Archive for the ‘Wine around Hungary’ Category

19 Jan

Liquid of Gold – Tokaj Wine – Chief Oenologist Károly Áts

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainments, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Hungary., Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , .

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The uniqueness of Tokaj is not just about the various wines, but also mentioned as the gold liquid from the  regions vineyards, but a major part to produce this gold liquid lies on the „shoulders” of the wine makers.

The Tokaj area has been producing great wine for generations, passing down its knowledge from father to son, and earning its reputation as a historical wine region.

The region is famous for the Grand Tokaj winery, and its flagship Tokaji Aszú, a classic Hungarian wine listed as a ‘Hungaricum’ in Hungary, and produced only in the best vintages.

Károly Áts – born and bred in Tokaj-Hegyalja, grapes and wine always played a part in his life through his father. His aim was to return nature’s gifts through his wines and to bring joy to wine drinkers.

In 2002, Károly Áts created Áts Cuvée, the now legendary late-harvest Tokaj sweet wine that bears his name. In 2006, American magazine Wine & Spirits awarded his 1999 Tokaji Essencia 100 points. In 2009, his 2003 Betsek Aszú wine was an absolute winner and his 2007 dry Furmint a category winner in the “Top 100 Wines” competition in the daily newspaper – Népszabadság. In 2012, he was awarded the titles “Winemaker of Wineries” and “Winemaker of the Year.” In recognition of his outstanding professional work in the service of development of the Tokaj-Hegyalja Wine Region, Áts received the Civil Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary in 2014. In 2013 the Tokaj wine  entered in the list of Hungarikum.

Some outstanding wines of the outstanding winemaker: Furmint – Furmint is a grape variety of Hungarian origin, one of the most distinctive and frequently occurring varieties in the Tokaj-Hegyalja Wine Region. Besides Furmint, Hárslevelű is the other widely occurring grape variety in Tokaj-Hegyalja, an old regional variety of probably Hungarian origin. It gained its name from the similarity of its leaves to those of the linden tree. Besides Furmint, Hárslevelű is the other widely occurring grape variety in Tokaj-Hegyalja, an old regional variety of probably Hungarian origin. It gained its name from the similarity of its leaves to those of the linden tree. Muscat Lunel grows in only a few wine regions in Hungary, but in many more places in Europe. It is known as one of the most long-established varieties. The Kabar grape variety was created by crossing Bouvier with Hárslevelű. Its vine stocks produce few shoots, while its leaves are ivy green. Its yield is lower than that of Zéta. The berries are thick-skinned, making them more resistant to rainy weather.This grape variety is linked to the name of Ferenc Király, who created it in 1951 by crossing Bouvier and Furmint. Previously known as Oremus, its name was changed to Zéta much later. Indigenous to the Black Sea region, this grape variety disappeared from vineyards following the phylloxera epidemic, and has since maintained only a modest presence in the wine region.

The Essencia, was/is the wine that was actually listed as a medicine generations ago!

Last year, at the European finals of Bocuse D’Or was introduced Károly Ats wines where the crème de la crème of gastronomy and the outstanding premium wines met.

The Tokaj region is not that far from Budapest, approx. two-and-a-half hours and several accommodation options available to roll over to Tokaj by the Hungarians and/or foreigners.

Update Aggie Reiter

 

24 Nov

More recent renewed SPAR Budapest

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Gastronomy - Hungary, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Hungary., Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , .

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Since its founding, this year the SPAR Hungary reached its 25th  anniversary. By now has established 345 supermarkets and 32 Interspar and Spar 108 TOP Partner franchise. The expansion in the future continues to open new stores within the modernization of existing stores which is the company’s development policy priority.
“At 73. Kerepesi Road – Budapest, the SPAR supermarket is one of the most popular retail outlets in the area, and significant shopping individuals live surround the venue. Therefore, was decided to install the 21st-century in styling and high quality service in the store.”- Said Mark Maczelka brand communication manager. Continued by saying: Q.: “The 1760-square-meters store sales rooms were entirely renewed.”

