Egri Bikavér Season is on!

The second half of October is always about the legendary red blend Bikavér in Eger wine region. Bikavér themed walks in the city, Bikavér inspired dishes in the restaurants of Eger and many tastings await wine connoisseurs and wine experts. The 22 October tasting is for trade members and it gives a chance to taste Bikavér wines before being released, along with the already-released vintage of the same wine.

Date and time: 22 October 2026, 16.00–20.00
Venue: Petrény Pince (Petrény Cellar), Cellar No47, Szépasszonyvölgy, Eger, Hungary
Registration on this email.
Transfer bus is provided from and to Budapest with limited places available, so if you are member of the wine trade, write to them now!
Phone: 0036 36 518 422
The list of exhibitors is not published, but all the Bikavér producers are invited, visitors can expect to taste many samples. Tóth Ferenc Winery, Gál Tibor Winery, Kovács Nimród Winery and Thummerer Winery will participate for sure.

Pork cheek and Várvédő Bikavér in Macok Bistro

The wine in our cover photo is from Tóth Ferenc Winery, it is Várvédő Egri Bikavér 2022, you can taste it at the “en primeur” tasting along with a not-yet-released sample of the wine. As part of the gastronomy campaign of Egri Bikavér Season, several restaurants offer a signature dish paired with Bikavér. Várvédő Egri Bikavér 2022 will be paired with pork cheek in Bikavér jus with potato foam, porcini and chips of aged ham by Macok Bistro, one of the best eateries of Eger, just by the feet of the Castle of Eger.
Vérvédő Egri Bikavér is “Grand Superior”, a blend of Kékfrankos, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noirfrom Sík-hegy vineyard, aged for two years separately in new and almost new 225 and 500 L Hungarian and Franch oak barrels, then blended and matured a few more months in stainless steel tank before bottling.

More about Macok Bistro
More about Tóth Ferenc Várvédő Egri Bikavér 2022

Survey based on Google reviews, published by Time Out

Two days ago, Time Out online magazine has published the result of a survey carried on by Emerald Cruisesluxury river cruise company. According to the survey, Hungary boasts the second most appreciated wine region: Eger. The medieval city and the vineyards around deserve the attention undoubtedly, and we are happy to provide travellers with more information.
Cover photo: visiteger.com

 

As the Time Out article informs us, “Emerald Cruises has looked into the number of top-rated wine tasting experiences (with at least 4.4 stars on Google), the volume of five-star reviews and the general sentiment of feedback across Europe’s wine regions to compile a list of the top 10.”
That is all we know, the original survey is not linked, so we are left with some questions, like: have they studied all the wine producing countries of Europe? We are happy with the result of Eger, but if the number of 4 and 5 stars count, a larger wine region has obviously more high ratings, so did they use any correction, any adjustment according to the size of a wine region?
We have contacted both Time Out and Emerald Cruises to receive the entire survey. If we receive it, we will update our article.

Anyway, here is the order of the top 10 wine regions:

1. Bordeaux, France
2. Eger, Hungary
3. Tuscany, Italy
4. Rioja, Spain
5. Champagne, France
6. Franciacorta, Italy
7. Santorini, Greece
8. Ribera del Duero, Spain
9. Douro Valley, Portugal
10. Priorat, Spain

4 wineries you must not miss when visiting Eger

Gál Tibor Winery

 

 

Kovacs Nimrod Winery

 

 

TÓTH FERENC WINERY – 40 YEARS IN THE EGER WINE REGION

 

 

Thummerer Winery

A recent article and video about Tóth Ferenc Winery and its guest house along with a relaxed, open air event

“I stayed in Kadarka and drank it, too”

A recent article about Tibor Gál and the birth of Egri Csillag, the white blend

The Star of Eger – the wine and the visioner

The latest success of Thummerer Winery, an estate with one of the most amazing cellars of Hungary

Thummerer: double success at Eger Wine Contest

A recent article about Kovács Nimród Winery, the winner of the latest selection by the Circle of Hungarian Wine Writers

The Winewriters’ favourite in 2024: Kovács Nimród Winery

New accommodation in the city of Eger

Our most popular wine tourist destination is Eger, a gorgeous, historic city around a medieval castle. Tóth Ferenc Winery has recently opened a house with three apartments literally by the castle – called Várvédőház (meaning ‘The House to Defend the Castle’). While the ancient, famous fortress is obviously not available to book, these cosy apartments do, and they make you feel the lady or the lord of the castle.

Bikavér, Kadarka, Leányka

The three apartments of the new accommodation facilities are named after the iconic wines of Eger.

– Kadarka is a black variety, important for Bikavér blend and in itself as well, and it has a special importance at Tóth Ferenc Winery, they make an entry level and also a more concentrated Kadarka wine. This latter, Tóth Ferenc Egri Kadarka Superior 2019 has won gold at the National Kadarka Contest.
Kadarka apartment is peculiar just like the grape: brave colours, youthful, invigorating. An ideal romantic escape for couples on 36 square metres (suitable for three people as well).

