30 wineries, 100 wines

The Sunday event is a joint project of 7 wine merchants, each of them presenting Furmint wines from their selection. “Discover the diversity of the white grape variety Furmint! Whether sparkling wine, white wine, or sweet wine, 100 top wines from 30 different producers in Hungary await you.” The masterclass is already sold out, but normal tickets are still available for this walk-around tasting with wineries like Sauska from Tokaj, producing still and traditional method sparkling wines of Furmint as well.

Date and time: 1 February 2026, 13.00–19.00
Venue: Volkshaus, Stauffecherstrasse 60, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
Tickets: 29 CHF / person
Tickets are available to purchase here

Not one, but six Furmint wines!

Sauska has a whole selection of wines made of Furmint, each of them with outstanding international accolades: “Our Furmint selection celebrates the fact that this variety is now receiving the international acclaim it deserves. Our Sauska Brut sparkling wine series is the best in Hungary in the non-vintage category at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships. Medve Furmint scored 97 points and won Platinum at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2024 (incidentally, the vineyard regularly outperforms others as a base for sparkling wine), while Birsalmás won gold in 2025 and scored 96 points from James Suckling.”
See all the Furmint wines here 

Check out Sauska wines available at Le Bouchon Vinothek (one of the organising merchants) here

Read our earlier interview with Péter Bero of Le Bouchon Vinothek

Le Bouchon Vinothek, Switzerland

Winelovers Sparkling Night

Guests can taste around 100 sparkling wines from more than 50 estates. Apart from the 35 Hungarian sparkling brands, participants can taste bubblies from France, Italy, Spain, Romania, Austria and South Africa. Koch Chardonnay Extra Brut Unfiltered, a sparkling wine without having been disgorged will also be available. And the venue is Hotel InterContinental in Budapest, with magnificent view of the river Danube and the iconic Chain Bridge.

Date and time: 29 December 2025, 17.00–22.00
Venue: Hotel InterContinental Budapest, 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Csere J. u. 12-14, Hungary
Pre-sale price until 28 December: 15 900 HUF/person (approximately 41 EUR), 29 800 HUF / 2 people (approximately 77.6 EUR)
Tickets on the spot: 18 900 HUF / person (approximately 49.2 EUR)
More information and ticket order here
Contact

Chardonnay bubbly in three versions

Koch Winery in Hajós–Baja wine region makes traditional method sparkling wine of Chardonnay in three versions: there is a brut one, an extra brut one and an extra brut without disgorging. This last one is undoubtedly a unique drink even for the experienced sparkling wine drinkers. The fine lees give complexity and richness to a sparkling wine, but we get rid of it in order to obtain an attractive, clean and bright drink. And what if we do not remove the fine lees? It is an adventure, try it! But in moderation, since the fine lees can give headache if you are sensitive, but with one-two glasses there is no need to worry.
The grape was picked by hand from the vineyards around the estate building in Borota, Hajós–Baja wine region. Currently the 2023 vintage is available, abundant in citrus notes, mainly grapefruit along with green apple and some hazelnut. Elegant, complex and exciting sparkling wine with elevated acidity.
The retail price is around 28 EUR.

More about Koch Winery

Csaba Koch, the founder’s daughter, Pálma Koch is very active, and not only in the winery

Pálma Koch is the new president of Junibor

An organic rarity by Koch Winery

Have you heard of Castellum grape variety?

The medal winners of the 11th Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC) were announced on 16 September with a total of 167 Gold and 229 Silver Medals awarded. Nearly 1000 sparkling wines were judged over 11 days from 20 countries. However, the Best in Class and Trophy winners were revealed at CSWWC Awards Dinner two days ago, on 24 October in London. And the “Oscar” for the best Hungarian Sparkling goes to Sauska Brut Magnum!

In the cover photo from left to right:
Dániel Katona (Sauska sales manager), Andrea Sauska (owner), Essi Avellan MW (founder and judge of CSWWC), Tom Stevenson (founder and judge of CSWWC)

Hungary: 9 medals overall

Hungary won 2 gold medals (both by Sauska for the Sauska NV Brut Magnum and for Sauska NV Brut) and 7 silver medals (one by Sauska again for Sauska 2017 Furmint Brut). The forever rival of Sauska, Kreinbacher Estate (Somló) could not win any gold medals this year, they won two silver medals just like Törley (Etyek–Buda) and Szentpéteri Wine Cellar (Kunság).

See all results here

Sauska team commenting the success and the “Magnum-effect”

“SAUSKA NV BRUT MAGNUM repeated its last year success at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships by winning the Best Hungarian Sparkling Wine and Best in Class award once again! Last night in London`s Merchants Taylors Hall, the leading players of the international champagne world met again to celebrate together the winners of the world’s toughest champagne and sparkling wine competition.

