Attractions in Tokaj: Beyond wine cellars

You can explore the region by hiking, biking, or by water. During your time travels, you can step back into the Middle Ages or the era of the Rákóczis, and you're sure to find something that makes it worth returning to. We've compiled a list of must-see attractions in Tokaj, offering unparalleled experiences for (not just) wine lovers.

Why is the Tokaj Wine Region So Special?

The uniqueness of the Tokaj wine region is evident from the fact that it's the only independent wine region among Hungary's 22 wine regions (the remaining 21 are grouped into 5 wine regions). It's mentioned in the national anthem, called the "wine of kings, king of wines" (as Louis XIV referred to Tokaji Aszú), and is celebrated in numerous poems, writings, and compositions, ensuring its name endures forever.

Adding to its accolades, the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region is the oldest in Hungary and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2002.

What Contributes to the Fame of the Tokaj Wine Region?

The international success of the Tokaj wine region, located in the northeastern part of Hungary near the Zemplén Mountains, is the result of a fortunate combination of factors.

The Tokaj-Hegyalja vineyards were established on fertile soils with a volcanic origin. The unique climate of the area, bordered by three mountains (Abaújszántó, Sátor-hegy, and Kopasz-hegy), is distinctive. The Tokaj Mountains protect the vineyards from the cold northern winds, while the steep hillsides receive ample sunlight. The surrounding rivers (Tisza, Bodrog) provide enough humidity for the Botrytis cinerea fungus to thrive, which is essential for the development of noble rot, unique to this region and the Rhine wine cellars.

Adequate expertise has also been a key factor. Archaeological findings suggest that viticulture existed here even before the Magyar conquest. The viticulture and winemaking culture were ensured by Italian winemakers who settled in the region after the Mongol invasion. However, the region's rise to prominence also required the leading wine region of Szerémség to fall victim to the Ottoman conquest.

The grape varieties are also a reason for Tokaj's global fame. The Furmint variety, which makes up nearly 70% of the plantings, is an ancient Hungarian variety, as are the less widely planted Hárslevelű and Kövérszőlő.

What are the Most Famous Tokaj Wines?

When we hear the name Tokaj, many of us think of Tokaji Aszú, Furmint, or Muscat, but it was undoubtedly the Szamorodni and Aszú that brought worldwide fame. Let's understand why.

Tokaji Aszú

Aszú has been made in the same way for more than half a millennium: the late harvesting of botrytised grapes and the subsequent unique winemaking process make it unique. Botrytis cinerea causes noble rot, concentrating the grapes' sugars. These grapes are hand-picked from the clusters and added to the base wine or fermenting must. A Gönci barrel (136 liters) of base wine can be combined with 3, 4, 5, or 6 puttonys (baskets) of Aszú berries (one puttony holds about 24 kg of Aszú berries). The wine then ferments again, and the fermentation stops due to the increasing alcohol content. The resulting wine is a high-alcohol (13-15%) and high-sugar delicacy.

Tokaji Szamorodni

When we harvest the clusters from the grapevine without selection, including both healthy and botrytised grapes, and process them together, we get Szamorodni wine. If the sugar content is lower, we get a dry Szamorodni; if the sugar content is higher and remains in the wine after fermentation, a sweet Szamorodni is produced.

Tokaji Furmint

The wine made from the Furmint grape variety started its conquering journey as the region's dry wine. It is very pleasant and harmoniously composed on its own, but sometimes has strong acids. The harvest in Tokaj-Hegyalja traditionally starts on October 28, the day of Simon and Jude.

Tokaji Esszencia

Esszencia is the nectar that drips from the Aszú berries under their own weight. Due to its high sugar content (up to 800 grams per liter) and concentration, it is more suitable for tasting than drinking. Its alcohol content is at most 3-5% by volume. Esszencia is a true specialty, as evidenced by the fact that it was considered the world's most expensive wine as early as the 19th century.

Here are some must-see attractions in Tokaj for wine lovers!

