Budapest Wine Tasting: Hungarian Wines, Budafok Cellars & Tokaj Trips
Budapest wine tasting: Hungarian wines from Tokaji Aszú and Furmint to Bull's Blood and Villány, the cellars of Budafok, Tokaj day trips, and how to book.
The short version: Budapest is a great city for wine, and the best way in is a guided tasting that tours Hungary in a glass: crisp Furmint, Eger’s Bull’s Blood, Villány’s Cabernet Franc and, to finish, sweet Tokaji Aszú. Inside the city, Budafok has old cellars and sparkling-wine houses; for the real thing, Tokaj is a long day trip of about three hours each way. Here is what to taste and how to book.
At a glance
| Region | Famous for |
|---|---|
| Tokaj | Furmint, Hárslevelű, sweet Tokaji Aszú |
| Eger | Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), Egri Csillag white |
| Villány | Cabernet Franc and rich reds from the south |
| Szekszárd | Kadarka and Szekszárdi Bikavér |
| Lake Balaton and Somló | Volcanic whites, Olaszrizling, Juhfark |
| Budapest (Budafok) | Historic cellars and sparkling wine |
Tasting Hungary in Budapest
Hungary has 22 wine regions, and a sommelier-led tasting in Budapest is the fastest way to understand them. Expect dry Furmint, the grape behind Tokaj, a red from Eger or Szekszárd (the Bikavér blends), a Villány Cabernet Franc and a glass of Tokaji Aszú, the honeyed dessert wine made from botrytised grapes. Most tastings pair the wines with cheese, salami and other Hungarian bites. For the background, see what is Tokaji wine.
Budafok and Tokaj
On the city’s southern edge, Budafok sits on miles of cellars carved into the limestone, home to historic sparkling-wine houses. For a full wine day, Tokaj is about three hours away: private tours visit centuries-old cellars lined with black mould and taste Furmint and Aszú at the source. Back in town, pair the wine with Hungarian food, plan with our Budapest food itinerary, and end the night in one of the ruin bars.
Our picks: in the city, Budapest: Hungarian Wine Tasting with 8 Wines and Tapas; for a full day at the source, the Tokaj Private Day Tour from Budapest with Wine Tasting.
Frequently asked questions
What wine is Hungary known for?
Tokaji Aszú sweet wine and dry Furmint from Tokaj, Bull’s Blood from Eger and Szekszárd, and Cabernet Franc from Villány.
Can you do a Tokaj day trip from Budapest?
Yes, but it is about three hours each way; private day tours include cellar visits and tastings.
What is a good wine tasting in Budapest?
A sommelier-led tasting of seven or eight Hungarian wines with food pairings, ending with a sweet Tokaji.
Book a wine tasting in Budapest
Compare Budapest wine tastings and tours, or Tokaj wine tours.
