We hate to tell you this, but after drinking wine in Budapest, you will never want to drink wine anywhere else in the world. Caleb and I were shocked to discover this when we lived in the city because we had no idea Hungarian wine was so amazing.
Hungarian wine is often not exported (they drink it all, and no exporters can read the language đ ), thus there is a vast wine world to discover. If this is your first time in Budapest, you may be overwhelmed with where to begin, but weâre here to help.
In this guide, weâll help you decide which varietals to sample based on your drink and our favorite wine bars in the city. Whatever type of wine enthusiast you are, Budapest has something for you! Let us drink up, will we?
Hungarian Wines You Must Try
Here are the typical Hungarian wines youâll see on menus, along with a SIMILAR wine (but not identical because we discovered Hungarian wine characteristics to be so distinct!).
Red:
KĂ©kfrankos, often known as BlaufrĂ€nkisch, is Hungaryâs most cultivated grape. Itâs medium-bodied, with hints of cherry and spice.
Cab Franc and Syrah are similar.
BikavĂ©r, also known as Bullâs Blood, is primarily produced in the Eger region outside of Budapest. Itâs meaty, spicy, and tannin-rich, with dark fruit overtones.
Similar to Burgundy.
Kadarka: A smooth drink with mild tannins.
Similar to Pinot Noir
White:
Furmint: this is my particular favorite! It has a strong, sharp, and slightly acidic flavor.
Similar to: Sauvignon Blanc.
Olaszrizling (welschriesling): unlike German resisingling, this wine is acidic, sharp, slightly nutty, and often oaked.
Similar to Chenin Blanc.
Irsai Olivér, a newcomer on the scene, is light, fresh, and fruity.
Similar to: Muscat.
HårslevelƱ combines mineral, robust tastes with a hint of honey.
Similar to Viognier.
The 04 Best Wine Bars In Budapest:
đ„ Our Top Pick:
We enjoyed Wine The Gap so much that we spent virtually every night there, despite our customary habit of visiting locations only once. Mickey, the proprietor, is the friendliest and most informed man, and we enjoyed just sitting and conversing with him; it was our best gastronomic experience!
He also used to be a wine judge, so he is quite knowledgeable about Hungarian wine (in a non-pretentious way) and can recommend the PERFECT combination if you tell him what flavors you enjoy.
Itâs a little out of the way in District 9, but only a 30-minute walk from the city center or a 5-minute ride if youâre taking a rideshare to get around Budapest. If you love wine, you must visit Budapest!
đ Budapest, Tompa u. 26, 1094 Hungary.
đ„ Runner Up:
This is the ideal place for a low-key night with inexpensive wines and a large selection. Their selection of native Hungarian wines is extensive, with over 140 varieties by the glass, and everyone in this bar is simply there to enjoy.
Itâs colorful and has a relaxed vibe without being fancy or pretentious. We spotted more locals at this wine bar than at any other on our list.
We ended up returning several times and enjoyed the courteous staff, who provided wonderful recommendations.
đ Budapest: KirĂĄly u. 42, 1061 Hungary.
đ Tokaj Wine Bar Hidden Gem:
We must admit that the wines arenât particularly good, but hear us out: itâs a must-have experience if you want something authentic.
This small tavern is accessible from the parliament building, and itâs so local that no English is spoken; simply point to the menu. Fortunately, the menu is written in English and indicates if the wine is sweet, semi-dry, semi-sweet, or dry.
What is the best part? Itâs incredibly cheap! The majority of the costs range from 0.75 cents to $1.50 per 100ml!
A charming old man tried to speak to me in English when I was ordering at the counter, and when I responded, he said, âI understand you, but I canât respond.â That was adorable.
đ Budapest, Falk Miksa u. 32, 1055 Hungary
A Wine Experience You Must Have
Mickey, the owner of Wine The Gap, hosts the most fantastic wine tastings in Budapest. For example, if you enjoy wine, donât think twice about booking this tour.
Mickey will teach you everything you need to know about Hungarian wine while also allowing you to sample it! The value for money is fantastic, and you wonât find a more local wine-tasting experience!
It also includes a generous serving of excellent Hungarian sausages, cheese, bread, and the most glorious bacon-flavored spread. Inform him that Taylor and Caleb sent you. đ
Additional Experiences, If You Have The Time:
If you want to experience Hungarian wine, get out of Budapest and visit the wine country!
We rented a car and traveled into the Lake Balaton region, where we enjoyed touring vineyards! We strongly recommend staying at Villa Kabala due to the meals and wine. UNREAL! And the view is stunning!
They serve wine from their winery, and their restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide. Their brunch was amazing, and their Hungarian-inspired evening menu was one of our favorite dining experiences.
Vali Pinceszet is a must-visit winery. We met the entire family and had supper together. Amazing wine and cuisine. Inform him that the crazy Americans who disrupted your pig-killing family feast (a Hungarian tradition) sent you. Heâll know.
We usually suggest Discover Cars when renting a car because it allows you to compare prices from other rental car companies!
Conclusion:
When you visit Wine the Gap, you may buy a variety of delicious wines directly from Mickey!
If you do not visit him (why?!?), our wine loverâs recommendation is to go to BortĂĄrsasĂĄg, one of Budapestâs greatest wine shops. They have a few outlets throughout the city with an enormous selection. The staff was really pleasant and provided us with some good recommendations for local wine.
Well, my wine-loving friends, thatâs it. You now have no reason not to spend your trip to Budapest in a wine-induced haze, because Hungarian wine is exceptional. If you have any questions or want to visit any of these locations, please let us know in the comments! Weâd love to know what you think!
[âŠ] But seriously, chimney cakes and incredible wine were the two main reasons Caleb and I lived in Budapest for a while. The fragrance of delicious cinnamon goodness cooking on every street corner is [âŠ]