The Magnum-effect seems to be true to the line-up as well: according to the founder Tom Stevenson, more than ten times as many items were entered in 1.5 litre bottles this year, and 92% of all Magnums entered achieved the same result or better than their classic bottle-sized counterparts.

For us, it is always a special honour to be nominated in the “super final” Supreme World Champion category, which is this time was won by Dom Ruinart 2007 Blanc de Blancs Magnum.”

More about Sauska

A previous article of ours about Sauska rosé sparkling wines

Sauska Rosé Brut – pink bubbles from Tokaj

Sauska results from last year’s CSWWC

Another “Oscar” to Sauska

Sauska results from CSWWC 2022

Sauska’s golden bubbles – success at CSWWC 2022

 

 

Sparkling and still wine festival

Vienna has Grinzing, Paris has some vineyards in the Montmartre and Budapest is also a capital that boasts vineyards and wine cellars “within the city walls”. Budafok is the sparkling district of the Hungarian capital with iconic sparkling cellars like Törley, Garamvári and Sauska. The 34th annual Budafok Wine and Sparkling Wine Festival is an open air festivity with guest wineries – for example Steigler from Sopron and Szeleshát from Szekszárd – , live music and children programmes.

Date and time: 6th, 7th and 8th of September, every day from 16.00 to 23.00
Programmes:
– open air wine tastings at Oroszlános Udvar and Városháza square
– open air market of artisan products
– concerts, children programmes
– gastronomic exhibitors
Entrance is free, but the festival glass has to be bought for 2000 HUF.
How to get there: very simple, just take No47 tram from Deák square, ride 20 stops and you are in the centre of a buzzing wine village!
The official website of the festival is only in Hungarian and does not contain much…
The Facebook-page gives a bit more info.
If you need help, contact us.

Garamvári – pioneering and winning constantly

For a long time, sparkling wine production in Hungary was burdened by tax costs, and Garamvári was the only family winery producing sparkling wines, besides the big player Törley. Vencel Garamvári, the founder, a keen connoisseur of Champagne became successful with his traditional method sparkling wines made of Champagne varieties, but at the same time he was the first to make bottle fermented sparkling wine of Furmint grape. Blanc Fleur, the sparkling wine in our cover photos is an extra dry vintage (2018) sparkling wine made of Pinot Blanc, a real hit from the estate.
The estate produces still wines as well, and win many awards and titles all the time. The most recent one: Garamvári Sauvignon Blanc 2023 has been selected the Best White Wine of Savaria Historic Festival (one of the coolest events in Hungary!).

More about Garamvári Vineyard

Garamvári Vineyard

A recent release from Garamvári Vineyard

Wedding oath bottled

The trend of bubblies go on marching gloriously, and our majestic wine region, Tokaj also gives more and more traditional and alternative sparkling wines using local grapes, mainly Furmint and Hárslevelű. The festival takes place in the pearl of Tokaj, in the village of Mád. The entrance is free, guests pay for the wines. It is relaxed event with kids, dogs, Dj-s and lots of bubbles.

‘Mádi Pezsgés’ is the name of this annual wine event, in which ‘pezsgés’ refers to a vibrant event, but it also refers to sparkling wine (‘pezsgő’ in Hungarian), while Mád is the name of the village with a suffix at the end. At this informal all day event participants can sit on the grass, dance, taste local gourmet products or just relax in a hammock.

Date and time: 25 May 2024, 13.00–24.00
Venue: Bercsényi utca, Mád, Tokaj, Hungary
By car from Budapest: 2.5 hours (220 km) via M3
By train from Budapest: 3 hours (with Tokaj Intercity and a local train from Szerencs)
Entrance: Free, wines are to be paid on the spot. A so called “Pezsgőútlevél” (‘Sparkling Wine Passport’) will be available, it gives some discount and it is fun to get stamps.
Exhibitors: The village of Mád is full of great wineries. The list is not announced yet, but guests will surely meet Zsirai, Holdvölgy, Barta, Pelle and TR wineries.
Accommodation: There are several guest houses in Mád, yet it is recommended to book as soon as possible, the event is popular, the places will be fully booked. Two suggestions:
– The fabulously renovated mansion managed by Barta Winery:

Rákóczi Aspremont Mansion

Suites, Rákóczi-Aspremont Mansion

– The lovely, cosy guest house managed by Zsirai Winery.

Zsirai Guest House

Guesthouse

Orginizer: The organizer of the event is Mádi Kör (‘The Circle of Mád Producers’), see members here.
Photos of the last edition here.

