Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, north-east Hungary · Hungary
The wine of kings and the king of wines, a cultural landscape of volcanic vineyards, cellars and river confluences in the far north-east.
Photo: PM · Public domain
Tokaj is both a small town and a wine region, in the Hungarian foothills of the Zemplén Mountains, where the Bodrog and Tisza rivers meet. The volcanic soil, mists from the rivers and a long autumn create ideal conditions for noble rot, a fungus that shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sweetness. The result is Tokaji Aszú, a golden sweet wine that was served at royal courts across Europe, and which Louis XIV called the wine of kings, king of wines.
The region is among the oldest classified wine areas in the world, with a legal classification dating from 1737. Its cultural landscape of vineyards, cellars and villages was listed by UNESCO in 2002. Today Tokaj also makes excellent dry Furmint whites, sparkling wines and modern styles, and there is a vibrant new generation of winemakers.
The town of Tokaj is small, with a pretty main square and the historic Rákóczi cellar, more than a kilometre of tunnels in the volcanic rock. The best visits are at the villages of Tarcal, Mád and Bodrogkeresztúr, where family cellars welcome visitors. It is remote, about three hours from Budapest, and best for two days of tasting.
Why visit
Tokaj is one of the world's great wine regions, and quiet and welcoming.
Tokaji Aszú.
A UNESCO landscape.
Tunnels in the rock.
Furmint.
Villages and rivers.
Main attractions
Tasting and touring cellars is the main activity.
A small town with a main square, a synagogue and the historic Rákóczi cellar, a maze of tunnels.
Tip Book a cellar tour.
The confluence of the Bodrog and Tisza rivers, with riverside walks.
Tip Go at sunset.
A wine village with a synagogue and many family wineries.
Tip Book tastings.
A volcanic hill with vineyards and views.
Tip Climb for the view.
A Renaissance castle north of Tokaj.
Tip A short drive.
Museums about the region's history.
Tip On rainy days.
Things to do
Tokaj is about tasting.
Sweet wines at cellars.
Tip Learn about puttonyos.
A modern highlight.
Tip Pair with food.
See the tunnels.
Tip Bring a jacket.
Rent a bike.
Tip Go in spring.
Join the autumn events.
Tip Book ahead.
On the Bodrog.
Tip Summer.
Local food
Tokaj food is simple and paired with wine.
Sweet wine with honey and apricot notes.
Where to try it Cellars.
A dry white wine.
Where to try it Wine bars.
Paired with Aszú.
Where to try it Restaurants.
From the Tisza.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Töltött káposzta.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Accommodation
Stay in Tokaj or a wine village.
Transport
Tokaj is remote.
A car or bicycle is best.
When to go
Tokaj is best in spring and autumn.
Mild.
Warm.
Harvest.
Cold and quiet.
Worth planning around: Cold January.
Itinerary
Cellars and villages.
Cellar and river.
Wine villages.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Sweet wine from noble-rot grapes.
About 3 hours.
Yes.
It helps.
Two.
Spring or autumn.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Tokaj, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Heves, northern Hungary, Hungary
A baroque town with a 16th-century castle, Europe's northernmost minaret, thermal baths and family cellars in the Szépasszony-völgy, home of Egri Bikavér, Bull's Blood wine.
Don't miss Tasting Bull's Blood red wine in a cellar carved into the hillside of the Valley of the Beautiful Women.
Explore Destination — EgerHajdú-Bihar, Great Hungarian Plain, Hungary
Hungary's oldest national park and a UNESCO cultural landscape, with the Nine-Hole Bridge, horse shows, traditional herding, birdwatching and crane migration.
Don't miss Riding horsemen across the open puszta at sunset under a huge sky.
Explore Destination — Hortobágy National ParkCentral Hungary, on the Danube, Hungary
Hungary's capital, with the Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Széchenyi thermal baths, the Great Market Hall, ruin bars and Danube views.
Don't miss The Parliament building lit up on the Danube at night, seen from a river cruise or the Buda bank.
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