakers have come together to spread the word about this historically significant area. The Esterházy Champagne Factory, designed by Jakab Fellner (one of our most important Baroque artists), was built at the foot of the hills in 1772. The champagne factory started its operations in 1905, and thanks to modern French champagne manufacturing techniques, the champagne produced in Tata has become an internationally renowned and sought-after product. And the famous Baj-Szőlőhegy (‘Baj-Vineyard’) provided the Esterházy family with the base wine for sparkling wine production.

Thanks to the cooperation of the winemakers of the Baj Wine Cellars, wine lovers and visitors to the area can get to know the cellars and learn about the programmes taking place in Baj-Szőlőhegy. We are fortunate that the cellars have reopened their doors to visitors, and the Baji-Szőlőhegy is becoming more and more popular.

The aim is definitely to put this vineyard with a noble past back on the map and to put wine produced from Baj grapes back on the international map. Anyone looking to get moving will be captivated by a fun, easy bike ride on two wheels out to Baj. The tour lasts about 1 hour time spent in the cellars, so it is basically a full day wine tour. On a final note, during every visit to a cellar, it is worth to make some “rest” time before leaving the site, but if you feel you cannot cycle safely, the Ecotourism Centre will be happy to help you and will arrange to return your equipment to the centre for a small fee. The tour reveals the small cellars in the picturesque setting of the Ászár-Neszmély Wine Region at the southern foot of Gerecse. It is both advisable and recommended to make an appointment or sign up for a tasting, but you can also expect to be invited to get an insight into the secrets of a family cellar. The tasting round is recommended for friends and romantics alike. The tour is easy to complete on cycle paths, gravel or dirt roads, and on low-traffic roads.

The starting point is the service road between the Ecotourism Centre and the main road. As a little hint, let us give you some advice! Head towards the centre of Tata, then after about 300 m at the Baj junction continue towards Baj! Cross the railway and continue on the cycle path towards the Baj signboard! Continuing along the main road, once you reach the church, you can turn right onto the Hegyi Road. This road leads to the magnificent southern side of Gerecse, and the panoramic path running parallel to its foot offers unparalleled views of the Gerecse mountain range and the Tata basin. After about 1 km you reach a crossroads, where you can turn right and head towards the village.

If you are not interested in cycling, the village is only 70 km away from Budapest by car, while the cellar network is 63 km away from Győr, along the M1 motorway. If you arrive by train, you have to get off at Tóvároskert station on the suburban line that travels on the Komárom/Győr line, starting from the Budapest - Southern Railway Station, and after an easy 40-minute walk you can arrive at your destination.

Borboléta Winery (Contact: 36 30 972 25 46)

Kisbaka Family Wine Estate (Contact: 36 30 825 29 08)

Lali Winery (Contact: 36 30 516 47 39)

Schwáb Cellar (Contact: 36 70 339 90 28)

Stróbl Wine House (Contact: 36 30 700 26 38)

Turay Family Winery (Contact: 36 20 923 33 22)

Wéber Family Cellar (Contact: 36 20 432 2491)

Last but not least, it is worth noting that the price of wine tastings and delicacies varies from cellar to cellar, but all cellar visits are completely free. The autumn harvest is just around the corner, so we can look forward with anticipation to what autumn activities the Cellars in Baj have in store for us.