Sunday August 28, 2011
This month we head again to the northeastern wine region of Eger, where we will sip our way through three wineries. We’ll taste pinot noirs, and the Hungarian varietals of kadarka and kékfrankos. Of course, we will also learn all about the region’s signature wine, “Bull’s Blood”, tasting how much it has improved in recent years. Though Eger is better known for its reds, there will also be whites (including native varietals like leányka and kiralyleányka). You’ll have a chance to explore the center of Eger on your own, we’ll walk through vineyards bursting with nearly ripe grapes, and we’ll taste some of the finest artisan cheese made in Hungary. Please join us!
{8am} Depart from Budapest. We will meet at Batthyány tér and will depart promptly.
{10am} Arrive in Egerszalók for a cellar tour and tasting of seven wines at the St. Andrea Winery. One of the country’s leading wineries, winemaker Dr. György Lőrincz was named Hungary’s winemaker of the year in 2009.
{12:30pm} Lunch with six wine pairings (and királyleányka marc pálinka) at the Magtár Inn, owned by the Thummerer family, which has a culinary style that blends traditional and modern. Éva Thummer will join us for lunch to present the wines and the food. Afterwards we will tour Thummerer’s deep cellar and winemaking facilities.
—Take a walk in the vineyards
—Explore the center of Eger
{5pm} Visit the István Tóth Winery for a tour and tasting of six wines with the winemaker. Tóth’s winery is located near the center of Eger, and is the last remaining cellar from an old cellar row. He is known for his red wines which are aged for longer than usual for the region. The wines will be accompanied by a selection of local artisan cheeses.
{7pm} Depart for Budapest.
{8:30pm} Return to Budapest, drop-off at Batthyány tér.
The price for this day trip is 30,000 HUF per person, all-inclusive of transportation and the above wine tastings and food. Space will be limited. Call or email (+36-30-298-0076) with any questions or to reserve your place. A 25 percent deposit will be required to hold your place.
Note: Though we try our best to keep the schedule, this itinerary is subject to change.