Whenever I can, I spend most of my free time in Tokaj-Hegyalja (the Hungarian name for the Tokaj wine region) and every second experienced there somehow changes me.

Through Tokaj’s history, natural geographical characteristics and the quality of its wine, the tiniest of messages still provide numerous experiences today. Miracles have appeared from out of nowhere in Tokaj-Hegyalja in front of our eyes; with the region’s wonderful soil the ideal source of such miracles.



More and more newcomers and investors find value that they may not necessarily find in any other place in the world; it’s in the spirit of the place, its attraction, mystery and several centuries of history that invite great plans to be hatched. In connection with the previous 2014 edition of this guide, it’s been great to see that beside the broad audience reached, the local community has also been using it.

I have a dual aim with this new guide: on one hand to help visitors; and on the other to assist the people living there to view themselves, as well as the place where they live and create. I can still see week after week that it’s not easy to make a living in Tokaj, despite the unexploited opportunities and ideas. The area needs the kind of people whose desire is to create.

It calls for those who don’t just talk but also act and with such deeds that testify their belief in the potential value of the wine region, the terroir, the wine and the culture. Only the most sensitive ears can comprehend the call of the Tokaj wine region.

Thankfully, there are people who still feel strongly about working and fighting for the future of the whole wine region. Their main motivation is not making profits but in preserving and looking after the region’s values. This is a serious challenge.

They are the eyes of Tokaj-Hegyalja with the most diverse points of view. Every age group and every region has its own eyes with which people can see, experience, learn and act. Without them the future of Tokaj would be hopeless. I search for them because it’s a joy to see those eyes and I would like to write about them. Always.

I wish everyone unforgettable adventures!

By Gergely Ripka

Tancolomedve.hu