July 2, 2011
Join us to explore the wines and food in Sopron, Hungary, and Burgenland, Austria. Sopron, Hungary’s westernmost wine region, has been heavily influenced by the traditions of Germany and Austria. Dramatic Lake Fertő, its shore covered with reeds is here, and so are the foothills of the Alps. The charming center of Sopron holds Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Just across the border, we will visit Burgenland, the region which produces some of Austria’s top red wines. Here we will visit a winery with vineyards and cellars on both sides of the border. Kékfrankos/blaufrankish is the king in this area, and we will taste plenty of them!. But we’ll also taste some fine zweigelt, cabernet franc, and zöldveltliner (better known as grüner veltliner across the border). The wines of Sopron and Burgenland are elegant and subtle, come get to know them with us.
{8am} Depart from Budapest. We will meet at Batthyány tér and depart promptly.
{10:30am} Tour and tasting at the Jandl Winery in Fertőrákos, a village outside of Sopron where many with Bavarian ancestry still speak a distinct dialect of German. The Jandl family has been making wine for six generations in Sopron. Here we will taste six wines with winemaker Kálman Jandl.
{12:30pm} Tour, tasting, and lunch at the Taschner Winery, located just outside of Sopron. Here we will taste six wines with winemaker Kurt Taschner. Starting with a sparkling wine (the first made in Sopron), moving on to Malvasia (a rarity in Hungary), and then the reds for which Sopron is best-known.
For lunch we will get a taste of how the local German-speaking community eats. Along with Taschner’s wine, we will be having Poncichter Stew (a dish only found in Sopron), which is a hearty stew of chicken, pork, beans, and potatoes. Dessert will be two kinds of strudel.
—Walk around and discover the historical center of Sopron.
{5:30pm} Travel across the border to Burgenland for a tour and tasting at the Weninger Winery. This family grows grapes and makes wine on both sides of the border. Here we will have the unique opportunity to taste both their Hungarian and Austrian wines, so we can compare the different styles. A cold plate of Austrian products will be served.
{7:30pm} Depart for Budapest
{10pm} Arrive back in Budapest, drop-off at Batthyány tér.
Price: 30,000 HUF per person, all-inclusive of transportation and the above wine tastings and food. Call or email to reserve your place (a 25 percent deposit will be required).