Sopron Wine Festivity has begun!

The 3-day festival starts today, the historic town centre of the capital of our most western wine region will be vibrant and full of music. Sopron wine producers will pour their latest vintage Zöldveltelini (Grüner Veltliner), Irsai Olivér and other white wines, and certainly the iconic red of Sopron, Kékfrankos will be available at the 22 winemakers as well – including Taschner estate led by Kurt István Taschner in the cover photo.

Find more about the event below.

Taschner wines – a range for every palate

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 bottle in the cover photo above  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). He makes natural sweet wine as well, made of the indigenous Zenit variety. Moreover, the icing on the cake: enjoy a strong but delicious ‘pálinka’ (our national, origin protected spirit) made of 100% grapes, like Irsai. You can try all in Sopron at Sopron Wine Festivity this weekend, until 22.00 on Sunday.

Sopron Wine Festivity

Sopron is a gorgeous town worth visiting any time of the year, but this weekend there will be more than 20 reasons to spend some days in Sopron. More than 20 wineries pour their wines in the historic town centre, the entrance is free and there are children programs, concerts provided. Sopron is only an hour by train from Vienna!

When: 31 May – 2 June, the wine booths are open from 17.00–23.00 (on Sunday only until 22.00).
Where: in 4 locations in the historic centre, start your experience in Fő tér (Main square)
Entrance is free, guests pay for the wines they consume. Wine glass is needed to be bought, though participants can bring their own glasses if they prefer.
A cute extra: Hungarian Post is a sponsor of the event, and at their wooden booth participants can send special Sopron Wine Festivity postcards to their loved one. Domestic stamps are gratis.
Exhibitors: 22 wineries of Sopron Wine Route Association
Watch a short video about the last year’s edition to get a glimpse of the atmosphere of the event

More about Taschner Winery and Sparkling Wine Cellar