tornai winery Archives - Hungarianwines

Juhfark Fest on 11 October in Somló

Hungarianwines.eu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:41:40 +0000

Save the date!

The annual tasting festivity of the indigenous grape of our smallest wine region awaits its guests. The volcanic Somló is a land of astonishing wines with their distinct character. If you taste Somlói Juhfark, you will remember it. The hosting estate is – as always – Tornai Winery.

Date and time: 11 October 2025, 13.30–19.00
Venue: Tornai Winery, Somló, Hungary
How to get there: It takes approximately 2.5 hours to get to Tornai from Budapest.
Transfer from Budapest: There will be a transfer from Budapest directly to Tornai Winery for 7900 HUF (return trip), prior booking is needed.
Accommodation is available, plus Tornai has a charging station for electric cars.
What happens? Participants can taste Juhfark wines from 16 wineries in a relaxed walk-around tasting.
Participating wineries: Baráth, Barcza, Csordás-Fodor, Fehérvári, Fekete, Hegedűs-Szabó-Clements, Kabor, Kancellár, Kolonics, Kőfejtő, Kreinbacher, “A Nagy Bajuszú Jász Laci Pincéje”, Somlói Vándor, “A szemüveges srác borpincéje”, Tornai.
Guest winery: Laposa Estate from Badacsony
Dishes by Tornai restaurant will be available to purchase:
– Grilled Camembert wrapped in bacon, garnished with fresh salad (for vegetarians without bacon)
– Grilled chicken breast with basil and fresh salad
– French fries
– Cheese selection
– Cream dessert a la Tornai
Side programmes:
– 14.30–15.30: Somló tour with a tourist train, with tasting the wines of each stop, ticket: 8900 HUF
– 15.30–16.30: Cellar and museum visit with tasting, ticket: 2900 HUF
– 16.30–17.30: Vertical Juhfark tasting with several award-winning wines, conducted by the owner, Tamás Tornai, ticket: 8900 HUF

Tickets cost 12 900 HUF / person.
Buy your tickets here
For more information call +36 70 663 6641 or write to here.
More about Tornai Winery

Tour on Somló with tourist train – and wine in hand

Cellar visit at Tornai Winery

Vertical tasting of award-winning Juhfark wines

A sip of knowledge: Juhfark grape variety

– Juhfark is grown almost exclusively in the small volcanic hill of Somló, a small amount in Balatonfüred.
– Rather neutral, restrained nose with some flowers and green apples. High, sometimes brutal acidity. It is really difficult to tame this variety, but there are amazing examples of it in history! If you are not afraid of straightforward acidity, take a chance on it. In Somló, the minerality paired with high acidity results some outstanding wines with great aging potential.
– Juhfark takes its name from the sheep’s tail, as the long cylindrical shape of the bunches resemble the sheep’s tail. It is often cited as the ‘wines of the wedding-night’, since it was believed to help when a couple had been longing for a son.

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Celebrate Juhfark with 14 winemakers on 21 October

Hungarianwines.eu — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:29:34 +0000

Host: Tornai Winery, Somló

The unique grape of Somló, Juhfark deserves to be celebrated–it is capable of great wines reflecting the volcanic terroir and it can also elevate our weekdays with its crispy and refreshing acidity. Tickets are still available for the Saturday festivity.

Juhfark “Ünnep” is the Hungarian name of the whole day event on Saturday, and while it can be translated to “Festival”, “Ünnep”, the original word is slightly more solemn, more ceremonial. And when the world is torn apart, the length of the TV news is not enough to detail all the actual conflicts, it is high time to celebrate the community, the unity of individuals, the group of winemakers who join forces for the sake of a grape variety they believe in.

Date and time: 21 October, 13.30–19.30
Venue: Tornai Winery, 478 Somlójenő, Somló mountain, Hungary (2 hours’ drive from Budapest)
Ticket (voucher): 10 900 HUF / 28 euros
Transfer (from Budapest to Somló and back): 7900 HUF / 20-21 euros
You can easily purchase your ticket here to the grand tasting, the workshops along with the voucher for your return transfer from Budapest to Somló.