The Tokaj wine region is worth visiting not only during the harvest season. The area, also referred to as the "Hungarian Tuscany," offers numerous attractions beyond picturesque cellar rows and endless vineyards, which should not be missed from your bucket list.

Things to see in Tokaj

Should you plan a wine tasting weekend in Tokaj, we sincerely recommend to incorporate the following landmarks into your Tokaj itinerary to make the most out of your visit.

Tokaj Museum

In the capital of the wine region, Tokaj, the past can be explored in the Tokaj Museum located on the corner of the main square. It's worth checking out the objects used for wine making and storage in the museum's cellar, including a scale model of an Aszú sorting table, and the attic with its winding chimney and ethnographic collection.

World Heritage Wine Museum

Just a few steps from the Tokaj Museum is the World Heritage Wine Museum, founded in 2015, where you can "roam" the region interactively on foot, by bike, or by car. The exhibition lets you discover other world heritage wine regions from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland, but of course, the main focus is on Tokaj.

Rákóczi Cellar and Bacchus Well

Before entering the Rákóczi Cellar, built in the early 15th century and visited by kings, princes, and generals, be sure to take a photo with Bacchus, the ancient Roman god of wine and intoxication. Another attraction in Kossuth Square is the bronze statue of King Saint Stephen, with a quote from the national anthem on its base: “You dripped nectar on Tokaj’s grapevines.”

The Rákóczi Cellar boasts Hegyalja's largest underground chamber, 28 meters long, which hosted the national assembly that nominated János Szapolyai as king in 1526. Its knight's hall, which can accommodate 100 people, is excellent for organizing events.

Hímesudvar Winery

It would be a sin to leave Tokaj city without a wine tasting. Located in the old town, once referred to as the "street of wine merchants," is the Hímesudvar Winery, which harvests from only 3 hectares of land. The building's specialty is that it was used as a hunting lodge by János Szapolyai, the Voivode of Transylvania and later King of Hungary. For special occasions, success is guaranteed with the Premium Wine Tasting: you can see the royal cellar, explore the vineyards, taste 9 Tokaji wine specialties, including 6 puttonyos Tokaji Aszú and esszencia, and leave with a valuable gift bottle of wine along with unique experiences.

Kopasz Hill

An unmissable attraction of the Tokaj region is the former volcano, Kopasz Hill, soaring to 512 meters, where the legend of Tokaj also touches. According to legend, fairies once lived on the mountain, troubled by the volcano. When a fairy youth fell into the crater, his partner's tears watered the mountainside, turning the Tokaj wine sweet and sun-colored.

You can climb the mountain via the Borostyán educational trail starting from the Tokaj train station. This also checks off another "wine lover's attraction," the Love Cellar Row, created in honor of the Hungarian conquest's millennial anniversary. While you are there, don't miss visiting the Erdős Cellar, one of the oldest family-operated cellars in the row.

Climbing up Kopasz Mountain, you'll be greeted with a beautiful view of almost the entire Hegyalja region and the Great Hungarian Plain from the base of the TV tower.

Tokaj Hétszőlő Vineyard Educational Path

The historic vineyard on the southern slopes of Kopasz Mountain looks back on a half-millennium history. It got its name from the famous Garai family, who bought seven vineyards in this area in 1502. On the 3.5 km educational path set up on the vineyard hill, you can learn about the most important Tokaji grape varieties and get a glimpse into the everyday life of a historic estate.

Hercegkút Cellar Row

The specialty of the cellar row, also nicknamed the "Hungarian Hobbit Village," is evident from the fact that it became a World Heritage site in 2002 as part of the Tokaj cultural landscape. The cellars were originally the residences of German settlers who arrived in the 18th century and later used them for storing wine, vegetables, and potatoes after moving into the village.

Not only can you stroll among the cellar rows, but you also have the opportunity for cellar visits and wine tastings.

At the Naár Family Winery and Vineyard's Classic Wine Tasting, you can familiarize yourself with dry Furmint and Hárslevelű, and of course, Tokaji Aszú, within a five-item wine tasting framework. The wine tasting can also be chosen for special events, with the option to add meals and live music.