The customers  awaited in passion for the new SPAR to be open.  On the day of opening the store was full by the local customers. They welcomed the newly designed delicate desks, and  the show bakery shelves. The shop equipment is designed in the new SPAR store model: at the entrance, at first sight can be recognized the goods by the installation of low shelves – so the customers can easily navigate through the store … fresh meat, wide selection of Hungarian wines, pastries, fruit and veggies can be purchased by the customers. Also a kinda home-goods can be also bought at the store. The refrigerated counter at department and uniquely refrigerated beverage also was developed in the shopping area. The shops of goods and fresh products under label of the popular SPAR own brand of high-quality can also be found beside local products and locally baked bakery products that are affordable.
The also established the SPAR to Go supermarket in developing within the store a restaurant area where locally prepared grilled dishes, fries, pizzas can be purchase.

Update by Aggie Reiter

22 Nov

South- Lake Balaton – New Wine Day – Kéthelyi Kristinus Wine Estate

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The invited guests and the general public had the pleasure to taste a total of 16 wines brought from exquisite wine cellar at the conference hall of Kéthelyi Kristinus Wine Estate. The organizers pointed out the day to arrange the „New Wine Day” on the St. Marton’s Day.

The South Balaton wine flavors within the specific features of excellent fruity red wines, fresh white wines, rosé of and sparkling wine awareness strives to „Wine Trail – South Lake Balaton Association” whose members are not only residents at the South Lake Balaton … Hungarians call the area … “Hungarian Sea” are not only inviting visitors in the summer season, but from the Fall to the Spring to recharge and enjoy the local flavors at the charming wine cellars.

Dénes Gádor – chairman of the South-Balaton Wine Route Association said: Q.: “The wineries are joining forces to give the basis to work together to reach the shores of Lake Balaton the truly wines – their best showing the truly wines the region. Fortunately, the unity between the wine-makers and the gastronomy representatives are getting closer in sharing this idea.” The wineries at the South Lake Balaton agreed that in addition to the popularity of the cellars during the summer season it is important to keep life going by visiting these cellars open throughout the cooler season, and int he meantime enjoy the recreational opportunities which are becoming increasingly popular as a gastronomic tourism.

„The Lake reflect the rays of the sun, the soil and the hills from way back in the historical times also was as an excellent wine-growing areas. Over the past decades the mistakes of the former large-scale farming eliminating excellent wine makers started to flourish again in the wine culture in South Lake Balaton. Within the framework of the association of wineries together, helping each other’s work, and happy to say the general public know these wines are produced at the Southern Area of Lake Balaton. We became an adult in a new generation that experiences further developing the predecessors to modern trends also shows, and as a result, more and more of our wines gain recognition outside of the region” said by Ferenc Bujdosó – president of the County Council Balatonboglári Mountain.

Flórian Zaruba – managing director of hospitality Kristinus Wine Estate welcoming speech said that the lake has always been tourism and the relationship with the rest of the world said. The Balaton wine-making traditions, the association’s professional work and collaboration together helps ensure internationally competitive quality.

The event was under the patronage – Attila József Moring – MP, who summed up the event’s mission Q.: “Today there is much more to the lake as a summer tourist destination. important region, which is one of the most attractive wines being sold in the cultural, culinary and economic sense. The events like today also underscore that role. “

After presentations and tasting through the wide scale of selected delicious wines presented by 16 wine makers, also had a „moment” having a chat with the wine makers in particular of this year’s harvest results and their satisfaction to their best wines. Was told that this year around 25% of some vineyards suffered from the unexpected bad weather condition… the scattered frosts was to blame. So after all, at some vineyards were by measure less to harvest than expected, but some wine makers were still satisfied.

At the event debut wineries were: Bujdosó Winery, Buzás Vineyards,  Dézsma cellar, Garamvári Vineyards, Hujber Cellar, IKON winery, Katona Winehouse, Kislaki Wine Manufactory, Konyári Winery, Kristinus Wine Estate, Öregbaglas Vineyards, Pötyi Winery, Pócz Winery, Rádpuszta Vineyards, Várszegi Winery , Veszprém Winery.

The South  Lake Balaton wine flavors within the specific features of excellent fruity red wines, fresh white wines, rosé of and sparkling wine awareness strives to „Wine Trail in South Lake Balaton Association” whose members are not only residents at  this area, a.k.a.  „Hungarian Sea” …  this is how the Hungarians call the sweet water lake …  are not only having open doors in inviting visitors only in the summertime, but from the Fall to Spring as to recharge and enjoy the traditions, also visiting the charming wine cellars, their excellent gastronomy and all what takes to “Welcome Tourism.”