3 great bubblies from Mád

Barta Tokaji Furmint 2019

A serious player from one of the best vineyards of Tokaj. “2019 was another suitable vintage to produce a great Furmint base wine from Öreg Király. It underwent secondary fermentation in the bottle and was aged on the leesfor a minimum of 3.5 years before disgorgement.” The dosage is only 4 g/l.
More about Barta Winery

Holdvölgy ‘Hold and Holló Uppp 2022

A playful aerated sparkling wine with 8,9 g/L residual sugar, made of Zéta and Hárslevelű. The nose begins with juicy sugar melon, fresh grapefruit, later it is dominated by peach. Creamy, juicy on the palate with refreshing green applenotes, pear and citrus fruits.
More about Holdvölgy

Zsirai Méthode Traditionnelle

“We have been flirting with the idea of making a traditional sparkling wine for a long time. Finally, in 2020, all the conditions were right, and we managed to pick excellent grape from the Nyúlászó vineyard. The base wine was made from a blend of Furmint and Hárslevelű, which was aged for 18 months on fine lees after bottling. We disgorged at the beginning of October 2021, and no dosage was added. In the aroma, white-fleshed fruits, citrus and floral notes return. The fruity sip is nicely complemented by the flavours from bottle ageing and the minerality characteristic of the wine region. Well-structured, concentrated wine with a long finish. An excellent choice to make the festive moments even more memorable.”
More about Zsirai Winery

6th edition of Furmint February at Painter’s Hall

The 6th edition of Furmint February tasting will take place next Tuesday at Painter’s Hall in London with 30 exhibitors. This year’s theme is ‘Furmint & Friends’, therefore participants can taste blends and wines of indigenous grapes besides the flagship Furmint. An extra feature this year is the Bubble Bar with 13 Furmint-based bubblies.The event is organised by Wines of Hungary UK / Wine Communication in association with the Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency, press and trade members are welcome, however registration is needed.

Date and time: 27 February, 11.00–17.00
Venue: Painters’ Hall, 9 Little Trinity Ln, London EC4V 2AD, United Kingdom
Register here
See the list of participating wineries here

Taste our sparkling wines with Sue Tolson

‘Thanks to Tokaj’s moderate-to-cool climate, the Furmint can achieve full ripeness while retaining its hallmark high acidity. This, combined with its relatively neutral flavour and moderate alcohol levels, lays the foundation for quality sparkling wines. Furmint shows a similar sugar:acid ratio to Chardonnay when picked at the right moment.’ (Caroline Gilby MW)

Join the guided tastings for a deep dive into why Furmint is great for classy traditional method sparkling wines (plus a pét-nat). Sue Tolson (Hungary based wine writer and MW student) will introduce 6 wines during each half an hour speed tasting @ the Bubble Bar table, at 12, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.

The list of sparkling wines to taste

1. Bodrog Borműhely, Tokaji Extra Brut NV, Tokaj (Furmint, Hárslevelű, ABV 12.5%)
2. Chateau Dereszla, Tokaji Sparkling Vintage 2019, Tokaj (Furmint, Hárslevelű, ABV 13%)
3. Garamvári Estate, Lellei Furmint Brut 2019, Balaton (Furmint, ABV 12%)
4. Garamvári Estate, Tokaji Furmint Brut 2016, Tokaj (Furmint, ABV 12.5%)
5. Gilvesy, Furmint Brut 2019, Balaton (Furmint, ABV 11.5%)
6. Homola Winery, Furmint Brut 2020, Balaton (Furmint, ABV 12.5%)
7. Pelle, Király, Brut Nature 2020, Tokaj (Furmint, single vineyard, ABV 12.5%)
8. Patricius, Furmint Brut 2020, Tokaj (Furmint, ABV 12.5%)
9. Sauska Tokaj, Sauska Brut NV, Tokaj (Furmint, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, ABV 12.5%)
10. Sauska Tokaj, Sauska Rosé Brut 2018, Tokaj (Furmint, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, ABV 12.5%)
11. Szarka Pince, Tokaji Pezsgő Extra Brut 2021, Tokaj (Furmint, Hárslevelű, ABV 12.5%)
12. Tokaj-Hétszőlő Organic Vineyards, Sparkling Furmint Brut 2021, Tokaj (Furmint, ABV 11.5%)
13. TR Wines Tokaj, TR Organic Pét-Nat 2022, Tokaj (Furmint, ABV 13%)

Do you want to taste diverse wines and learn about them, but a wine school cannot be scheduled in your life? In this case a winery visit with a wide range of wines and with a patient “teacher” is a good option for you. Kurt István Taschner loves his homeland and he never runs out of stories about Sopron. Plus, we can find the whole “course material” in his cellar, from bottle fermented sparkling wines to natural sweet wines.