Naár wine tasting in a UNESCO World Heritage cellar

Hercegkút

4 990 Ft

Foglalás

Among the "Hobbit houses," you are also welcomed by the Espák Winery, where you can relax after a vineyard and cellar tour at their Classic Wine Tasting, accompanied by a minimum of 5 wine specialties and a rustic meal. It serves as an excellent venue for corporate team building or even a romantic event.

Espák wine tasting among the 'Hobbit Houses' of Hercegkút

Hercegkút

5 490 Ft

Foglalás

On the Gombos Hill cellar row, you will find the Götz Winery, where at their Premium Wine Tasting, you can get to know the Tokaj wine region through 6 wines - including Furmint, dry Muscat Blanc, sweet Szamorodni, and 6 puttonyos Tokaji Aszú.

Götz wine tasting with traditional Tokaj varieties

Hercegkút

6 490 Ft

Foglalás

Mád Aszú House

Mád is a stronghold of the region's wine culture. It's worth paying a visit to the Aszú House in Mád, where you can learn about viticulture and winemaking culture in an interactive, playful manner, assisted by contemporary artworks.

A special experience is offered by the Demetervin Winery, where at their Premium Wine Tasting you can taste 7 organic Tokaji wine specialties. In addition, you can explore the more than 100-year-old cellar system and take a tour of the legendary Úrágya vineyard. Apartments have also been set up for guests at the estate center.

Why is it worth spending several days in Tokaj?

When we hear the name Tokaj-Hegyalja, we likely imagine ourselves with a glass of wine in hand, sitting in front of the Instagram-famous Hercegkút cellar rows, admiring the romantic landscape of the surrounding hills. However, the area offers numerous experiences for a multi-day getaway. Here are 5 tips you shouldn't miss.

Participate in a Wine Tasting!

Just choose from the wineries discussed above if you want to participate in a truly exciting, premium wine tasting or wine dinner!

Explore the Region's Castles!

Seeing the castle depicted on the 500-forint note in person offers an unforgettable experience. The walls of the Rákóczi Castle in Sárospatak could tell tales of conspiracies, poisonings, and secret meetings. Continue your castle adventures: visit Boldogkő Castle and Füzér Castle too.

Hiking Boots to Natural Wonders

The Megyer-hegy Tarn, selected as Hungary's most beautiful natural wonder in 2011, is a must-see, even though it's not a real tarn. The pit lake in the cone of Megyer Hill, towering over Sárospatak, was formed in a mining pit. Its unique appearance likely makes you forget the nearly 5-hour journey you take on the Malomkő educational trail starting from the downtown of Sárospatak. If you're adventurous, you can try the via ferrata route next to the tarn.

Water Tour in the Shade of Floodplain Forests

You can explore the wine region from the water, and the slow flow of the Bodrog River makes it accessible even for beginners. You can try several water tour routes, including the approximately 6-hour tour from Sárospatak to Szegi.

Cycling Around Tokaj

Starting from Tokaj, a nearly 51 km bike tour lets you discover the special places of the wine region. You can stop by the Blessing Christ statue in Tarcal, view the pit lake from the hilltop, cycle up to the Saint Theresa Chapel, admire the 40 cm viewpoint in Bodrogkeresztúr, explore the "Treasures of Dereszla" in the Keresztúr Treasure Chamber, and don't miss the Roman Catholic church, the former Pauline monastery, and the Holocaust memorial wall in Olaszliszka.

Take Tokaj-hegyalja wine region with you…

Whether you visit the Tokaj wine region for a long weekend or a longer stay, the beauty of the place, its numerous attractions, diverse programs, and events encourage a return. You should not leave without souvenirs, as local wine specialties can make you feel like you're back in the region. If you crave a Tokaj specialty, it's worth browsing the selection at Borindex.hu, where you can explore wines sorted by wine regions. From the Tokaj area, you can choose from numerous wines and book a wine tasting for your next vacation's exciting program.