Program:
– 13.30–19.30 Walk around tasting with 14 winemakers displaying 25 wines with vintages from 2017 to 2022.
– 14.30 Vineyard tour around Somló mountain by bus with tasting at wineries. Participation costs 7900 HUF / 20-21 euros, voucher should be purchased online in advance.
– 15.00 or 17.00 Guided cellar tour and museum visit is provided, registration on site, ticket costs 1500 HUF.
– 16.00 Workshop: Somló Juhfark VS Other Juhfark
“How does Juhfark perform on Somló and other wine regions? How does the terroir affect this variety and how does the variety show the strengths of the terroir? What kind of wine is produced from this in the various wine regions? Interactive comparative tasting involving the audience.”
Participation costs 7900 HUF / 20-21 euros, voucher should be purchased online in advance.
Detailed program is available here
Contact: rendezveny@tornaipince.hu, +36 70 663 6641,

More information about Tornai Winery

Participating wineries and the Somló Juhfark wines to be presented

5 Ház Estate: Birtok Juhfark 2020, Unfiltered Juhfark 2021
Baráth Borműhely: Birtokbor 2020, Juhfark 2021
Barcza Winery: Juhfark 2019, Juhfark 2020, Juhfark 2021
Dobosi Winery (guest, Balatonfüred Wine Region): Bio Juhfark 2022
Fehérvári Estate: Reserve Juhfark 2021, Grand Reserve Juhfark 2021
Fekete Winery: Juhfark 2019, Juhfark 2020
Hegedűs-Szabó Winery: Juhfark 2021
Kolonics Winery: Juhfark 2021
Kőfejtő Winery: Juhfark 2017, Juhfark 2020, Juhfark Ság 2020
Kreinbacher Estate: Juhfark Selection 2020, Juhfark 2021
Marton Winery: Juhfark 2021
Somlói Apátsági Winery: Juhfark 2021
Szabó Winery: Juhfark 2020
Tornai Winery: Birtok Juhfark 2022, Prémium Juhfark 2021, Top Selection Aranyhegy Juhfark 2021, Top Selection Aranyhegy Juhfark 2020

Juhfark pairs well with a whole range of dishes. Try the autumn menu of Tornai restaurant (open at weekends)

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Taste the “lovely stuff” from Somló

Hungarianwines.eu — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 09:26:34 +0000

A walk around tasting takes place this Friday (6th November) to feature volcanic Somló wine region, organized by Borjour team. ‘Cool’ wines with minerality from about 20 wineries including Tornai Winery, the estate that has won 4 International Wine Challenge trophies! The smallest Hungarian wine region is most famous for its indigenous Juhfark grape, but Olaszrizling, Furmint or Hárslevelű grapes are also important.
Hárslevelű is the other main grape variety in Tokaj besides Furmint, however it is widely planted all over the country, it can be found even in the southern Villány. Late to ripen, like Furmint, but with looser bunches. It has a thicker grape skin meaning that in dry vintages the botrytis attack it more slowly. Its wine is more aromatic than Furmint with delicate linden honey aromas, sometimes elderflower. Elegant, subtle wine can be made from Hárslevelű with refined acidity, creamy texture and a touch of spices.

A Trophy winner Hárslevelű

Tornai Top Selection Grófi Hárslevelű 2017 won a Trophy at International Wine Challenge 2019. The jury’s opinion: “This is rich and honeyed, yet has precision. With a saline edge to the vital pear and peach fruit and a hint of sweetness. Big and balanced, Lovely stuff!“

The venue of the Friday Somló tasting is Stefánia Palace, a renewed historic building close to Heroes’ Square.

More information and tickets

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3 unforgettable bike routes in Hungary

Hungarianwines.eu — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:50:40 +0000

Spring has arrived, it is time to get on a bike and enjoy the lovely vineyards. With bike you are allowed to taste some wine – of course you have to obey the rules of traffic, but now zero tolerance does not refer to cyclists (there was a time when the strict rule applied to cyclists as well, but thank God it was changed).

1, Balaton with Sabar Wine House – the longest

The largest lake in Central Europe is lake Balaton, and the bicycle route is well built around the lake, it is 210 kilometres. An ideal place to stop is Sabar Wine House (a little bit farther from the lake, but the plus kilometres are well worth), where the view is breath taking, the wines are fascinating, and the staff is welcoming. Sabar is very active in organizing events: 10–12 April Wine Hike, 16 May Wine Hike, 30 May Sabar Hill Wine Tour and the biggest one, a 3 day event full of music and wine: 3–5 July Sabar Blues. If you need more information on any of these events, write to us or to Sabar. Sabar is open all year, but as they suggest: “Please make sure to phone us or write an e-mail before you come, so we can chill the wines to the right temperature and place your chair where the most beautiful view is, by the time you arrive.”