(Our cover photo is from Kurt’s Facebook-page, and we are happy to share it, since it is hard to find photos of him. Being a humble person in love of nature, he prefers taking photos of the stunning sunsets and gorgeous sunrises instead of selfies.)

Versatile indeed

The family vineyard is of 26 hectares, where mostly indigenous (Austro–Hungarian) grapes are grown: Kékfrankos (black), Zweigelt (black) and Zöldveltelini (Grüner Veltliner) (white). Have you heard of Frühroter Veltliner? Don’t worry, we haven’t heard of it either B.T. (Before Taschner). He also grows grapes that are known only in Hungary – though here they are very popular. The aromatic white Irsai Olivér is a good example. In cooler climate Irsai can be fresh, crispy, not overwhelmingly aromatic – this is the case with Kurt’s Irsai Olivér, which usually wins gold at the national “New Vintage” contest, and it is often the very first release of the new vintage in Hungary.

The slightly cool climate and the soil of lime stone is perfectly suitable for making traditional method sparkling wines. Taschner Brut is made only in exceptional vintages with base wine made of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The magnum and normal bottle above in our cover photo is Taschner Pinot Noir sparkling wine. He also makes red wine of international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, what is more, he is one of the few winemakers who bottles in mini bottles (0.18 L). If you fly with Wizzair, you can taste his still Chardonnay on board (the label is quite French-like, but don’t let yourself be deceived).

And as we mentioned in the lead, he makes natural sweet wines as well, read about natural sweet Taschner Zenitbelow. Moreover, the icing on the cake: enjoy a strong but delicious ‘pálinka’ (our national, origin protected spirit) made of 100% grapes, like Irsai.

Wine tasting at Taschner Winery

Sopron is only one hour by train from Vienna, and 2.5 hours from Budapest. At the winery Kurt István Tascner offers two types of tasting package (the names are Swabian words connected to wine cellars).
– Poncichter tasting: 6 wine samples, mineral water, bread with olive oil. Price: 3900 HUF / person (10 euro)
– Buschenschank tasting: 6 + 2 wine samples (2 from the more exclusive and expensive wines), mineral water, bread with olive oil, cheese. Price: 5900 HUF / person (15 euro)

Book your visit here

The official website of the winery is under construction, meanwhile you can find more information here.

Poncichter, Bohnenzüchter – a recipe with a pinch of etymology

The “Beangrower” grapegrowers’ everyday meal

Taschner Zenit 2020 – a dessert by itself

Natural sweet Zenit with foie gras

New release by Garamvári Vineyards

Chardonnay & Pinot Blanc Sweet Classic

By Ágnes Németh

I would have never thought that I would ever campaign for sweet sparkling wines, yet I am doing it now. Wine consumption is decreasing globally, so any initiative that can grab new customers to the wine trade should be greeted. What is more, sweet sparkling wine still contains less sugar than other drinks: Garamvári Sweet Classic has 8 g sugar / serving (150 ml), while a glass of Coca Cola has 13.5 and a glass of Jack & Coke has 33 g of sugar! So, if you have sweet teeth, wouldn’t you opt for the natural choice, a drink made of grapes?

 

The wine drinkers’ evolution

Wine connoisseurs tend to despise those, who drink sweet wines (certainly I am not speaking about noble sweet wines like Tokaji Aszú here). It is true that the more experienced and educated someone’ palate is, the more likely he or she is to seek purity in wines, and sugar always masks the wine a little. I remember my first sparkling wine, a few sips at New Year’s Eve from my parents’ glass. It was “doux”, obviously, what is more, it was the only brand available then (in the 1980s) in Hungary from the former Soviet Union, it was called Sovietskoe Igristoe. Later the products of the largest Hungarian sparkling company called Törley were available in every supermarket, me and my siblings reached the legal drinking age (at least one of us) and we decided to give up our parents’ sweet choice, we chose a demi sec sparkling wine and we were very proud of ourselves. Then, as a young adult I started to choose ‘sec’ or ‘dry”, which can still contain up to 32 g sugar / litre. Then began my wine career as the editor of a wine magazine. I did not understand Champagne – what is all that buzz about that sour liquid? A few years later I considered myself the luckiest person to have the chance to drink Roederer for a whole day. Now I live in a town in Spain where everybody drinks brut nature sparkling wine, if by mistake I get brut, I find it too sweet.

At the same time, I became more tolerant with other preferences, especially because I often organize winery tours for “amateurs”, and yes, some of them ask for sweet sparkling wine. There is nothing wrong with them, they are just at the beginning of their wine path. Plus, sweet sparkling wine can work well with light, creamy, fluffy fruit desserts like strawberry meringue. A few years ago, I participated in a luxurious wine dinner by Freixenet, and the last course was a long aged sweet cava paired with the dessert – it was fabulous!