– Leányka is an important white variety of Eger wine region, frequently it serves as a base for Egri Csillag blend, and Tóth Ferenc Winery makes two different varietal wines of the grape as well. There is a classic, dry Leányka with juicy fruity notes abundant in pear and tropical flavours and an Egri Leányka Superior Late Harvest as well with 50 g residual sugar.
Leányka apartment is a perfect “hiding place” for couples with window to the starry sky, natural colours, wooden furniture and timbers. The 31 sm2 apartment is suitable for 2-3 people.

– Bikavér is the iconic red blend of Eger wine region made of at least four grape varieties including Kékfrankos (the rest can be international grape like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.) Tóth Ferenc Várvédő Egri Bikavér Superior 2019 is the wine to drink in this apartment, since the name ‘Várvédő’ means ‘Defendant of the Castle”.
Bikavér apartment man is the largest of the three apartments on 59 sm2 is suitable for four people. Cosy, spacious, comfortable with all the amenities you might need.

Wifi, air condition, Led TV, washing machine and well-equipped kitchen is included in each of the apartment. The website is only in Hungarian at the moment, but you can check the photos at least. To give an example of the prices: 3 nights at Leányka apartment for two people on July 26–29 costs 84 000 HUF / around 215 EUR.

For booking, contact Várvédőház

Várvédőház apartment web

More about Tóth Ferenc Winery

 

Come to the beautiful Dobó square in Eger this weekend, enjoy live music and the latest vintage Egri Csillag wines, the white blend of Eger wine region. There is no admission free, just join the buzzling crowd of the festivity on any day from 28 April to 1st May. At the festival 20 wineries will present their wines, and apart from Egri Csillag visitors can taste rosé and red wines as well.

How to get there: Eger is only 120 km from Budapest, you can drive via M3 motorway and there is a direct bus service and InterCity train service as well.
List of exhibitors: Gál Tibor Winery, Tóth Ferenc Winery, Kovács Nimród Winery and many others, full list is here
Food vendors provide cheese, chili, churros, sandwiches, sushi, chimney cake and many more
Read more about Eger on VisitEger.com, one of the most gorgeous cities of Hungary

The legend of Egri Csillag (‘the Star of Eger’)

The most famous wine of Eger wine region is undoubtedly the red blend called Egri Bikavér (also known as Bulls’ Blood, though nowadays the Hungarian term is preferred). When winemakers of Eger were looking for a name for the white counterpart in 2011, they agreed on Egri Csillag since it has two cultural references: Egri csillagok (plural) is the title of the most read Hungarian novel ever. And also, Eger has been an important trade route for centuries, and before the invention of electricity hundreds of torches were lit along the vineyards to mark the routes – they were often referred to as the “stars of Eger”.

More about Gál Tibor Egri Csillag 2022, our “cover girl”

Grape varieties: Olaszrizling, Hárslevelű, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Tramini and Szürkebarát
Vineyards: Pajados, Síkhegy
Vinification: The varieties were harvested separately. Fermentation in stainless steel at low tempreature. The blending took place shortly after fermentation. Bottling after short maturation in stainless steel.
Tasting notes: Golden colour, swirls elegantly in the glass. The nose reveals white flowers and white flesh fruits along with gooseberry, mint, lemon grass. Easy drinking, zesty wine with refreshing acidity. Long, fruity, citrusy aftertaste.
Available: Gál Tibor Fúzió restaurant – with gratis sample of Egri Csillag (Eger), Bortársaság stores (troughout Hungary), Citadella Imports (US), Borstore (Germany), 2bratanki (Poland), Winelovers Webshop (all over Europe)

 

 

Tasting and wine dinners of the Eger white blend in Hungary

Several restaurants and wine bars of Eger, Budapest and even one place of Veszprém offer Egri Csillag themed tastings and wine dinners this week, until 16 March. ‘Egri Csillag’ meaning ‘Eger Star’ is a refreshing white blend, ideal in springtime.

Torches and stars

The most famous wine of Eger wine region is undoubtedly the red blend called Egri Bikavér (also known as Bulls’ Blood, though nowadays the Hungarian term is preferred). When winemakers of Eger were looking for a name for the white counterpart in 2011, they agreed on Egri Csillag since it has two cultural references: Egri csillagok (plural) is the title of the most read Hungarian novel ever. And also, Eger has been an important trade route for centuries, and before the invention of electricity hundreds of torches were lit along the vineyards to mark the routes – they were often referred to as the “stars of Eger”.