Getting close to the end of the year, maybe just good in time to keep in mind where to arrange recharge meetings with friend and/or family as to enjoy the huge collection of the Southern Lake Balaton wines at the local winemakers and cellars wineries.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

14 Nov

The 2nd Furnace Gastronomic Festival – Kiskőrös – Hungary – 2016.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainments, Gastronomy - Hungary, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Hungary., Uncategorized, Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

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A Full Day Tour at Kikőrös -2016.

Kiskőrös town is in the Great Plain –  Bács-Kiskun County. Just 134 kms. in distance from Budapest.  Sándor Petőfi – the Hungarian poet/writer was born here in January, 1823. Petofi worship life of the city, and the development of tourism is also a dominant. The birthplace of the poet and introducing his life and much more attracts tourists from far and wide.

Despite  the rainy and rather chilly day on 12th of November,  was ensured to be looking after at Kiskőrös, hosted  by József Szabó – director of the Matthias Pálinka – Kunság-Distilling Ltd, located at 35-37. Bánffy Street, Kiskőrös. This company’s products maybe not too much in the spotlight by the Hungarian travelers, not to mention the foreigners, so here we go with an update of visiting the plant and much more.  It is the largest active company in distilled alcoholic beverages. And neither not to mention they produce a kinda of Pálinka (spirit) that already hit the tops  by receving  diplomas, gold  medals and taken other award prizes here in Hungary and abroad at high stands in pálinka completions.

Upon arrival welcome drink was offered by our host as to choose, fill our glass with pálinka from the variety of  the Matthias Pálinka. Then came a brief introduction  the plant. Was told, the Matthias manufactory is a family run since 1994, and started production in 2013. It is one of the to-day’s biggest computer-controlled distillery in the country. The manufacture contains 4 modern alcoholic drink bottling production lines within 3 soft drink bottling production lines. Their production capacity reaching up to 200000 bottles/shifts. Now, that sounds enormous .. doesn’t it!? The company also operates an important facility for the cleaning of empties and contains 2 bottle cleaning devices. The selection of products contains various drinks, from lower quality to more expensive, exclusive products. Now-a-days they produce 74 different drinks in various size of bottles. They deliver the products throughout the entire country with their own proper transport vehicles. Last but not least said, they aim to extend their distribution network, to develop unique and high quality products and to locate export possibilities. After the introduction was escorted  on a tour through the factory around the distillery and it was nothing to compare with other distilleries have seen previously. The whole palinka production goes through computerize environment 24Hs. A very neet and well-organized company. From 2011 the Kunság-Pálinka (Spirits) Ltd received the certification as mark holder – title: “Excellent Food Product – Hungary“. The company produce Matthias Pálinka – up to 40% alcohol and as it was told they do not wish to raise the alcohol percentage,  because then  it  would take away its fruit typical flavor. The bitter Matthias liqueur within awesome favor of herbs … similar to the Jägermeister … BUT the fresh herbs are much more dominant, velvety and smooth. Also the plant’s highlights are the honey apricot liqueur, which in 2012 won in the category of “Outstanding Hungarian Product” award at the Austrian Iinternational Destilling competition.

After paying a visit at the distillery were invited to enjoy the hospitality of the Curt Pub and Restaurant & Music Night Club (Kurta Kocsma Étterem és Zenés Mulatóhely).  Just in a glance seen what a marvelously designed venue, which could easterly go in competition of any four stars restaurants in Budapest, that’s for sure! No wonder that it is one of Kiskörös most popular restaurants. Year around they have ongoing special parties and events. Talkative scent and each dish of food specialties of the restaurant was simply mouth-watering … no wonder cause most of the staff members previously worked on cruise lines and in London (UK) pubs and restaurants. Robbie was our waiter who spoke fluently English, but all the staff have other language knowledge beside the Hungarian. Thumbs-up to the owner of the place – surely managed to bring together the well-trained, professional staff.

