Hey folks. Refining, refining...
Was planning a weekend in Eger in September (after 5 nights in Budapest). However we saw a video of Villany today which is apparently near Pecs. Either way we'd take the train from Budapest and make our way around on public transit or maybe a taxi/Bolt. And back to Budapest after to catch a plane
I know Villany is further but if we go on train and we stay 2 nights it's not a big deal. Unfortunately we're about 2.weeks early for the wine festival in Villany, which is early October. We like wine! We are not experts but can fake it and enjoy a tasting or tour as long as it doesn't get too technical. ;)
Not having a car is a bit of a stretch for us but if wine is on the menu it seems prudent. We are very comfy with public transit in cities but not so much in less dense areas.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17924 posts
Really depends on what you are up to. Eger is easier. The problem with Vilany is you will have to plan your own winery visits which is very okay. Or, wait, I might know a guide. But there are a number of wineries a day trip from Budaoest. This is a wine country. And I do know a guide for those.
I'll send you a PM when I get home from the wine bar (in Budapest)
Posted by
Washington DC
27120 posts
Pecs is a very interesting city. It's the home of Zsolnay ceramics, which were heavily used in outdoor installations ( and may still be, for all I know). There are at least two related museums that would be worth visiting by folks interested in decorative arts.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17924 posts
The guide contact I sent you might be able to do a Villany trip. Dont know. But she is good for wineries as day trips out of Budaepst.
Pecs is an interesting city. If you go, look at staying here: https://palatinusboutiquehotel.hu/en/ I think about the best location in town for a short tourist break.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17924 posts
Since you like the wine, here are some wine bars. These are all in District VI with the exception of the last which is in District VII.
Kadarka Wine Bar and Wine Shop (Kadarka Borbár és Borkereskedés)
http://kadarkawinebar.com/
“We await our guests with mostly Hungarian wines made from long-forgotten Hungarian grape varieties, both for tasting and takeaway on site.” It’s Casual and attracts young to old. You can’t beat the selection, the service or the prices. The waiters know their wine well and this is the one where you can sample a few before you buy glass. Food menu is very good as well.
Marlou Wine Bar and Store
https://www.marlouwinebar.com/
Natural Wines. “At Marlou, we believe in promoting natural wines: those that express their place of origin (wherever they come from), hand-crafted wines with minimal or no intervention and in which the winemaker shows maximum respect for the terroir.”
Simple but well done menu.
Cork Breakfast and Wine
https://www.facebook.com/cork.breakfastandwine/
“Next to the Opera House, three young Ukrainians run a place that looks elegant at first glance but immediately becomes homely upon entering. It has an international feel to it, and what's more, one of their tables offers a fabulous view of the Basilica. Their borscht soup comes with duck meat, served with pork fat, bread, sour cream, and spring onions, and they casually grate truffles into their mashed potatoes. Plus, with a good aim, you can win a glass of wine at Cork Breakfast & Wine.”
Bortodoor
https://www.bortodoor.com/
Also pretty casual. Run by an American, UK and Aussie. “Bortodoor aims to bring local and international quality wines to you directly bringing a personal touch and matchmaking recommendations. We don’t like the snobbery in wine and want everyone to feel that it is accessible not only in price but also by trying your own journey with what you like.” Wednesday is blind tasting night. Menu is brought in from local restaurants.
Champion Wine
https://www.championwines.store/about/
“Champion Wine is a stylish shop, cellar and gallery in the heart of Budapest, it offers an exquisite selection of over 460 Hungarian wines, including award winning champion wines. … Spend a pleasant evening in Champion Wine and let the experienced staff recommend you a set of 3 or 5 tasting samples to enjoy Hungarian wines with ham and cheese plate.”
Dobolo
https://www.facebook.com/doblowinebar
Nice upscale wine bar. “Doblo Wine & Bar is specialized in wine tastings with fingerfood /delicious, hungarian hand-crafted cheese and meat with pickles and bread/. Every day we even have live music. Mainly Jazz, Funk, Gypsy jazz and pop duos or trios playing some excellent background music from 8.30pm.”
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17924 posts
You really need to spend time in VI. BUT, there are a couple of nice mom and pop wine bars in District V too. Neither a bad walk from your hotel and the walk is through some pretty amazing Budapest architecture:
MyWine Wine bar & Shop
http://www.artizanshop.hu/
WINE NOT? Hungarian Wine Bar & Shop
https://winenotbudapest.com/
Then the corporate DiVino Wine Bar near your hotel and a few other places around town.
https://bazilika.divino.hu/
Or if you have time and a reservation. St Andreas is worth a try.
https://standreaskybar.hu/