Badacsony: Best wineries, wine tastings and wines

What Makes the Badacsony Wine Region Unique?

Historical Overview

It’s no exaggeration to say that viticulture has been a significant activity in the Badacsony wine region for centuries. The Romans recognized the area’s excellent conditions and started farming here 2,000 years ago. However, researchers believe that a thriving wine culture existed in the Balaton Uplands even earlier, during the Celtic period.

When the Hungarians arrived during the Conquest, they were already familiar with winemaking and continued the existing traditions. A milestone in the region’s history occurred in 1313, when the area came under the ownership of the Pauline monks. French monks who joined them brought a new grape variety, Pinot Gris, known locally as Szürkebarát.

During the Middle Ages, the region was under ecclesiastical ownership, and by the 18th century, noble Hungarian families became the dominant owners. Some of the wine cellars they established are still standing today, such as the Malatinszky Mansion, the Ibos Mansion, and the Kisfaludy House. At this time, Badacsonyi Ürmös (a traditional sweet wine) gained a reputation that rivaled the famous Tokaji Aszú.

The 19th century phylloxera epidemic didn’t spare Badacsony either, leading to the replacement of older grape varieties with more resistant rootstocks. Like many Hungarian wine regions, Badacsony experienced a revival after the political transition in 1989 and has since become internationally recognized.

Natural Conditions

Let’s start with its location. The Badacsony wine region lies on the western part of the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Spanning 1,794 hectares, the region includes first- and second-class vineyard areas and towns such as Révfülöp, Szigliget, Tapolca, Badacsonytomaj, and Balatonrendes.

Looking toward Badacsony from the southern shore, it’s easy to see why this area was considered an excellent wine region for millennia. The 438-meter-high Badacsony Hill is ideal for viticulture, especially considering its soil is a mixture of volcanic rock, sand, and loess. These materials erode easily, enriching the soil—and ultimately the vines—with valuable minerals.

The proximity to Lake Balaton also positively impacts the area’s microclimate. The wine region's climate is more sub-Mediterranean than the typical continental climate of Hungary. The large body of water ensures high humidity and prevents extreme temperatures. Droughts and severe frost are rare in the Badacsony wine region.

Planted Grape Varieties

White Grape Varieties:

• Budai
• Furmint
• Hárslevelű
• Irsai Olivér
• Kéknyelű
• Nektar
• Olaszrizling
• Ottonel Muscat
• Pinot Blanc
• Rhine Riesling

• Szürkebarát (Pinot Gris)

   

Red Grape Varieties:

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Kékfrankos
• Pinot Noir

What Wineries Can You Find in the Region?

Experiences Await You

Wine tastings are a must in Badacsony, where numerous wine cellars and wine bars line the roads, along with premium restaurants. The area’s natural treasures are also worth exploring. Don’t miss the Badacsony Tűzgyűrű nature trail, where you can admire unique basalt towers.

For more nature-inspired activities, visit the Folly Arboretum in Badacsonytomaj, home to a fantastic collection of cedars and cypresses. And of course, there’s Lake Balaton itself, a natural attraction and a full-day destination. If you’re more into culture, you won’t be disappointed either. At the Egry József Memorial Museum, you can view some of the world-renowned artist’s finest works, while in Szigliget, you can tour the castle and admire the fortress built in the 1260s.

As for events, Badacsony offers plenty of options. One of the most iconic wines of the region, Kéknyelű, even has its own annual celebration—the Kéknyelű Blossom Festival in Badacsony. Other great choices include the Szigliget Harvest Festival and the Murci Festival in Ábrahámhegy, held in October. If you visit in the winter, you can warm up at the Mulled Wine Cooking Contest in Badacsonytördemic.

Key Wineries

• Borbély Family Winery
• Fischer Winery
• Illés Winery
• Killer Cellar
• Németh Winery
• Nyári Cellar
• Pátzay Winery
• Szatmári Cellar
• Von Beőthy Cellar

There’s nothing stopping you from visiting Badacsony to taste the finest wines and enjoy the stunning landscapes—book a wine-tasting tour today!