How to Wine and Dine Your Way Through Hungary This Fall

by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Fri September 1, 2023

It is said that food is the way to the heart and, if that is true, Hungary is sure to hold a special place in visitors' hearts with a wide-ranging and wildly delicious menu of delectable dishes and Old World wine varietals.

Gastronomic Delights

Gastronomy plays an important role in Hungary, characterized by both tradition and innovation. Hungarians say that they are a “nation of soup eaters" and while many places designate soup as a starter, in Hungary, it can be the main event.

Visitors will want to be sure to enjoy its iconic goulash and fish soups that are substantial and filling. Hungary is proud of its stews as well, which are made from slow-cooked beef or chicken and seasoned with paprika, such as the country's signature chicken paprikash.

Apart from stews and soups, visitors will also want to sample stuffed cabbage filled with minced pork, popular in the colder months. Lecsó, which is Hungarian ratatouille, is popular in late summer—both dishes are ideal during the transitioning autumn months.

Other popular dishes include pottages made of lentils, potatoes, peas, beans, cabbage or pumpkin, served wit an egg or sliced sausage, or just a slice of bread.

Recently, the country has undergone a gastronomic revolution. Restaurants are using high-quality ingredients to keep Hungarian culinary traditions front and center and their efforts have been recognized with Michelin-star recognition, with seven one-Michelin-star restaurants and two restaurants that hold a two-star Michelin designation. Visitors will find seven of these restaurants located in Budapest and two in the countryside. In addition, more than 60 restaurants are included in the renowned Michelin Guide.

Hungarian Wine

Hungary may be well known for its gastronomy, but it is also one of Europe’s most intriguing and historic wine-producing countries.

While it's one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Europe, the country is still re-introducing itself to the world as a place for wine enthusiasts. In all, there are 22 regions with different climatic, topographical, soil and historical characteristics.

Hungary's most famous wine region is the Tokaj Wine Region, home to its most beloved varietals and nestled in the foothills of the Zemplén Mountains. Wine has been produced in the region for more than 1,000 years. Tokaji Aszú is one of the world’s best naturally sweet wines, and Aszú is made from hand-harvested botrytized grapes. Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002.

The most complex of Hungary's wine varietals comes from Balaton, and the Upper Hungary Wine Region, defined by the Mátra and Bükk mountains. Its best-known wine is called Egri Bikavér, or in English, Bull’s Blood of Eger from the winemakers in the town of the same name.

The Pannon Wine Region consists of Pécs, Szekszárd, Tolna and Villány. The region is known for its softer, gentler white wines and big-bodied red wines with thicker tannins.

Hungarian wines are gaining international recognition. This year's varietals performed well at international wine events, including at this year's Decanter World Wine Awards.

Culinary Festivities

With fall being a time of harvest, it is also a time of celebration and visitors to Hungary who choose to come during the fall will be spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying the country's food and wine traditions.

Saint Martin’s Day: On November 11, Saint Martin's Day is celebrated around the country with huge feasts, the last before the 40-day Christmas fast. Traditionally, Hungarians would slaughter, cook, and eat the goose they had been fattening up and it is the time of year that they bring out the new wines of the year to try for the first time. The great feasts and wine tasting are typically accompanied by balls and fairs.

Budapest Wine Festival: This festival is known as one of the most prestigious of the year in Hungary and will take place at the Buda Castle Palace September 7-10, 2023. Wine lovers will be able to sample wines from renowned Hungarian wineries, and South America will be the guest of honor this year.

Balaton Wine & Gourmet Festival: This event, taking place September 21-24, 2023, is part of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture event series, and is one of the biggest gastronomy festivals. The event will showcase the culinary specialties of France and Argentina, along with key representatives of Balaton regional gastronomy, comprising more than 50 restaurants and wineries. Events include tastings, family activities, professional workshops and more.

Harvest Days of Tokaj-Hegyalja: As one of the oldest harvest events in Hungary, this event takes place with the goal of fostering cultural tradition and showcasing the diverse community values of the World Heritage Site. The festival is more than 90 years old, first taking place in 1932. It will take place this year from October 6-8, 2023.

Hollókő Harvest Festival: An annual event, this festival celebrates wine and culture with grape-pressing demonstrations, stage performances, folk dancing, and a Harvest Parade. The one-day event takes place on October 7, 2023.

Villány Red Wine Festival: This is the largest gastronomic event in the Villány wine region. In addition to culinary treats and wine, it features musical performances, traditional demonstrations and a harvest parade. The celebration takes place October 6-8, 2023.

Etyek Picnic: Fun for children and adults alike, the Etyek Picnic is a monthly event that offers a unique atmosphere, food, drink, culture, and sport activities. The next picnic will be October 14-15, 2023.

Csaba Sausage Festival: This is one of Hungary's biggest and most popular gastronomic events. It takes place October 19-22, 2023, in Békéscsaba, Hungary, and of course, the main attraction is the world-famous Hungarian sausage, Csabai.