After having a pleasant lunch  strolled over to visit to the Sir John Visitor Center at 6. Martini Street – Kiskőrös to view the interactive exhibition of John the Valiant (János Vitéz). Experienced the state-of-the-art technical solutions as moving around exhibition with the use of tablet guides and sound bell jars. Our journey was as walking through a „newwave” of informal education operating at Kiskőrös. Good example to turn learning into an experience, generating interest in culture and literature among younger children in an easy way.

Reaching to the end of our touring day stopped at the Petofi Square where the II. Furnace Gastronomic Festival took place.  The tradition is continued basis, thanks to last year’s success to local residents and neighboring towns, as well as tourists visiting the complex gastronomy and music programs provided. The craft exhibitors and from the nearby area of small local growers brought their products to the venue. The new wines tasting and must were not to be missed! despite the 4Q temperature, the visitors were gathering, rolling around various stands tasting/eating the Chimney Cake, pies with region’s taste, wines from the region, craft beer, mulled wine and other street food stand.  Before leaving the venue spent short time watching the local folk dance group as welcoming the Feast of St. Marton Day with the goose meals. At 6.30 p.m. began the concert time opening with the Groovehouse, followed by at 8 p.m. DJ Dominique and closing the night at 9 p.m. with a kind of house party to entertain the audience by the Brother Band.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

6 Nov

The 1st Drink Festival in Hungary – Mit Iszol? – “What do you drink?” – 2016.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Gastronomy - Hungary, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Hungary., Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Millenáris Park, Hall „D”

District, II. 16-20 Kis Rókus Street – Budapest

Mit Iszol? … „Mitiszol?” … 1st Drink Festival in Hungary … to be pronounced as: “me-tea-sol and stand for “What do you drink?” The beverages  are made with the same philosophy as respecting nature having in many cases organic or even from biodynamic farming and no additives. The result is a drink, let it be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, that not only tastes better, but is also healthier than its conventional counterparts.

The festival will showcase a colourful selection of wines also from the Carpathian Basin and leading European wine regions … Domaine Pierre Frick (Alsace),  Weingut Eymann (Pfalz), Champagne Fleury (Champagne), Chateau le Puy (Bordeaux), Costadila (Prosecco), Aci Urbajs (Slovenia), Massana Noya (Cava), Alfredo Aribas (Priorat.

Lineup of Hungary’s wines  by winemakers and cellars: Attila Cellar, Barta Cellar, Bott Cellar,Csobánci Bormanufaktúra, Dorogi Cellar, Gajdos Cellar, Hollóvár, Hummel Pincészet, Kaló Pince,Karner Gábor, Kasnyik  Family Cellar, Kékhegy Cellar, Királyudvar, Losonci Cellar, Mátyás Family Cellar, Maurer Oszkár, Meinklang, Orsolya Cellar, Pelle Cellar, Pók Tamás, Pósta Winehouse, Ráspi, Somlói Abbey Cellar, Strekov 1075, Szászi Cellar, Szecskő Tamás, Wassmann Cellar, Weninger Cellar, Wetzer Péter.

More than 100 samples as well as some beer, cider, pálinka, fruit juice, syrups, herbal teas, coffee and natural fresh and also beside the beverages visitors will have the chance to taste organic food products and dishes.

The program start kicks off from  noon and until 7 p.m. can walk-around tasting, where 40 wine growers and more than 100 wines. In the mean time getting hungry, the visitors may have lunch or supper for extra cash. With these tickets visitors can taste over 100 wines as well as other natural beverages including beer, pálinka, fruit juice, syrup, coffee, tea and water. Food will be available for cash only. Walk-around tickets available until November, 10 for 8.900HUF/person. At the venue from November,12: 9.900HUF/person.

From 4 p.m. 7.30 p.m. the seated tasting calls the visitors to taste from wine of the past “10 years – 10 wines” . The premium tasting will be showcased, conducted by András Kató the 10 outstanding wines. To entry to the premium seated tasting only valid with the festival armband. Only 10 seats!  Premium seated tasting: 34.000HUF/person To participate to the premium seated tasting only valid with festival armband. Only 10 seats!

Purchase discount pre-tickets at the Terminal Market –  District, V. 11. Erzsébet Square from  Monday to Saturday  Noon – 8 p.m. and/or  at Ital-tár Ltd – District III. 13 Csillaghegyi street  from Monday to Friday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., or on the spot, but there the ticket price is higher.

