Saturday November 26, 2011
During this day trip we will explore the southern Slovakian region, just across the Hungarian border. The region lies at the meeting point of the rivers Garam, Ipoly and Danube. Some of the vineyards once belonged to the bishop of Esztergom, which lies on the Hungarian side of the Danube. Here we will visit three of the small wineries which are leading the push for quality wine in the region. We will taste both whites and reds (including some little-known local varietals), and despite the region being so close to Hungary, we will see that many of the wines taste more Austrian in style. Come join us to discover this exciting new terroir!
{8am} Depart from Budapest. We will meet at Batthyány tér and depart promptly.
{9:30am} We will take the scenic route along the Danube Bend, and make a stop (for 30 minutes) at the Esztergom Cathedral, the largest church in Hungary. From here you can admire the view and see the hills—which we will soon discover—across the Slovakian side of the river.
{10:30am} Arrive in Slovakia at the Strekov 1075 Winery. Here we will taste four wines in the tasting room above the winery (which was a formerly a granary) with winemaker Zsolt Sütő. Strekov 1075 makes natural wines from international varietals, as well as from local varietals which aren’t grown in Hungary.
{12:30pm} Home-cooked lunch (TBA) and wine tasting with the winemaker at the Frigyes Bott Winery. One of the leading winemakers in Slovakia, Bott’s wines are also well-known in Hungary and he is at the forefront of revitalizing the region and its food and wine. Along with lunch and a tasting of six wines we will sample Bott’s organic pumpkin seed oil.
—Walk around the grounds of the nearby Chateau Belá.
{4:30pm} Tour and tasting of five wines at the Kasnyik Winery. Owned by brothers Tamás and Gábor Kasnyik, this tiny winery sits among the vineyards, on a row of old cellars, on the Strekov hillside. We will have a selection of homemade bread, cheese, and cured meats along with the wine.
{8:30pm} 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 payable via paypal or bank transfer will be required). Itinerary is subject to change.