Background:
The Day before our wine tour while on the Grand Tour of Budapest we were having lunch with Orsolya discussing Hungarian Wines. We were supposed to go the next day with Orsolya for the Half Day Szentendre and the half day Communist Budapest and we decided exploring the Eger Wine Region would be more to our liking. Thus we changed our two trips and booked the Private Wine Tour with Tours By Locals for our next days outing. I am so happy we did as we learned a lot about life in Hungary during the Communists and Hungarian Wines.
Private Wine Tour with Tours By Locals
Pick up and drop off at Sofitel Hotel in Budapest. Tours is 9 hours long with visits to two or three wineries. A private car with guide and driver was provided. Yes, the car was very comfortable. Recommended additional cost is 15000 HUF per person for wine tastings and lunch is an extra charge. The Tour Number is 212363 and costs 650 USD. This tour is of the Red Wine District of Hungary and Eger is 90 Km outside of Budapest. The Eger wine region lies in the North East of Hungary, at the foot of the Bukk Mountains. This region is endowed with unique potentials, thus during the past centruries growing both white and red grapes has expanded. Considering the climate, it should be noted that this is a cooler wine region, which can be traced in the characteristics of the wines made here. Before WWII the wine growers were very proud of their wines and they believed less production and more care made for better wines. When the Communists took over they beleived that the vineyard should produce as fast and as cheap as you possible. World War II and the Communists hurt the wine industry in Hungary. Today they are getting back to producing great wines.
The picture above shows the entrance to the first winery you will visit. Enter into Nimrod Wines though the street side door. There is no parking allowed so your driver will drop you off. You will enter into a very different world. The Kovas Nimrod Winery is built into limestone caves. You will pass through a series of production rooms to reach the tasting room. Tastings are by appointment only. This winery is situated with seven continuous cellars on the historic Veroszala Street in Eger. Back in the 18th century, there were hundreds of wine press houses, similar to this winery, which were erected above the cellars to handle on-site processing and storage below. Orsolya will make a wine tasting appointment for you. The telephone number in Hungry is +36 70 452 2626. The tasting room is locted at H-3300 Eger, Veroszala u. 66. The website for Nimrod Wines in the United States is www.NimrodWines.com. The wines can be purchased in Budapest at Monarchia Wineshop at 1052 Budapest, Haris koz 2. or www.monarchiaborok.hu. You will taste 777 Pinot Noir, Rhapsody which is a red blend, and Soul plus whatever wines that are in the tasting room. You will find this experience very private with lots of time to ask questions. The tasting is in English.
Vinyards
You will drive outside of Eger to see the vineyards themselves. You too may see a wedding party having pictures taken in the vineyards.
Town of Eger, Hungary
You may then be dropped off in town to see the University, narrow cobble-stone streets, shops, wine sale shops, and the ruined castle above Eger. This town goes back to the 11th century when the first King of Hungary, St Stephen established the first bishopry here.
Lunch at Macok Bistro
The driver and Orsolya went to lunch with us. They will explain the entire Hungarian menu to you so you can decide what to eat. While you walk through town the driver has parked the car near the restuaurant. You will only walk one way. Macok Bistro is located at 3300 Eger, Tinodi s. Ter 4. The telephone number is +e6 -30-207-8085. The website is www.IMOLAUDVARHAZ.HU The menu is posted on the website.
Small Wineries Outside of Town
You will drive by about 50 Tasting Shops all together in a circle. Once the car is parked you can walk forever tasting wines.
St. Andrea Winery
St. Andrea Winery was under construction. They were in the process of building a new tasting room. The wine was very good and the new room was air-conditioned. You will then pick up the highway and be taken back to your hotel.
Note:
Again our day with Orsolya was perfect. We enjoyed tasting and learning about the Hungarian Wine Country. We also purchased a few bottles to take with us when we boarded Ama Waterways for our 14 night Magnificent Europe River Cruise. We sat on deck and watched the Donau River go by enjoying those wines. I’m not sure how to tell you what a wonderful experience this day to wine town of Eger was. You will love your trip with Orsolya!