Tokaj beyond sweet wine: A new chapter for Hungary's historic wine region

At the heart of the development is the redesign of the main square and the surrounding infrastructure, making the city center even more attractive and accessible for visitors. The renovated public spaces provide the ideal starting point for exploring the city, its cultural heritage, and the Tokaj wine region.

From Vineyards to Adventure: Surrounded by rivers and hills in northeastern Hungary, Tokaj offers ever-increasing opportunities to actively experience its diverse landscape. Visitors can explore the region on foot along numerous hiking trails, by bicycle through vineyards and along the rivers, or from the water on the Tisza and Bodrog rivers. From canoe trips and guided boat tours to motorboat rentals, there are countless ways to discover the region from a new perspective. An adventure park and campsite right on the river invite visitors to spend even more time in nature and enjoy the surroundings at a relaxed pace.

Just a short drive from Tokaj, the Zemplén Adventure Park expands the region's outdoor offerings. A particular attraction is the pedestrian suspension bridge with the world's longest span of its kind. It extends high above the landscape and, with a section featuring a glass floor, offers impressive views of the Zemplén Mountains.

When the Wine Harvest Meets Contemporary Culture: One of the highlights of autumn is the Tokaj Harvest Days, one of Hungary's oldest wine harvest festivals, taking place this year from October 2nd to 4th, 2026. For three days, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and flavors of the wine region – from wine tastings and gastronomic specialties to a vibrant craft and producers' market. Open wine cellars and programs in the vineyards offer insights into the world of Tokaj wine, while the spectacular harvest parade, featuring traditional groups, wine knights, horsemen, and decorated vehicles, brings the city streets to life. Light installations in the main square further enhance the special atmosphere.

In the surrounding villages, autumn also brings a diverse program of wine, culture, and outdoor experiences. In September, the Mád Furmint Days celebrate Tokaj's signature grape variety with wine tastings, open cellars, culinary delights, and live music. The Kerekdomb Festival in Tállya combines wine with concerts, culture, and sports.

Those who prefer to explore the region actively can run through the vineyards in October during the Wine Run Mád – accompanied by wine, culinary delights and live music along the route.

Culinary Discoveries Throughout the Region: One of Tokaj's special qualities lies in the interplay of modernity and tradition. As one of the oldest wine regions in Europe, Tokaj combines its culinary heritage with current gastronomic developments. Increasingly, these new experiences are taking place in historic buildings that have been carefully restored and breathed new life into.

One of the most impressive examples is the Sauska Winery, whose striking contemporary building received a BLT Built Design Award in the architecture category in 2025. The award particularly recognized the building's successful integration into the UNESCO-protected Tokaj-Hegyalja landscape. The 1737 Terroir restaurant and wine bar has found an extraordinary home in a lovingly restored former Protestant chapel. The four-star boutique wine hotel Generális, just steps from the main square, has breathed new life into a historic 18th-century building.

The selection of excellent restaurants in the region is also constantly growing. Here, modern cuisine is seamlessly paired with some of Tokaj's most characteristic wines. In 2026, PADI was included by Wine Enthusiast in a selection of outstanding winery restaurants from around the world. Other culinary destinations worth discovering include WINESTONE and the Galushka Wine Bar.

Those wishing to experience traditional Hungarian inn culture will find authentic insights into the region's classic hospitality at the meticulously renovated Arany Sas Inn with its impressive Renaissance garden, as well as at the Sárga Borház. And of course, no visit to Tokaj would be complete without discovering the region's historic wineries and cellars, including the Hétszőlő Wine Estate.

The town of Tokaj is also an excellent base for exploring other highlights of the wine region. In nearby Tarcal, the historic Andrássy Kúria & Spa invites visitors, while Mád is home to the HOLDVÖLGY Winery. In Tállya, the Barka Gallery and Hotel offers a unique boutique experience, while the historic Dégenfeld Boutique Hotel evokes the elegant charm of bygone eras.

Tokaj's new chapter has long since begun, and autumn is the ideal time to discover it for yourself.