Update Aggie Reiter

28 Oct

“Winery of the Year 2016” – Patricius Winery – Bodrogkisfalud – Tokaj – Hungary

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Hungary., Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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The National Council of Wine Communities, the Hungarian Wine Academy and the Association of Hungarian Grape and Wine Producers held the ceremony at Bodrogkisfalud, a part of area at Tokaj, to celebrate the title of “Winery of the Year 2016”. This year the Patricius Winery  – Tokaj received the award for its winery which grows grapes in seven vineyards at a total of 85 hectares on its combined are.

The award acknowledges work of wine maker who raise the profile of Hungarian wine on domestic and foreign markets.

The Patricius Winery was already established in the 17th century by the Kékessy family. The Kékessy family’s winemaking traditional mission is well-kept throughout the centuries. To-day the owners are Dezső Kékessy and his daughter Katinka Kékessy. The winery is a reconstructed winepress house of the vineyard Várhegy. The building was previously owned by Jesuits and various aristocratic families, such as the Wolkenstein and Falkenheim, Széchenyi and Rákóczi, Falkenstein and Hohenlohe. Even though the building was used as a simple press house, it was mentioned in the Tokaj – Hegyalja Album of 1867. Mr. Kékessy said  Q.: ”  The main goal of our winemaking process is complexity, harmony, and balance. In the best years we release small batch selections of our most outstanding vineyards.” Also added by saying: “The autumn came with warm, dry days and the development of sugar in the berries looked very good. Botrytis turned up in the first half of September resulting in a very high “aszú” grapes. It is our mission to elevate the dry Tokaj wines to their worthy rank. For these we harvest only the entirely ripe and healthy clusters. We made our first dry Furmint – 2005,  the first dry Yellow Muscat – 2008, and our first dry Hárslevelű – 2009. The secret of Tokaj’s sophisticated taste is the Volcanic soil and the varietals’ distinct flavor set the basic features of these wines.”

The Patricius vineyards are situated on volcanic andesite and rhyolite tufa complemented by patches of loess. This exceptional composition of soil giving the special blend. The Tokaj wines thus merit preeminent title, and tokaji aszú is renowned throughout world. The Patricius winery also produce a special  “tokaji aszú törköly” Pálinka.

“Rebuilding a large domain in Tokaj, acre by acre, handful by handful, is more than a passion, it is an oath to the future. It is with this pledge that my father and I purchased the best plots, replanting when necessary, sometimes even reversing the direction of old rows, selecting and occasionally removing the less than perfect vines.  They absolutely established a state-of-the-art winery, a place to learn about creating wine, and enjoy the harmony, the landscape and friendly people whilst visiting the Patricius „grapeland”whilst visiting the venue on a cellar tours and wine tastings.

Was taken on a wine tour down to the basement, where were shown and spoken about the handy equipments that produce the “King of Wines” that melts your soul when drinking the superb wine at/from the Patricius  winery. As said by our tour guide: Q. “In our Tokaj vineyards harvesting begins at the end of October or latest by mid-November and is divided into two distinct operations.

First the mature botrytis shriveled grapes the word “Aszú” phrase in Hungarian covers the handpicked one by one-off the vine. Afterwards, the less botrytis clusters are harvested whole. After fermentation, wine and base wine is placed into 136 liter barrels, known as “The Gönci” barrels”. The Aszú wines are bottled after 2.5 – 4 years kept in old oak barrels.

The Aszú is measured with let’s say, “hods”which is the wooden basket carried on the backside, in Hungarian we say “puttony” that stands for the number of botrytis grapes within baskets … 3, 4, 5, or 6.

The first late harvest wine an excellent wine produced in 2003, which received the brand name Katinka and is protected just as the “Patricius” name of the company.

The wines from Patricius winery participated at the world’s major wine competitions and gained more than 30 gold medals which shows their uniqueness and quality. In 2013 received the awarded for “The most beautiful vineyard estate of the Year”.

A true saying is kept alive when saying… the harmony of food and wine opens new dimensions to the tasters and more to it wish to mention that foreigners “mainly” remember their experience in Hungary by the country’s delights.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

9 Sep

Three days at the “Kerekdomb” Art and Culture Festival – Tállya 2016.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainments, Gastronomy - Hungary, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Hungary., Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

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Tállya arts festival during September 23 – 25.