This year 20 events await fans of the blend, just to mention a few:

– Zengő wine bar in Budapest offers 3 Egri Csillag wines by the glass
– Macok bistro in Eger has put Egri Csillag wines with matching dishes for this week, for example: Gál Tibor Egri Csillag and roulade of trout from
Szilvásvárad with porcini and celery salad, fennel cream with horse radish.
– Some wineries also have offers this week, Tóth Ferenc Winery is one of them with a great value Egri Csillag pack. The package includes a fresh, 2022 classicus wine, a superior wine from 2021 and some chocolate matching with the wines.

More Egri Csillag events (in Hungarian, but google can help)

 

Avalon View, a new luxury boat of Avalon fleet has recently been inaugurated with a cruise from Bratislava to Budapest. The guests could enjoy several wines from renowned Eger estate, Kovács Nimród Winery. The special occasion was the beginning of a beautiful partnership: from now KNW wines are available on the Danube cruises of Avalon fleet.

A Taste of the Danube cruise

Avalon offers 6 different Danube cruises from 4 days to 9 days. A Taste of the Danube cruise is probably the most suitable for connoisseurs, it departs from Budapest and the route is amazing including Melk, the scenery of Umberto Eco’s famous novel, The Name of the Rose. “Cruise through the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, past quaint towns and villages—and stops in charming towns and cities of Slovakia and Austria along the way. Sail between two countries on a 58-mile stretch of the Danube that’s shared by Hungary and Slovakia. Explore Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a dynamic city at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Visit the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, which served as Hungary’s coronation church during the 16th to 19th centuries. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, where Benedictine monks still stroll within the sacred walls. Sitting high on a bluff, it offers the most breathtaking views of the city, the Danube River, and the Austrian countryside all at once. Conclude your beautiful Danube River cruise in Vienna, Austria.“

More about the cruise

Hungarian Fine Wine Association among the exhibitors

The Czech capital hosts wine expo Wine Prague again. If you stay in Prague, tomorrow you can still visit the expo from 10.00 to 17.00. Several Hungarian wineries await visitors Villány (Csányi WInery) to Tokaj(Holdvölgy) and do not miss Fine Wine Association of Hungary with four outstanding wineries at one exhibitor booth. Tóth Ferenc Winery (Eger), Etyeki Kúria (Etyek), Hétszőlő (Tokaj) and Vida (Szekszárd).

If you visit the booth, do not miss Tóth Ferenc Várvédő Bikavér Superior 2018. As we reported earlier, Tóth Ferenc Winery in Eger received great scores from Stuart Pigott, wine writer of JamesSuckling.com: 4 wines got points above 90. The highest score (92) went to Tóth Ferenc Várvédő Egri Bikavér Superior 2018. “The deep damson-plum and forest-berry nose pulls you into this full-bodied red that has surprisingly bright acidity and plenty of healthy tannins, which together give good focus.”

How to get to Wine Prague

Full list of exhibitors of Wine Prague

More about Fine Wine Association of Hungary

The festival of the white blend of Eger kicks off the season

Eger with its medieval castle and its astonishing baroque city centre is one of the most beautiful places of Hungary. The weekend of 28 April to 1 May will serve as the the ideal time to visit, since winemakers present their latest vintage wines in the most popular, classic category in Dobó Square, the heart of the city.

Photos: Róbert Nemes

 

I must tell you, dear readers that Eger is my favourite middle size city in Hungary. I have my reasons: this is the place where I spent my college years, probably the most sensitive time of my life. I remember choosing the college: “let’s go to Eger, they have good wines” and so the decision was made and never regretted. I still adore the little cobblestone streets, the large park, the beautiful Turkish spa, the lovely walk from the student dormitory near the castle, the sleek Minaret, the restaurants, the bars, the atmosphere. So I can recommend this programme with my full heart!
If you accept my advice and participate, do not miss to taste Tóth Ferenc Egri Csillag 2021 (the estate manager, Katalin Tóth is on the right below). It is a blend of Leányka, Olaszrizling, Hárslevelű and Muscat Ottonel– 100%-of the grape varieties are from the Carpathian Basin. Base wines were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, then fermented wines were blended and rested for a month. The winery recommends it with sea food, poultry dishes and salads. “Wine with a lemon tint. Fresh, crispy white fleshy fruit flavours and a slightly sweetish character make the wine fresh and exciting.” – Adél Bernáth-Ulcz chocolate and wine expert from CsokiLaBor.

Masterclasses of Hungarian Wine Summit

Dr. Caroline Gilby MW, Elizabeth Gabay MW, Peter Mc Combie MW and many other renowned wine experts give masterclasses at the first Hungarian Wine Summit. Topics include Cabernet Franc, the foreign local hero, Olaszrizling, the essence of Central Europe, Tokaj’s natural sweet wines, Kékfrankos, Hungary’s vibrant black variety, the thousand faced Furmint and Bikavér, the authentic blend of Szekszárd and Eger.

