Saturday February 12
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. Don’t miss this day in Hungary’s premium red wine country!
{8am} Meet at Batthyány tér and depart promptly.
{11am} Arrive in Villány at the Vylyan Winery for a cellar tour and tasting of six wines. One of the larger wineries in the region, Vylyan (which is named for the village’s ancient name), has a cavernous tasting room. The winery is set among the vineyards, and its wines have won awards around the world.
{Noon} Lunch will be served family style at Vylyan, along with Vylyan’s wine. It will be prepared in a traditional brick oven by a local family. Menu: Whole-roasted suckling pig, potato salad, cucumber salad, and kuglóf for dessert.
{1:30pm} Walk around the center of Villány; explore the main street lined with cellars.
{3pm} Tour and tasting (six to eight wines) at the Jekl Winery. Winemaker Béla Jekl has been making wine for decades, and now his children have joined the family business. Located in a small former factory, the winery has a cozy tasting room and makes wonderfully smooth pinot noir and kadarka, among others.
{5pm} Travel to Palkonya (a ten minute drive) for a tour 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. The tasting will be accompanied by a selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, etc. Afterwards there will be a chance for a short walk around the village.
{7pm} Depart for Budapest.
{10pm} Return to 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).
