A Wine Lover’s Journey: 5 Must-Visit Tokaj Wineries

What Makes the Tokaj Wine Region So Special? 

Thermal baths. Goulash. Budapest. Lake Balaton. These are just some of the fascinating aspects Hungary is best known for. And yet, for many people, it’s all about the wine. Tokaji sweet wines, to be precise. But why? What makes this wine region (and its wines) so exceptional? 

A UNESCO World Heritage Wine Wonderland

Tokaj isn’t just another wine region. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and was bestowed this honorable designation in 2002 for good reason.

The Tokaj wine region is characterized by unique viticultural traditions that have existed for thousands of years yet remain to this day. One look at the vineyards covering Tokaj shows that the entire region is devoted to these traditions and practices. Combine these enduring winemaking traditions with the region’s profound cultural significance in the world of wine, and it’s easy to understand its UNESCO status.

The Tokaj Wine Alchemy

So, winemaking has taken place in the Tokaj wine region for centuries. But how is this possible? Well, everything in Tokaj, from its volcanic soils to its microclimate, helps create the perfect conditions for this enduring winemaking alchemy. 

The volcanic slopes, numerous wetlands, and the proximity of the Bodrog and the Tisza rivers are to “blame” for the “noble rot,” the beneficial mold that plays a pivotal role in Tokaj’s world-renowned sweet wines. The surrounding oak trees are no less important, providing the ideal environment for grape cultivation.

The result? Almost 6,000 hectares of vineyards spanning 27 villages and birthing six official grape varieties. 

Wine With a Side of History

The impressive figures associated with Tokaj’s winemaking practices didn’t form overnight. Instead, they result from a rich winemaking tradition that, according to some, started as early as the Celtic times.

However, the absolute peak of the Tokaj region (and its wines) came in the 18th century. First, wines from this region were gifted to King Louis XIV of France, which resulted in them being served at the Versailles Court. Delighted by their precious taste, the king proclaimed Tokaji wine, “Wine of Kings, King of Wines.”

Another monumental event came in 1757, forever cementing Tokaj’s place in history. Namely, Tokaj was designated the world’s first appellation (wine region). This happened some twenty years after the first vineyard classification system was established in the region by a royal decree.

The Wines That Made Tokaj World-Famous

When a region has such a rich history like Tokaj, you don’t expect its wines to be anything short of spectacular. And don’t worry – Tokaji wines live up to their historical legacy. 

Tokaji Aszú

As arguably the most well-known wine from the region (and the entire country, for that matter), Tokaji Aszú requires little introduction. This complex gold-colored wine is considered one of the best natural sweet wines in the world.

Though its manufacturing process might not sound particularly appealing (it’s made from fungus-infected shriveled grapes), its taste is nothing short of heavenly. High in sugar and acidity, this concentrated wine holds more flavor in a single drop than many wines in an entire glass.

Tokaji Furmint

Tokaji Furmint is the most popular dry white wine from the region. It’s made using the region’s flagship grape variety, furmint. The resulting wine is a multi-layered delight with an aroma of honeysuckle, mango, and lemon flowers and a taste of lemon rind and white peach. 

Tokaji Szamorodni 

Before Tokaji Aszú, there was Tokaji Szamorodni. The name of this fascinating wine is of Polish origin and translates to “as it comes,” which points to its unique manufacturing process that mixes clusters of grapes, not caring if they’re botrytized or healthy. As for the taste, expect notes of honey, candied orange, and sweet spice.

Tokaji Esszencia

Liquid gold. Those words best describe the Tokaji Esszencia wine, both in terms of its appearance and cost. This precious wine is as thick and sweet as straight syrup, which is why it’s usually enjoyed from a tablespoon. This high sugar content (up to 800 grams of residual sugar per liter) isn’t surprising when you learn that the wine is produced from the syrup trickling down from aszú grapes, with no base wine added.

Unfortunately, this manufacturing process makes Tokaji Esszencia quite expensive and rarely a part of your traditional wine tastings.

Tokaji Hárslevelű

Tokaji Hárslevelű is a distinctly aromatic wine coming from one of the Tokaj’s most planted grape varieties. The taste of these grapes is often described as “smoky” and “spicy,” which adds a unique and intriguing character. Taste this wine, and you’ll be met with a striking aroma of wildflower honey and a pleasant peach flavor.