SAVE THE DATE!!

The summer season slowly  will be turning into Fall, but won’t leave the festival lovers to layback and sit at home and just watch the walls. The invitation is not to just any place … how about joining the 3 day event to Tállya  – a very promising newcomer at the Tokaj Wine Region. For the first time to be held this year at Tállya  the “Kerekdomb” (Round Hill) Art and Culture Festival. At the press gathering these were the first words  of Krisztina Marton-Kováts – organiser of the festival held at the Garden area of the Millennium Park in Budapest.

Stepping out from the big cities noise the visitors may attend at creative excursions, wine cellar tours, wine tastings, gastronomic adventures and cultural programs by visiting Tállya from  September, 23- 25. 2016.

The festival will be rich in presenting plenty entertainment, aswell as for the sporty kinda of folks in the participating in the half-marathon run in the best Tokaj vineyards. The idea of running came from Krisztina Marton-Kováts, the owner of the Lion Wine Restaurant and Wine Hotel – Tállya. To join the half marathon, must register in advance at. http://www.kerekdombfelmaraton.hu – deadline date: Midnight, September 18. 2016.

 September, 24. 2016

Kerekdomb  – Round Hill – half marathon 21.5 kms. – 10 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 

The adults run  7km –  Mád – Tállya  – 11.30 a.m. – 12.30 a.m.

The  children race „Ludas Matyi”  (Mattie The Goose-Boy)   – 700m – 10.30 a.m. – 11.a.m.

A little literature at writer-reader meeting. Visiting the wine cellars on the spot, music of all kind … pop, jazz, classic you name it. For those who wish to care a bit of their body, each day from 8-9 a.m. may join the “Morning Joga” exercises and much more. There will be a fund-raising concert to implement an organa at the local church. At the Jazz Concert the well-known Veronika Harcsa accompanied by the Diamond Valentine duo will entertain the audience. The small ones are not left out  having plenty of children activities

The organizers main aim to hold a festival at this wine region is to  bring attention to the wine makers of  Tállya and their wines. These two-hand  hard-working wine makers restored the old original form, the traditional methods in producing wines and wish to show Tállya’s true characteristic and to introduce the village to the audience.

The 3 days festival ends with dinner tuned to the Tállya wines at the Hotel Lion Wine-Restaurant and Wine Hotel.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

30 Jul

Balatonlelle Park – Wine Festival – 2016.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainments, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Hungary., Uncategorized, Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , .

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Friday, July, 29. –  Sunday, August, 7. 2016.

The Wine Week at  Balatonlellei is arranged by the Mountain Village Balatonlelle makers that was open by its president János Pócz who is also the owner of  the PÓCZ winery, also beside the Southern Lake Balaton wine makers was  present István Kenéz – Mayor of Balatonlelle.

The Balatonlelle’s wine festival for the past 24 years is held in honor St. Donato (a.k.a. who chased away the lightnings)  patron saint of the vineyards. The Balatonlelle’s growers every year as to celebrate the South Lake Balaton Wine Week gather to share at wine festivals in the country and promotes a range of wines from South Balaton and promotes a range of wines from the Region. During the ten-day a wide scale of wines are offered for all interested to taste and purchase on the spot. Every day there are several programs to entertain the local city’s residence, vacationers at the Lake Balaton and the visiting foreigners stopping by may enjoy the sight-and-sound of folk dancers, concerts, naturally food will not be missing as: fried dough bread, chimney cake and so on. Also may find out the results of the awarded wine growers. The event culminates in the  election  of the „Wine Queen of 2016”  which takes place  each year also at the end of the Balatonlelle’s Wine Festival. The Wine Queen of 2015 – Katalin Karancz will hand over the crown to this year’s elected Wine Queen.

The wine festival close on Sunday with a grand Fireworks at 10 p.m.

The venue is easy to find, stepping off the train arriving from Budapest cannot be missed, because the lane from the station led right to the park where at the wooden houses awaits wine lovers to more than 100 local wines from the South Lake wine farmers.

Update and snap by Aggie Reiter

25 Jun

“In the Year of Gastronomy” … On a route of wine and gastronomy to Eger!

