The Tasting Panel magazine

August 2018

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1013885

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 56 of 132

56  /  the tasting panel  /  august 2018 TRAVELING TRAVELING TRAVELING TRAVELING TRAVELING H ungary has plentiful wine and a great deal more to offer in the heart of Europe. Boasting a wide-ranging diversity of terroir, the country's 22 wine regions–– many of them unknown to foreign tourists, even connoisseurs––await international discovery. Fascinating landscapes with natural beauty, small villages, and welcoming winemakers guarantee memorable experiences for visitors. There's an amazing plethora of lively wine festivals not only during the harvest period of September and October, but throughout the year in every corner of the country. Hungary is known for its hospi- tality, so discover the country via its wine regions at these must-see destinations. For more information, visit hellohungary.com. Tokaj The birthplace of the world-famous Tokaji Aszú wine, Tokaj was declared the world's first appellation in 1737 and has been famous for its noble sweet wine for centuries. A relatively small region with 5,500 hectares of vineyards, Tokaj was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. The region is filled with activity in July, including the Bor, Mámor, Bénye festival in the charming village of Erdo "bénye and the Furmint Festival in the village of Mád. Tokaj-Hegyalja, an artisan market held the second Sunday of every month next to the restaurant Sárga Borház, is not to be missed. For fine dining, check out Gusteau, Elso " Mádi Borház, or the restaurant inside the Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel. Those seeking more active ways to discover the area's treasures, meanwhile, will be pleased to know Tokaj is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. Budapest A world-class destination with cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking views, majestic hotels, and stunning gastronomy, Budapest is a must-see for global travelers. It would be a challenge to list all of the city's natural and man-made attractions, but it's worth heading to the surround- ing wine regions––all of which can be reached within an hour's drive. The most famous, Etyek, is well-known for its elegant traditional-method sparkling wines. The full breadth of exciting bot- tlings from the area can be discovered during Etyeki Piknik, a festival held four times annually to celebrate the seasons. Further west is Mór: One of the smallest wine regions of Hungary, its irresistible boutique wines can be sampled during the Wine Days of Mór. While there, make sure to visit Pannonhalma, where you can explore the Archabbey (also a UNESCO site) and its modern winery through guided tours and tastings. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HUNGARIAN TOURISM AGENCY Budapest and Beyond by Izzy Watson Pannonhalma Archabbey and Winery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the second-largest territorial abbey in the world. Founded in 996 A.D., it's one of Hungary's oldest historical monuments. The seasonal Etyeki Piknik festival features local wines alongside the gourmet treasures of Hungary. The Rákóczi Castle of Sárospatak in Tokaj lies along an ancient wine- trading route.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - August 2018