More information about Sabar

More about cycling around lake Balaton

2, Somló with Tornai Winery – the family friendly

Somló is a volcanic mountain, and the last thing you would think of it is to ride a bike there. Indeed it is steep, but what if you ride around? Tornai Winery is passionate about cycling, therefore they have invented a bicycle route around the mountain, and visitors can rent a bike right from the winery. “A total of 10 kilometers, almost no uphill, even a child can easily go on it. During the tour you can discover Somló’s wonders and, of course, taste the wines of the best cellars.” The winery has a small, but lovely, rustic, well equipped guest house as well. Wine dinner is also available, but pre-booking is necessary: “Besides our wines we also offer special gastronomic experiences. Our wine dinners consist of fresh, seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, with the best wine pairings. Our chef represents the exclusive Hungarian cuisine, prepares delicious and varied dishes with modern technology. Our wine dinners are available for groups of at least 6 people by prior arrangement.”

More about renting bike at Tornai Winery

3, Neusiedler See with Taschner Winery – the most international

With one bike, in one route you can visit two countries, taste Hungarian Kékfrankos grape or the same Blaufrankisch in Austria. Zöldveltelini white grape in Sopron, but Grüner Veltliner in Burgenland. Neusiedler See is a beautiful lake, the majority is in Austria, and you can ride around the lake within one day, or with kids you can enjoy the ride prolonged for a whole weekend. Cycle route around Neusiedler See: 135 km, of which 38 km are on the Hungarian side. The cycle route around lake Neusiedl See is one of the most beautiful and diverse cycle routes that the region has to offer. Gentle gradients and the good surface make this a popular route for families. Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine House is situated in Sopron, an ideal starting point for the route. What is more, the owner, Kurt Taschner’s brother, Tamás Taschner is a tourist guide with countless legends of the region! The winery is open every weekday (also at weekends upon appointment) and a 4 or 6 wine tasting of the diverse portfolio is available with bread and olive oil, or also with food if requested.

More about cycling around Neusiedler See

Tourist guides in Sopron

More about Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine House

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Indonesian stew with Somló wine

Hungarianwines.eu — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 16:02:27 +0000

The editor and founder of hungarianwines.eu has the honour to be a member of the jury of the prestigious Millesima Blog Awards 2019. 5 of the winners have already been announced, my job as a judge is over, thus now I can freely address my readers to vote for one of the remaining articles, because a 6th winner will be selected by the people who are willing to vote. Charine Tan from Exotic Wine Travel has been travelling the world with her mate Matthew Horkey, their wine videos and articles are more and more well known. The article I suggest you to vote for is a wonderful and mouth watering piece written by Charine. Complex, interesting from beginning to end, the recipe is easy to follow, the wines are described professionally, the match is explained, and the whole article has a lovely, personal touch: „I’ve been told that Somló whites go well with all types of dishes: from rich and savory to spicy and sweet. Robust food, in a nutshell; and that’s what the Hungarian cuisine is about right? That’s what the Indonesian cuisine is all about too. With a four-year-old Szürkebarát from Tornai Pincészet in mind, I embark on a journey back to my childhood.”Voting will close on 10 February, so please, visit the following website, read the articles and vote for the best ones. Charine Tan’s piece can be found in the Food and wine pairing category. And of course it is highly recommended to try both the dish and the wine! „This quirky volcanic wine is an excellent match for this rich dish. The acidity and salinity of the wine cut through the sweet, salty, and spicy chicken stew. The food offers a sense of fullness to the wine. Neither the ayam semur nor the Tornai Pincészet Szürkebarát has to fight for attention.”

Millesima Blog Awards 2019

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10 gold medals at the largest officially recognised wine competition

Hungarianwines.eu — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 12:09:53 +0000

Hungarian results from AWC Vienna

AWC Vienna claims to be the largest officially recognised wine competition in the world. „Due to the unswayable blind tasting system and the strict tasting rules AWC Vienna is the most challenging of the world’s renowned wine tasting competitions. AWC Vienna is establishing the highest standards to honour the continuously raising quality requirements in the world of wine. 12.615 wines from 40 countries met the challenge in 2017!”
The 2017 trophies and medals were given this autumn, and now we are sharing the great results with our readers.

