If you’re a wine lover looking for something unique, Hungary has a special treasure for you: Juhfark. This lesser-known grape variety produces some of the most exciting white wines you will ever taste, especially when they come from the volcanic soils of Somló, Hungary’s smallest but most powerful wine region.

Image credit for Juhfark grape: Wines of Hungary

What Makes Juhfark So Special?

The name Juhfark (pronounced “yoo-fark”) literally means “sheep’s tail” in Hungarian, referring to the long, cylindrical bunches of the grape. But don’t be fooled by the name—this wine is anything but soft and woolly. It’s a powerful, structured wine full of minerality, ideal for lovers of complex, full-bodied white wines.

Juhfark has high acidity and a rich texture and is often described as firm, mineral-rich, and even a bit spicy. This grape reflects the terroir in an exceptional way, and nowhere is that more evident than in Somló.

Somló: The Volcanic Kingdom of Juhfark

Located in Western Hungary, Somló is a small, isolated volcanic hill that produces some of the most characterful wines in the country. Thanks to the mineral-rich basalt soils and the unique microclimate, Somló wines—and especially those from Juhfark—are known for their intense minerality, smoky character, and excellent aging potential.

Historically, Juhfark from Somló was known as the “wedding night wine” due to its supposed fertility-boosting properties. Hungarian nobles and aristocrats believed that drinking this wine on their wedding night would lead to the birth of a male heir. Whether or not that legend is true remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Juhfark is a wine full of history, mystery, and undeniable charm.

What to Expect in the Glass

When you pour a glass of Somló Juhfark, you can expect a wine that is:

• Aromatic – With notes of citrus, green apple, pear, and a hint of smoky minerality.
• Structured – A full-bodied white wine with fresh acidity and a firm backbone.
• Cellar-worthy – These wines develop beautifully in the bottle, gaining honeyed, nutty, and lightly oxidative notes over time.
• Versatile with food – Excellent with grilled fish, roasted poultry, creamy cheeses, and even spicy Asian dishes.

Why You Should Try This Wine

If you enjoy wines with a strong terroir character—think Chablis, Riesling, or even Assyrtiko—then Juhfark from Somló should definitely be on your radar. It’s a wine for adventurous drinkers seeking something off the beaten path. And let’s be honest, how often do you get the chance to taste a wine with such a legendary past and a name that brings a smile to your face?

Other Regions Where Juhfark is Found

While Somló is the most famous home of Juhfark, this unique grape is also grown in several other wine regions in Hungary. In addition to the famous Somló, Juhfark is also found around Lake Balaton, especially on the northern shore, where the volcanic soils exert a similar mineral influence. In the Sopron region, near the Austrian border, wines made from Juhfark are also produced, although these are less well-known than those from Somló. Additionally, more and more vineyards are cultivating Juhfark in regions such as Mátra and Eger. All of these areas offer their own unique interpretation of the grape, but it is particularly the volcanic influence in Somló that gives the wine its distinctive mineral and smoky flavors.

Discover Juhfark in the Netherlands

Hungarian wines, including Juhfark from Somló, are becoming more available in the Netherlands. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just beginning to explore unique grape varieties, this wine deserves a place in your collection.

Our winemakers offering Juhfark in our selection are Weingartner, Tomcsányi, and Spiegelberg, all from the famous volcanic Somló wine region.

So, the next time you’re looking for something new, pour yourself a glass of Juhfark, raise it to the volcanic hills of Somló, and enjoy Hungary’s best-kept secret!