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Entertainments, Gastronomy - Hungary, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Uncategorized, Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

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On behalf of the Hungarian Tourism Agency of North Hungary Regional Marketing Directorate,  Anita Molnár – Director, László Habis – Mayor of Eger, Hegedűsné Majnár Márta –  Managing Director at Eger City Tourism Nonprofit Ltd, József Tarsoly – Eger’s mountain judge, dr.György Lorincz – Vineyard owner of St. Andrea. The Eger Mountain Community, held a special press conference on the route of  wine and gastronomy  to Eger. Our host was  the St. Andrea Wine – Gourmet Bar in Budapest.

Anyway… it would be tough to explain in 60 seconds about City of Eger… why it is worthwhile to visit by Hungarians living outside the city and for the most to target the foreigners living, visiting Hungary to point out. Eger holds and share truly a life adventure beside visiting the capital. It has so much history and to have the unique experience of the city’s wine culture that melted together over the centuries.

At the opening the floor was taken by Anita Molnár, who said  “It is “The Year of Gastronomy” and the City of Eger has rich in flavors and specialities for gourmand as well and  before or after taking a spin around the city, enjoy the Hungarian staples at one of the local restaurants. Continued to frame the city itself as a beautiful historical venue located in Northern Hungary. The city of Eger is rich in monuments and natural attractions. It is reasonably considered as the baroque pearl of Hungary. It is a city where Hungarian individuals visit it several times. Anita Molnár pointed out, at first, organised school groups study tours in their early age visiting the famous Castle of Eger to feel, see and learn about the scene of the famous defeat of 1552 the SIEGE OF EGER which was also the basis of a novel called EGRI CSILLAGOK – „Stars of Eger” written by the Géza Gárdonyi in the 19th century. His novel is part of the national curriculum. Later on, the young adults return to visit the city to get to know more about its surrounding historical places. Couples and families once again come along, bring their children to spin around the city and show, share their previous memories with the kids. The elder folks visit Eger to recall their early years visits. Eger throughout 365 days is open for all generation. The distance from Budapest to Eger is more-or-less 138 km.

The major of the city added a couple of places worth to visit, saying: its squares and streets can be discovered easily like an open book upon arrival by Hungarian and foreigner visitors. Eger with its historic buildings make the city an architectural gem. Most of its attractions can be visited on foot. The medieval castle of Eger is a real castle! Actually, fierce battles took place over 38 day siege by the Turks in 1552 when around 2000 defenders including women and children defeated the mighty Turkish army held off 40,000 Turks. Against all odds for about 45 years later Eger was eventually captured by the Turks and they ruled the city for almost a century.

The major highlighted to visit Eger with  more venues to be seen …  as the cathedral which is one of the city’s gems.  The MINARET OF EGER is the northernmost historical building of the Turkish era in Europe. It was built shortly after the Turks victory in 1596 and it used to belong to the Djami of Kethuda. The 40-meter-high minaret was made of red sandstone, and it has a fourteen-sided ground-plan.

The baroque style down-town was built-in the 1800s by the highly cultural Archbishops of Eger, whose ideas were attained with the help of Italian, German and Austrian architects and the great professionals from the city. The venue is surely filled with picturesque history over millennium on top of the hill. Spot the three crosses in the castle are where stands as a memorial to around 400 defenders. In the castle there is a museum which shows the history of the castle in English and Hungarian language.  The BASILICA on the DOBO SQUARE show the superb architecture.  Who has not heard of the famous BULL’S BLOOD – red wine from Eger. Arriving to the city your the best place to be to visit cellars carved from the local, soft tufa-rocks and cliffs on the hilly side of Eger. Also take a ride by the  direct tour train to the VALLEY OF THE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN – „Szépasszony völgye” which holds more than 50 wine cellars awaiting for the thirsty visitors.  Mentioned to worth a visit to the episcopal cellar system under the town, called the TOWN UNDER THE TOWN. The sweet tooth lovers  are not forgotten who will also find themselves talking their steps to the Kopcsik Mazipanland, the “sweetest” exhibition in Hungary. To cool down cannot leave Eger before not to visit the MINERAL BATH – SWIMMING POOL PARK, a real personal experience. The city of Eger showing respect to the four mushroom head musician with last year’s opening the BEATLES MUSEUM namely on the „ Egri Road”. Surely a must-see place wandering around the huge collection of Beatles items and to shop, carry home eye-catching gadgets by their fans. It is the 5th Beatles museum in Europe.  Looking for a place to have a blast, well VARASZTORONY is your place – Observatories and Planetarium in Eger with its  Magic Tower. The magic room is six floors up in the astronomical tower at the Liceum.

