Hungary Wine

Hungary has 22 official wine regions. Official regional descriptions are available from the Hungarian Wine Interprofessional Council.

For most travelers, the easiest starting points are Tokaj, Eger, Villány, and the Balaton area. Tokaj is important for Furmint and sweet Tokaji Aszú. Eger is known for Egri Bikavér and Egri Csillag. Villány is important for fuller red wines, especially Cabernet Franc. Balaton includes several districts with white wines, volcanic soils, and lake-influenced vineyards.

Tokaj is in northeastern Hungary and is one of the country’s most important wine regions. It is best known for Furmint, Hárslevelű, dry white wines, and Tokaji Aszú, the region’s historic sweet wine.

• Tokaji Aszú – Sweet wine made with botrytized grapes
• Furmint – High-acid white grape used for dry wines and sweet Tokaji wines
• Hárslevelű – Aromatic white grape often used in blends and varietal wines

Tokaj’s global cultural and historical significance is recognized in its UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Eger is in northeastern Hungary and is best known for Egri Bikavér, a red blend, and Egri Csillag, a white blend. Kékfrankos is especially important in Egri Bikavér, while local and international grapes can both appear in the region’s wines.

• Egri Bikavér – Red blend based on Kékfrankos and other permitted grapes
• Egri Csillag – White blend made from local and international white grapes
• Kékfrankos – Important red grape for structure, acidity, and spice

You can learn more about local winemaking traditions on the official Eger Tourism wine page.

Located in Southern Hungary, Villány has a warm, Mediterranean climate. This weather is great for making excellent red wines. The area's limestone and clay soils are perfect for Bordeaux varieties.

• Cabernet Franc: This variety grows well in Villány. It produces wines with strong black fruit scents, a touch of spice, and a smooth feel.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: This type makes bold reds with fruit flavors, strong tannins, and the ability to age well. Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Villány show off their local character.
• Merlot: Known for adding smoothness and style to blends, Merlot also stands out as a single-varietal wine in this place.

You can learn more about local winemaking traditions on the official Villány wine region page.

Home to the largest lake in Central Europe, the Balaton region is great for wine lovers. This area is famous for its white wine but also makes some good red wines.

• Olaszrizling: This is the most common grape in the region. Olaszrizling makes crisp, dry white wines that taste of citrus and minerals.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Grown in the area's volcanic soil, Balaton Sauvignon Blanc has a lively acidity. It often features grassy notes and a touch of flinty mineral flavor.
• Pinot Noir: This grape does well in the cooler spots of the region. It grows in volcanic soil and produces lighter red wines. These wines have delicate fruit flavors and earthy hints.

In general, Balaton wines are usually lighter than other Hungarian wines and have a refreshing taste and bright fruit flavors.

Hungary grows both native and international grapes. For visitors, the most useful local grapes to know first are Furmint, Hárslevelű, Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Olaszrizling, and Juhfark.

Red Grapes

Kékfrankos is one of Hungary’s key red grapes and is important in Eger, Sopron, Szekszárd, and other regions. It usually produces red wines with red fruit, pepper, fresh acidity, and moderate tannins.

Kadarka is a traditional red grape associated with lighter-bodied red wines and some Hungarian blends. It can show red fruit, spice, and lower tannins than many fuller red varieties.

White Grapes

Furmint is one of Hungary’s most important white grapes. It is central to Tokaj, where it is used for dry white wines and sweet Tokaji Aszú. It usually has firm acidity and can show citrus, apple, pear, quince, honey, and mineral notes depending on style.