Try Exploring & Wine Tasting in Tokaj, Hungary
For those travelers looking for something new, Tokaj is emerging as one of the most interesting wine regions in Europe, not just for its sweet aszus and distinctive dry whites, but also for its unusual blend of history and cultures — Jewish, Russian, Hungarian and Greek — and for the low-key experience of a less-traveled wine trail where the curious and enterprising can easily rub shoulders with working winemakers, often right in their homes and vineyards.
Nestled among vineyards that ride rolling hills and at the junction of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers, Tokaj has a population of around 6000 and the historically interesting small town, with cobblestone streets, has become one of Hungary’s most popular and most often visited tourist targets.
Tokaj is not only an excellent destination for wine lovers, but for all those who want to experience the beautiful Hungarian countryside, you can also find excellent places for outdoor sports such as trekking, mountain walks, biking and kayaking in the scenic countryside. The area is also characterized by ancient castles, wild game and hot summers. This region lies on the edge of the great Hungarian plain (itself a dramatic landscape rich in wildlife), dominated by the extinct Tokaj volcano and the Zemplen Hills.
There is still the occasional glimpse of horse drawn carts transporting wine casks or other products in the middle of town. The traditional, single story houses, with side porches are set at right angles to the road, making the uniqueness of the village even more interesting. Exploring by foot or car is to see the very best of rural Hungary.
Approximately two hours train ride from Hungary's capital Budapest, Tokaj welcomes both wine connoisseurs and curious tourists. The Tokaj-Hegyalja grape and wine culture has a one-thousand year history. And the UNESCO World Heritage Committee placed the Tokaj wine region on its World Heritage List, in 2002.
A visit to Tokaj is best for a lazy summer afternoon spent strolling the banks of the Tisza, admiring the Baroque architecture and Orthodox church, then holing up in one of several wine cellars to cool off. .jpg "Tokaj Vineyard")
But for those who'd prefer their visit to coincide with a livelier atmosphere, festival weekends occur in May and October. Wine festivals in Tokaj are a deep rooted tradition and are celebrated with outdoor concerts, Hungarian cuisine, and plenty of wine tasting opportunities. Tokaj's October Harvest Festival holds a parade and cultural events, while its Wine Festival in May overflows with the fruits of autumn's labor.
A trip to Tokaj a is a near necessity for travelers who want something different; to taste a full range of wines right where they’re made and who love to explore the Hungarian countryside.