Visit the PANOPTIKUM, the museum where the individuals come to life and can see the wax figures from the novel of The stars of Eger by Géza Gárdonyi.

The presentations were highlighting one of Hungary’s most spectacular tourist destination. Furthermore, adding information to the traditions worthy of culture to be experienced. However, this is not the only reason why the city with a 1000 years of history  is worth to be at least once visited, but keep in mind, to see, enjoy the city’s hospitality not for a day tripper. The more days you spend at Eger the richer in experience  will last forever.

Last but not least … mark your calender … be ready to join the 3 days party … the XX. EGRI BIKAVÉR FEST at the Bishop’s Park on the ST. Donatus Day. July, 7. – July 10. 2016.

This year celebrating its 20th anniversary for the wineries of Eger Wine Region. Its the time to come together in order to march up the best Bikavér wines. A popular tradition of Bikavér Festival is the creation of food by the best restaurants of Eger and surroundings matching with the wines. The rule is one Bikavér … one food. Egri Csillag and the White wines of Eger likewise reds, harmony with vigorous acids and fruity flavour. The white blend is built on the varieties of Carpathian Basin: furmint, hárslevelű, leányka, királyleányka, zengő and zenit with great expectations similar to Bikavér.

Updated and snaps by Aggie Reiter

5 May

Badacsony wines – New York Palace – Budapest 2016.

Posted by www.rollinginbudapest.com in Budapest - Hungary, Entertainments, Herald News for Hungarians who speaks English!, Wine around Hungary. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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For the 5th occasion the region of Badacsony (Lake Balaton) – the home of the “Kéknyelű” wines  presented itself at the New York Palace – Budapest. The wine makers personally offered personally their wines to the wine lovers glasses and also introduced the varieties in flavors. In connection with the jubilee anniversary was decided that this year wines over the last five years, including the real terrain wines should be presented.

In the Gastro Experiences Year perhaps is more important to get to know a bit  better the wine-makers from the Badacsony wine region, the area itself and the traditions they follow. At the New York Palace there were from the smallest craft wineries, the producers and the largest wineries from the region of Badacsony. The Badacsony Wine atmosphere was brought to life in Budapest. All the wines on the spot were previously qualified by a professional committee by only leaving the finest products  to be offered at the event.

Within the wine tasting program film screenings, lectures, demonstrations and photos enriched the event. Dr. András Csizmadia gastro philosopher gave lecture about how food can be paired with the wines of Badacsony. Professor Dr. Gabriella Mészáros gave a lecture on where the varieties of grapes stand at the Badacsony land. Journalist Robert Smyth spoked about what does it mean for an outsider the county of the volcano’s wine.

Special soil, lots-and-lots of sunshine, tradition and beautiful scenery. All is at the fingertips at Badacsony which is needed for a world-class wine region. The wine-makers regularly hold wine excursions! From February to June every Saturday a different winery is open and the locals organize a special program for those who wish to gain better knowledge of the Badacsony wines.

Keep in mind the wineries awaiting to be visited: Borbély Family Winery, Németh Cellar, Óbester, Borbarátok (Wine Friends), Szabó Family Winery, VÁLIBOR, Róza Szegedy Róza House Literary Museum and Wine, Málik Cellar, Léránt Cellar, Szent György Cellar,  Güns Cellar,  Csobánci Wine Manufactory,  Kisfaludy House, Thomay Cellar,  Sipos Wine House.

Definitely have to underlinre two outstanding tables, one was from the Horváth Cellar – Badacsony, with its heavenly  2011 – Szürkebarát  (Pinot Gris) – produced from the grapes Grape, the other which was unique by itself being at the Badacsony wines event, was the selection of the family owned Renaissance Pálinka House, also from Badacsony.

Badacsony is particularly an awesome place to admire the beauty of the scenery, taste the delicious flavors or just to spend a week-end relaxing and enjoying the countryside company.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

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