Even at the time of the Roman Empire, former Pannonia – that is, Hungary – was a significant grape- and wine-producing area.

The tradition is still going strong, and currently there are 7 wine regions and 22 wine areas all offering their own special, characteristic wine selections, so every visitors has a chance to taste something to their liking.

The Balaton wine region is famous for its local white wine specialty, and although they belong to the same region, each of the 6 wine areas have their own unique characteristics.

The most popular wine of the region is Riesling, but the unique Kéknyelű and the wines made from Juhfark – the most ancient grape type in Hungary – are also worth trying. Those who are eager to try wine from the Balaton region cannot go wrong with Folly Arboretum and its Budai Zöld or Cédrus, a coupage of Riesling and Szürkebarát.

The Duna wine region – also called the Alföld wine region – is made up of the three wine areas located between the Danube and the Tisza. The sandy and loessial soil is suitable for many grape types, so white and red wines cultivated on such areas are equally worth trying.

The bottles of Koch Winery earned prestigious awards at international competitions, and the name has become a synonym for quality. Kövidinka is one of the native grape types of the region and it has been gaining popularity in recent years among wine-growers and buyers, so those who like special flavours might want to give this light wine a try as well.

The Eger wine region consists of three wine areas: Bükk, Eger and Mátra. The most well known wine of the Northern Hungarian area is the red Egri Bikavér, but white wine growing has also been becoming more significant over the last few decades.

The region’s excellent wineries all have their own specialties to offer, but those who wish to try only a few glasses will not be disappointed by wines from Gál Tibor Winery, Tarjányi Winery and Dubicz Winery in the Mátra.

White wine lovers should go for Szőke Winery’s Irsai Olivér, and visitors to the Bükk wine area should not miss out on Gallay Boutique Winery’s Bistronauta.

The North Transdanubia wine region is traditionally the home of white wines, but there are also some wineries that make red wine. Etyek is located only 30 kilometres from Budapest, so consider visiting it on the occasion of a journey to Budapest and taste the wines on the spot.

If you are in Mór, choose from the selection of Miklós Csabi Winery, and in the Neszmély wine area get a taste of Hilltop’s Cserszegi Fűszeres.

The wines of Abbey Winery Pannonhalma and Cseri Winery are excellent, but those who try the typical Kékfrankos wines of the Sopron wine area will not complain either.

In the Pannon wine region, red wine types are more popular. Wines made in the Pécs, Tolna and Szekszárd wine areas are getting more popular every year, but the most well-known one is still the Villány wine area.

Make your choice from the bottles of Bodri, Takler and Szeleshát wineries in the Szekszárd area. Those seeking a gourmet experience should look for the wines of Illyés Kúria in wine shops, or try Bock winery’s cabernet sauvignon.

The most well-known wine grown on the volcanic soil of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine area is the Tokaji Aszú. Louis XIV said the following upon tasting it: “This is the wine of kings and the king of wines.”

The statement holds up to this day, so those who wish to treat their beloved ones should consider taking a bottle home. You can also try Zsirai winery’s excellent Hárslevelű or Furmint in Mád if these are more to your liking than the dessert wine.

Source: Budapestinfo.hu