Tokaj
The wine of kings, and the original great sweet wine.
Tokaj: the home of Furmint
Long before Sauternes, there was Tokaj. This historic corner of northeast Hungary makes Tokaji Aszú, the golden sweet wine once served at royal courts across Europe, from grapes shrivelled by noble rot. Today it also makes superb dry whites from the same Furmint grape, and the region is emerging as one of Europe's most rewarding and underpriced wine destinations.
The wines
Tokaji Aszú is intensely sweet yet bright with acidity, measured in puttonyos for richness, with flavours of apricot, honey and orange peel. Dry Furmint, increasingly the region's calling card, is mineral and ageworthy.
Where to go
The town of Tokaj and surrounding villages sit among volcanic hills riddled with mould-blackened cellars cut into the rock. Many historic estates welcome visitors for tastings in these atmospheric tunnels.
Eat
Rich Hungarian cooking, foie gras and strong cheeses pair classically with the sweet wines, while dry Furmint handles river fish and paprika dishes well.
Getting there
Fly into Budapest, then drive about two and a half hours northeast, or take the train. A car helps for the village cellars.
Know the wine before you go.
The app teaches you Furmint in five minutes, then helps you order it with confidence. Learn the grape, then come back and plan the trip.
Tokaj wine tours & tastings
Browse wine tours, tastings and cellar-door visits in Tokaj, booked through Viator. The price you pay never changes.
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Tokaj, quick answers.
What wine is Tokaj known for?
Tokaji Aszú, the historic golden sweet wine made from nobly rotted grapes, and increasingly fine dry whites from the Furmint grape.
What does puttonyos mean?
It is the traditional measure of sweetness and richness in Tokaji Aszú, now usually shown as 5 or 6 puttonyos, with higher numbers meaning sweeter wine.
Is Tokaj worth visiting?
Yes, and it remains good value. The rock-cut cellars are atmospheric, the history is extraordinary, and both sweet and dry wines reward the trip.
