Saturday March 17, 2012
Join us to explore the wines and food in Villány, Hungary’s southernmost wine region. Known as the “Mediterranean of Hungary,” Villány produces Bordeaux-style reds, and its picturesque cellar row is lined with whitewashed Swabian cellars. Here we will taste Portuguiesers (the region’s signature grape), Pinot Noirs, Kadarkas, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Cabernet Francs (another specialty of the region). Though they are less known for their whites, Villány’s winemakers also make Chardonnays and Hárslevelűs, which we will sample. We will visit one of the region’s largest wineries, and one of its smallest. We will explore the cellar rows, and eat a homemade country-style feast. Come get to know the premium reds of Villány with us!
{8am} Meet at Batthyány tér and depart promptly.
{11am} Tour and tasting at the Gere Winery, one of the regions leading wineries. Winemaker Attila Gere is a Villány pioneer, and was one of the first to re-start the production of quality wine in the 1990s.
—Walk around the center of Villány; explore the main street lined with cellars.
—Drive to Villánykövesd to take a look at the traditional rows of whitewashed cellars.
{1pm} Travel to Palkonya (a ten minute drive) for a tour, lunch, and tasting (six wines) at the Hárságyi cellar. One of the prettiest villages in the region, Palkonya has several rows of old cellars. Hárságyi’s owner (who moved to the village from Budapest) is a former town mayor and makes rich wines from just two hectares of vineyards. Lunch will be beef and red wine stew with homemade strudel for dessert.
—Take a short walk around the village.
{4pm} Arrive in Kisjakabfalva for a tour and tasting at the Jackfall Winery. The winery takes its name from the village where it is located: Jackfall is the German name for Kisjakabfalva. Founded in 2001 by the editor of a Hungarian wine magazine, the winery works on 13 hectares. A cold plate of local products will be served with the wines.
{6pm} Depart for Budapest; return at approximately 8:30pm. Drop off at Batthyány tér.
Price: 35,000 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). Read more about our group tours here.
Itinerary is subject to change.