Tokaj, a Gateway to the Zemplén
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The town of Tokaj, the centre of the Historical Wine Region, a World Heritage site, sung about in the national anthem, can be found at the feet of the highest and most preserved volcano of Hungary, at the confluence of the Rivers Tisza and Bodrog. The small town, built in a unique environment, has been a popular destination since the 17th century. The historic network of cellars more than a hundred years old, with entrances popping up among houses, in the center of the town, is a unique feature. Entering a cellar door, the visitor arrives to a labyrinth of tunnels.
 
Tokaj-Hegyalja Wine Region


The Tokaj Foothills (Tokaj Hegyalja) became the leading Hungarian wine region after the Turkish occupation, and Tokaji wine practically started to gain its international fame around that time. Wine marketing has existed since as early as the 16-17th centuries, and in 1737 the King even had to create laws to protect Tokaji wine, since everyone in the proximity of the region tried to sell wine under the name 'Tokaj'. The laws included a list of all the place names where the production of Tokaji wine was legally permitted, and so was the first "closed-wine-region" born. Today, we find three major indigenous grape varieties in the Tokaj Wine Region: Furmint, Hárslevelű and Yellow Muscatel, all of them are suitable for botrytization.

The cool cellars of Tokaj are visited by hundreds of people every year. Although nature lovers can find several other activities to do, since the two rivers and their backwaters are rich in fish, the woods offer abundant walks and hunting, waters are good for fishing and rowing, and one can even enjoy cycling on the devious tracks of the mountain. Be our guest!


Be our guest!

Throughout the centuries, a lot of different peoples settled down in the Tokaj Foothills, enriching the region by their religions, architectures and traditions. Mansions of Greek and Jewish merchants and of 18-19th-century aristocracy can be found in the downtown of Tokaj. Most of them are open for visitors today.

The small town has always been famous for its wine events and festivities. Even back in the 18th century, harvest was celebrated by fancy balls. At harvest time, since the beginning of the 19th century, local students had organized processions with the Bacchus statue in the streets of Tokaj, singing wine songs. Our current harvest festivities that attract national and international interest every year can be traced back to this tradition. The Synagogue-used-to-be is now a Cultural and Conference Centre hosting conferences, balls, wine tastings, receptions and exhibitions all year round. The "horseshoe" mine is soon going to be reborn as an open-air theatre with a seating of more thousands.
The gates of the Zemplén
Roamings from Tokaj to Nagykapos
Discover the Zemplén