Wines from the Szépasszony Valley

The region of Eger, also famous for its viticulture, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Hungary. The Szépasszony Valley today showcases nearly 200 wineries and wine houses. The valley is easily accessible by car, and visitors can leave their vehicles in a large parking lot. A special experience can be had when travelling there by the Little Train of Eger, in favorable weather.

The origin of the valley

According to ethnographer Ferenc Bakó, the "Beautiful Woman" was a deity of the ancient religion, similar to Venus, the goddess of love in our legends. A sacrifice was offered to her in this place, hence the name of the valley. According to another interpretation, farmers tell of a famously beautiful woman who sold good Eger wine in one of the cellars here. However, based on archival data, it cannot be definitively established where the area got its resonant name.

The cellars in Eger and its surroundings (with few exceptions) are hole-cellars cut into rhyolite tuff. This volcanic material is easy to shape, and the wine can be kept at a constant temperature of 10-15 °C in it. They create a unique type of cellar, differing from the underground, brick or stone vaulted cellars used on the Great Plain, or the stone or plank press house cellars built above ground in some wine regions of Transdanubia.

The Szépassyony Valley offers numerous great programs for wine-loving groups, friends, team-building societies and families. Permanent outdoor and cultural events, flea markets, theater performances and concerts, excursion opportunities, garden cinema and, of course, wine tours, wine tastings.

The most famous wine varieties to taste from the Szépassyony Valley:

• Egri Bikavér
• Egri Csillag
• Egri Cabernet Sauvignon
• Egri Chardonnay
• Egri Kékfrankos
• Egri Leányka
• Muscat
• Italian Riesling
• Zweigelt
• Ottonel
• Melora

The Szépasszony Valley is the largest contiguous wine cellar area of Eger. In addition to the wineries, numerous excellent restaurants await visitors in the valley, and accommodation can also be easily booked. The wineries enchant visitors with charming terraces and cellars. You will experience an authentic Hungarian gastro-journey here, as excellent wines are accompanied by ash-baked scones, lard bread, cheeses and jam rolls baked in an oven.

Choose from the Hellowine premium wine tastings also in the Szépasszony Valley, discover the best domestic wineries, and read about wine topics on the online pages of our magazine!