The Best Tokaj Wineries for All Wine Lovers 

When you come to Tokaj, you’ll want to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the region’s many wine-related gems. Booking wine tastings at the Borindex website is an excellent way to do so. Here are the Tokaj wineries that should undoubtedly be a part of your itinerary. 

Hímesudvar Winery

Hímesudvar is a small, family-owned winery that will welcome you with open arms. Located within a 16th-century hunting lodge initially built for the King of Hungary, it adds charm to the entire experience. The Várhelyi family’s commitment to crafting superb wines, coupled with the historical setting, ensures your visit to Hímesudvar will indeed be memorable.

Hímesudvar wine tasting with a valuable gift bottle of wine

Tokaj

29 990 Ft

Foglalás

Naár Family Cellar and Vineyard 

With roots dating back to the 1750s, the ancestors of the Naár family mastered the art of winemaking in the picturesque town of Hercegkút. Today, the family continues the tradition with dedication and passion, cultivating harmonious blends of grape varieties in their vineyards spanning 20 hectares. Taste the fruits of their labor at the Naár Family Cellar and Vineyard.

Naár wine tasting in the Gombos Hill cellar row with full assortment

Hercegkút

6 490 Ft

Foglalás

Götz Winery

Götz is another fowned treasure spanning 18 hectares of prime vineyards across six exceptional areas. The family’s commitment to innovation shines through a diverse range of Tokaj wines, including the fresh and reductive Tokaji Furmint. At Götz, you’ll discover a wine for every palate, from light and youthful to full-bodied and characterful, all served in the renowned cellars of Hercegkút.

Götz wine tasting on the world-famous cellar row

Hercegkút

3 890 Ft

Foglalás

Demetervin Winery

Nestled in the heart of Mád, a lovely village in the Tokaj wine region, Demetervin is a family-owned winery boasting a rich history. The family restored the ancient cellar system beneath their estate, which now features a tasting room and welcomes wine lovers eager to savor the exceptional wines of the region.​

Demetervin wine tasting with organic Tokaj specialties

Mád

8 490 Ft

Foglalás

Pannon Tokaj Winery

Panon Tokaj, a quaint winery on the scenic slopes of the Tokaj Mountains, is the ideal place for wine enthusiasts seeking to savor the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Here, you’ll find modern-style wines like tank-fermented dry and semi-dry varieties. However, this ambassador of Tokaj’s winemaking excellence will also take you on a journey through classic Tokaj wine styles, including the ever-elusive Esszencia.

Beyond the Tokaj Wineries

Though there are many Tokaj wineries worth visiting, they are far from the only attraction this unique region has to offer. Here are a few more places to consider:

• Tokaj Hétszőlő Vineyard Nature Trail. If you’re more outdoorsy, you’ll love visiting this single vineyard spanning 55 hectares. Though you won’t find wine tastings in this tranquil haven, you’ll find a store filled with nectars from the historic wine cellars beneath.
• Hercegkúti Cellar Row. Do you want to get a behind-the-scenes look into the fascinating art of winemaking? If so, there’s no better place to go than this charming and historic village with a multi-level cellar system spanning almost two miles.
• Tokaj Museum. The Tokaj Museum is a 17th-century townhouse located in the town of Tokaj, housing original frescoes, local exhibits, and a historic cellar filled with winemaking tools.
• World Heritage Wine Museum. Step into this charming 18th-century building and journey through the history and production of Tokaji wines. With a virtual guide to lead you and interactive exhibits that bring the wine culture to life, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the region’s rich traditions.
• Rákóczi Cellar. The Rákóczi Cellar, an extensive network of historic wine cellars stretching beneath Tokaj, looks like something straight out of a movie. Wander through its cool, dimly lit passages, and you’ll instantly get transported to another time.

Discover Tokaj With Borindex

With Borindex, you have two options. One, book a trip to Tokaj, book your wine tastings via Borindex, and experience the magic of this wine region firsthand. Two, buy products from this region directly on the Borindex website and taste the wines from this world-renowned region in the comfort of your own home. Regardless of your choice, the result will remain the same – your senses will be delighted by rich aromas and unique flavors you’ll always want to revisit.