Balatonboglár: Best wineries, wine tastings and wines

What makes Balatonboglár wines special?

The wine region, located approximately 50 km along the southern shore of Lake Balaton, has the city of Balatonboglár at its center, boasting the title of the "International City of Grapes and Wine". 37 settlements belong to this area, located in the northern part of Somogy County, but the wine region also includes Böhönye, Csurgó and the surrounding area of Nagyberki near Kaposvár.

The beginning of grape cultivation here is also connected to the Romans, and although Emperor Domitian cut out the local vine stocks, this did not mean the end of the wine culture. The former Koppány estates donated to the Pannonhalma Abbey - according to the documents of the time - already produced high-quality grapes and wine. The Flemish monks who arrived in the country also played a role in reviving the culture of viticulture, and the significance of the region is well illustrated by the appearance of the grape cluster in the coat of arms of Somogy County in 1498.

The uniqueness of the wine region is partly due to Lake Balaton. The proximity of the lake creates a completely unique microclimate, as the water here is very shallow, which results in rapid warming, which also affects temperature and humidity. The loess soil provides good nutrients, which mixes with high lime content, occasionally stones, and clay. There are plenty of hours of sunshine, and here's a fun fact: In Ordacsehi, the earliest harvestable grape variety in Europe, Csabagyöngye, is grown.

In the area of the wine region, red wine production dominated first, then white wine took over the leading role. Today, we can say that it is strong in both white and red wines. Moreover, excellent base wines for sparkling wines are produced here, from which increasingly beautiful traditional sparkling wines are made.

What are the most famous Balatonboglár wines?

● Muscat

● Pinot Gris

● Chardonnay

● Sauvignon blanc

● Királyleányka

● Irsai Olivér

● Merlot

● Pinot noir

● Blaufränkisch

● Portugieser

● Zweigelt

Wineries in the Balatonboglár wine region

It's worth discovering the secret of the South Balaton wines, and there's no better way than participating in a Balatonboglár wine tasting. Among others, wineries in Balatonszabadi, Balatonlelle, Balatonszemes, and Balatonboglár are waiting with unique programs, during which you can closely examine the - possibly heritage - winery, tour the vineyards, visit unique locations - like the former Festetics manorial estate. You can also delve into the traditions of the wine region, find out what makes the local wines so good. You can be sure that you will taste the wines with a picturesque Balaton panorama, and you will have the opportunity to try the local gastronomic delicacies.

Unique experience for the important events of your life

The hills of Somogy, the stunning panorama - of course, accompanied by various local wines - can be a worthy setting for defining life events, be it a birthday, a proposal, a hen or stag party, a wedding, or an anniversary.

Check out the wide range of wine tasting programs in the Balatonboglár wine region!