When it comes to European wine regions, Hungary might not be the first country that comes to mind, but this hidden gem has been producing exceptional wines for centuries. Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Hungary boasts a rich winemaking tradition that dates back to Roman times, and its diverse landscapes offer a unique terroir that produces a wide range of wines. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the enchanting world of Hungarian wines.

A Tapestry of Terroirs

Hungary has a long wine-producing history that still remains undiscovered. The country has 22 wine regions with different microclimates and diverse soils, such as volcanic regions where exceptional mineral wines are produced, and the Somló and Badacsony regions with their unique ancient Hungarian Juhfark or Kéknyelű grape variety. But there is much more to explore; all wine regions have their own gems, such as the emerging Szekszárd and Mátra regions. Truly a memorable wine experience!

The Crown Jewel: Tokaj Wine Region

Tokaj, often referred to as the “King of Wines, Wine of Kings,” is arguably Hungary’s most famous wine region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is world-renowned for its sweet dessert wines, particularly Tokaji Aszú. Made from the Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes, these wines are characterized by their luscious sweetness, vibrant acidity, and complex flavors of apricot, honey, and orange peel.

Villány and Szekszárd: Home to Rich Red Blends

The southern wine regions of Villány and Szekszárd are celebrated for their velvety red wines, particularly those made from the Bordeaux grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These regions have earned a reputation for producing powerful and elegant red blends, which have garnered international acclaim.

Beyond the Classics: Indigenous Grape Varieties

While Hungary is famous for its sweet Tokaji and bold reds, it’s worth exploring the country’s indigenous grape varieties. Grapes like Furmint, Hárslevelű, Kadarka, and Kékfrankos offer unique and authentic expressions of Hungarian terroir. These lesser-known varieties are gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts looking for something distinctive and exciting.

A Thriving Wine Scene

Hungary’s wine industry has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a new generation of winemakers dedicated to innovation and quality. Many wineries have adopted sustainable and organic practices, emphasizing the importance of respecting the land and its traditions.

Conclusion: A Hidden Wine Paradise

Hungary’s winemaking heritage, diverse terroirs, and dedication to quality make it a hidden paradise for wine lovers. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Tokaji Aszú, exploring the bold flavors of Egri Bikavér, or discovering the nuances of indigenous grape varieties, Hungarian wines offer a rich and captivating experience that deserves recognition on the global stage. So, the next time you’re looking for a new wine adventure, consider Hungary, where centuries-old traditions meet modern innovation in every glass.

We asked our winemakers some questions regarding Hungarian wines, here you can see their answers.

How is the Hungarian wine industrWy doing?

PAP Wines

What is interesting about the recent Hungarian wine industry is the increasing numbers of natural and organic winemakers. Also, there are strong numbers of professional small wineries, producing internationally recognised wines, which is a very good trend in preservation of local economies. As the central and eastern European regions have a history of winemaking, it is only reasonable that these wines are having an international comeback, considering the increasing quality of the wines. Plus, especially the natural winemaker numbers are bringing a good name to the Hungarian wine scene internationally.

Lenkey Géza

There is still a lot to do in this area to put Hungarian wine back on the world wine map. This is one of the reasons why we are happy about the Dutch opportunity. We are confident, because 90% of the wines made in our winery find a buyer abroad. 

Why are Hungarian wines special?

PAP Wines

We do not consider per se the Hungarian wines being special compared to, for example, Slovenian wines. Each country has some local and special varieties, and so does Hungary.  An interesting element about Hungarian wines is the number of volcanic wines, as the country has many volcanic terroir regions.

What makes Hungarian (Tokaj) wines special?

Lenkey Géza

Tokaj wines are special because they are very diverse. Each village has its own unique character, which makes it very easy to recognise a wine from Mád and a wine from Tarcali. They cannot be confused!