Single tasting cabins

The blind tasting is organized in a unique setting: in single cabins, therefore there is no communication between the judges at all. “The wines will be tasted at the Federal College and Office of Viniculture and Pomology in Klosterneuburg in single cabins and anonymously only (blind tasting). Wines will be rated according to the international 100 points-system. The panel of experts of AWC Vienna consists of national and international oenologists, wine experts, sommeliers, gastronomers, wine traders and journalists. The prerequisite for admission as member of the panel is the attestation of an official wine tasting exam according to the Austrian or European Wine Law or to an equivalent international sensorical experience.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Hungarian shining medals
With this rigorous tasting system AWC Vienna medals are even more precious, so we proudly announce that this year 46 medals were given to Hungarian wines: 10 gold medals and 36 silver medals. Would you like to taste the gold medal wines? Here they are:

Chateau Teleki Villányi Cabernet Sauvignon, Csányi Winery, Villány, 2012

All the typical characteristics of fully, optimally ripened Cabernet Sauvignon grape can be discovered on the nose: cassis, black currant, rich spices, plum, blueberry. Subtle, fine smoky and sweet spice notes resulting from the high quality barrel used for ageing can be detected in the background. On the palate it has its own, distinguished character, structured, fully balanced, layered and rich in ripe fruits. Wine of today, gift of tomorrow.

Vylyan Cabernet sauvignon, Vylyan Vineyard and Winery, Villány, 2013

Harmonious, rich wine with varietal character marked further by the terroir of Villány. Cabernet Sauvignon is a real ‘world traveller’, who has seen a lot and knows a lot. It frequently comes into and goes out of fashion, but this does not bother the sauvignon. It performs reliably, it is always rich and capable of long cellar aging as it does in vintage 2011, too. Ripe fruits of mulberry, prune, and blackcurrant with spices of cocoa, aniseed and tobacco unfold in its warm scent. The sip is round and the tannins nicely blend in the sturdy structure. This balanced combination leaves its mark in the long lasting finish, as well.

Tornai Zeusz Ice Wine, Tornai Winery, Somló, 2015

Ice wine is rarely possible in Hungary, but in 2015 frost came early, therefore the harvest took place on 25 November early morning. Zeus indigenous variety shows its most beautiful face in this dessert wine: dried apricot, dried fig and sweet spices on the nose, and the dried fruits appear on the palate as well combined with exciting acidity. Long finish with flavours reminiscent of coffee and walnut. (Its 106 g/l residual sugar is beautifully balanced by its 7.1 g/l acidity).

The rest of the gold winners:

Gilvesy Tarányi Rhine Riesling, Badacsony, 2015
Dénes Aszú, Gizella Winery, Tokaj, 2013
Zil-völgy Cuvée, Gizella Winery, Tokaj, 2015
MAD Late Harvest, MAD Wine, Tokaj, 2014
Cassiopeia Franc, Wunderlich Winery, Villány, 2011
Merlot, Petrény Winery, Eger, 2011
DC, Petrény Winery, Eger, 2014

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Borjour Magnum: grand tasting in Budapest

Hungarianwines.eu — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 18:34:21 +0000

Date: 11 February, 15.00–21.00 (for professionals 12.00–15.00)
Location: Millenáris Park, B Building (Budapest, Kis Rókus u. 16–20.)
Type of event: informal consumer tasting of more than 200 wineries.

Babarczi family

„Borjour” is a pun, a game on words: ’bor’ means wine in the Hungarian language, and placed in the French greeting it reflects the organizers’ attitude to wine: enjoy it, love it, do not take it too seriously! Wines can be tasted from more than 200 wineries from Hungary. The atmosphere is relaxed, the visitors are mostly young wine lovers who like having converstaions with the winemakers.

Ticket: 10 000 HUF (around 33 euros)

List of exhibitors

Some of the exhibitors you must visit: Etyeki Kúria, Kovács Nimród Winery, Gróf Buttler Winery, Frittmann Winery, Babarczi Winery, Tornai Winery, Béres Winery, Bock Cellar, Csányi Winery

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