Grapes for wine making, of course, have been growing in Hungary since the Roman times (and maybe even before), so producing wine is nothing new for the Hungarians. It has even been speculated that it was the Hungarians who discovered, around 1660, how very beneficial the effect of Noble Rot is in adding that subtle sweetness and producing quality wines such as Hungary’s famous Tokaj dessert wines.
But, producing quality wine hasn’t exactly been easy for the Hungarians. In addition to the vagaries of weather and the growing season that all wine growers deal with, they have had to contend with another factor: repeated occupation of their country by others. Located in the heart of Europe, Hungary has been invaded and occupied by numerous groups including the Mongols, the Turks and, more recently, the Communists. All have taken their toll on allowing quality wine production.
But, it has been ten years since Hungary has, once again, made the transition to an independent nation and a free market. And now, with their 10th Budapest International Wine Festival, held last September, Hungary actively celebrated its new status as a producer of quality wines.
The festival was a two-week long series of festive events that emphasized the art of wine- making through its theme of “The Feast of Wine, the Wine of Feast,” as the Hungarian National Gallery displayed a fine arts exhibition of how wine has been portrayed throughout the centuries in art. Gala concerts, a charity wine auction, and a lively parade through downtown Budapest added to the festivities. At the Wine Academy, wine lovers from around the world swirled, sniffed and tasted wines as they listened to lectures by well-known wine experts.
The highlight was the Wine Exhibition and Fair, held on the grounds of the mighty Buda Castle that overlooks the dramatic Danube River. With tasting glasses in hand, visitors leisurely strolled from one wine producer’s booth to the next as they tasted and learned about a vast array of quality wines being produced in Hungary today. Whether it was the dry white wines of the Lake Balaton area, the bubbly, festive sparkling wines produced by the distinguished Torley firm, or the nectar-like sweet dessert Tokaj wines that Hungary is so famous for, visitors could sample a wide range of Hungarian wine.
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