The peaceful bulls

Bikavér is the most historic, famous, and at times infamous, red blend of Hungary. Bikavér literally means “bull’s blood”, it explains the bull figures on the label. Typical in the northern region of Eger and the southern region of Szekszárd. The masterclass will provide a brief summary of the history of Bikavér before exploring how the style has evolved in the two regions and how they have developed two distinct identities. Finally, it will take a look at how the next generation and new regulations are moving this wine style into the future.
Elizabeth Gabay MW will have two co-speakers, two young winemakers, Csilla Sebestyén from Szekszárd and Tibor Gál from Eger. While the two wine regions will never agree on the story of the blend (who made bikavér first), we, wine consumers just benefit from their competition…

Registration for the masterclasses begins soon, keep an eye on the website of the event!

Trade members are welcome

Hungarian Wine Summit, the 3-day exhibition will feature selected wineries from all over the country. Importers, distributors, sommeliers and wine writers will have the chance to taste wines from a wide range of wineries, who were selected according to strict criteria:

– Size do not matter, both larger and smaller wineries can introduce the wines, in case the quality of the wines meet the international standards.

– “Help the ones who deserve it” – AMC aims to give opportunity to wineries, which can add significant work, passion and stamina. The trade fair is only the first step, therefore the exhibition showcases wineries, which definitely have the potential, the human resource and the wit to go further.

Trade members are welcome, entrance is free for them, however prior registration is a must. Professionals should fill in the registration form here to get a pass to enter the fair.

Wine & gastronomy: side by side with the ‘Chef Olympic Games’

Bocuse d’Or is the most famous, the most prestigious competition for chefs, no wonder, Hungary is proud to host Bocuse d’Or European final again. Hungarian fine dining scene has undergone serious improvement, just to mention one amazing record: Budapest boasts the most Michelin stars among the former Eastern Bloc countries. Hungary has some outstanding results from the previous Bocuse D’Or contests as well: Tamás Széll won the European final in 2016.

Hungarian Wine Summit and Bocuse d’Or European final will take place with SIRHA, the largest Central-Eastern European gastronomy and HoReCa trade fair.

More information about Hungarian Wine Summit

 

Tóth Ferenc Egri Csillag 2021

The white community blend of Eger wine region, “The Star of Eger” is refreshing and easy going, yet complex enough to match with dishes. The winter is almost over, if you can’t wait for the blossoming of the trees, open this bottle!

Tóth Ferenc Egri Csillag 2021 consists of 4 grape varieties: Leányka, Olaszrizling, Hárslevelű, and Muscat Ottonel. It is obligatory to use two indigenous varieties (the blend has to be made of at least 4 varieties) however Tóth Ferenc Winery is an overachiever: 100% of the grape varieties are from the Carpathian Basin. Base wines are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks. Then the fermented wines were blended and rested for a month.
“Wine with a lemon tint. Fresh, crisp white fleshy fruit flavours and a slightly sweetish character make the wine fresh and exciting” – Description by Adél Bernáth-Ulcz from CsokiLaBor

More about Tóth Ferenc Winery

Egri Csillag in Tóth Ferenc Winery Webshop

Tóth Ferenc wines are available in several countries. If you can’t find an importer near your home, write here.

Tóth Ferenc wines are also available in Winelovers Webshop, they ship to every European country!

 

More about Egri Csillag, the white blend of Eger wine region

A decade ago Eger wine region was looking for new ways to express its identity. Egri Bikavér has long been established as a leading brand among Hungarian reds but its white counterpart was missing. Eger as a wine region is characterized by a rich diversity of varieties so the tradition of blending goes back to centuries. There is no single white variety that could be considered dominant either in terms of acreage or production volume, nevertheless almost 45% of the area under vine is dedicated to white varieties. With this in mind it was clear that local winemakers should create a white counterpart to the iconic Egri Bikavér, a white blend marketed under a common brand name.

What to know about Egri Csillag

– The first vintage of Egri Csillag was made in 2011.
– Initially ten wineries launched whites with the name Egri Csillag.
– Since then the number of participating wineries has steadily increased and today there are more than 25 different Egri Csillag wines available.
– Egri Csillag is a blend of at least four varieties.
– At least half of the varieties must be indigenous to the Carpathian Basin.
– There are three categories: classicus, superior and grand superior.
– All of them dry.
– Classicus is a light, crispy wine with intense fruit and floral aromas.
– Wines in the superior category show more concentration and receive barrel ageing.
– With grand superior wines there is an exciting extra dimension: all the grapes come from a single vineyard.
– With an annual production of one million bottles Egri Csillag is one of the market leaders today.
– Thanks to the volume and the three categories a wide range of customers buy the wines.
– You can find them in supermarkets, but also in wine bars and top restaurants frequented by wine connoisseurs.