When you hear the words “wine and Champagne festival” which countries jump to mind? France will of course. Maybe Italy or Spain. Or perhaps somewhere further afield in the Southern Hemisphere like South Africa?
But what about Hungary? Though it might not enjoy the prestige of other countries, the tradition of wine making in Hungary actually goes all the way back to Roman times.
The Budapest International Wine Festival is a great opportunity to taste the best wines made in Hungary today. Not only that, but visitors can also meet some of the country’s renowned wine makers and discover a little about the history of Hungarian wines and wine growing.
The festival is held on the spectacular terraces of the Buda Castle (photographed so beautifully by Dimitry B). Around 200 wine makers (mostly domestic, though there are some international) exhibit their wines in quaint, rickety wooden stands.
Wine isn’t the only attraction – visitors can stave off light-headedness by grazing on a whole host of traditional Hungarian staples like roasted and grilled meats, sausages, stuffed cabbage and cured ham. Lighter, freshly baked bites are also on offer – think strudel, scones and töki pompos (a flat bread-like pastry baked in oven). And naturally, with this being a wine festival, there is also a strong selection of cheeses available.
Two stages hosting folk singers, men’s choirs and jazz music provide an apt soundtrack to all the gastronomic revelry.
This year’s festival takes place September 12-16. A one-day ticket costs 2,700 HUF (around £7.60), while a five-day pass will set you a back 7,500 HUF (£21).
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
