Known for its long wine tradition, Hungary has 22 official wine regions where a variety of wine types are grown. Each region has its own unique grape varieties, soils and climatic conditions that shape its wines.

Our list of the top 10 wine growing regions of Hungary

1. Tokaj-Hegalja
Location: Northeastern Hungary
Main grape varieties: Furmint, Hárslevelű, Muscat Blanc
Known for: Tokaji Aszú (sweet dessert wine, often called the “King of Wines”, one of the most famous wines in Hungary)
Description: The oldest classified wine region in the world (since 1737) is world famous for its sweet and noble wines, especially the Tokaji Aszu. The volcanic soil and special microclimate contribute to the uniqueness of the wines.
Special features: The noble sweet Tokaji Aszú is made from noble grapes (Botrytis cinerea) and is characterized by its complex aromas and long storage capacity.

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2. Vilanny
Location: Southern Hungary
Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Portugieser
Known for: Full-bodied red wines, especially Cabernet Franc
Description: Vilanny is one of the best red wine regions in Hungary and is known for its strong, structured red wines. The Mediterranean climate and calcareous soils are ideal for growing red wine.
Characteristics: Villany is often referred to as the “Bordeaux of Hungary” because red wines of international quality are produced here. Well-known wine region in Hungary.

3. Eger

Location: Northern Hungary
Most important grape varieties: Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay
Known for: Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood)
Description: Eger is best known for its strong red wine “Egri Bikavér” (Bull’s Blood), a cuvée made from various grape varieties. In addition to the red wine, fresh white wine is also produced in the region. Well-known wine-growing region.
Special feature: The Egri Bikavér is a traditional cuvée (blend) whose recipe and quality are strictly monitored.

4. Sopron
Location: Western Hungary, near the Austrian border
Main grape varieties: Kekfrankos, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Known for: Kekfrankos (Blaufränkisch)
Description: Sopron has a long history of winemaking that goes back to ancient times. The region is best known for its Kekfrankos, a strong, spicy red wine.
Special features: Sopron is located near Lake Neusiedl and has climatic influences that allow it to produce wines similar to those in neighboring Burgenland (Austria).

5. Badaszony
Location: Western Hungary, on the northern shore of Lake Balaton
Main grape varieties: Olaszrizling (Welschriesling), Keknyelű, Szürkebarat (Pinot Gris)
Known for: Mineral white wine
Description: The wines of Badacsony are strongly influenced by volcanic rock, which gives them a unique minerality. The indigenous grape variety Keknyelű in particular is grown almost exclusively in this region.
Special features: The picturesque location on Lake Balaton and the volcanic soil give the white wines a special freshness and minerality. Many tourists come to this wine region because it is located on the touristy Lake Balaton.

6. Sszekszard
Location: Southern Hungary
Main grape varieties: Kekfrankos, Kadarka, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
What it’s known for: Red wine, especially Kadarka and Egri Bikaver
Description: Szekszard is one of Hungary’s oldest wine regions and is known for its elegant, flavorful red wines. Kadarka, one of Hungary’s oldest grape varieties, plays an important role in this.
What it is: Along with Villany, Szekszard produces some of Hungary’s finest red wines and is especially known for its Egri Bikaver. Fine wine region.

7. Balatonfured-Ksopak
Location: Northern shore of Lake Balaton
Main grape varieties: Olaszrizling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Known for: Fresh, aromatic white wines
Description: The Balatonfüred-Csopak region is famous for its white wines, especially Olaszrizling, which is produced here in both mineral and fresh forms. The proximity to Lake Balaton creates ideal conditions for white wine production. This wine-growing region is in a very touristy region.
Special feature: The wines from this region are popular mainly for their light and refreshing acidity and are ideal as summer wine.

8. Matra
Location: Northern Hungary, on the slopes of the Matra Mountains
Main grape varieties: Olaszrizling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat
Known for: fruity white wine
Description: Matra is one of Hungary’s largest wine regions and is known for its aromatic and fruity white wines. The volcanic soils and cool climate produce complex wines with intense aromas.
Characteristics: Ideal for those who like light, fruity white wines with an intense flavor.

9. Pannonhalma
Location: Western Hungary near Györ
Main grape varieties: Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Known for: High-quality white wines
Description: The area around the Benedictine monastery of Pannonhalma has a long history of winemaking that goes back to the Middle Ages. The region is particularly known for its elegant white wines.
Special features: The Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and produces high-quality wines.

10. Nagy-Somlo
Location: Northwestern Hungary
Known for: Mineral white wines, especially Juhfark
Description: Nagy-Somlo is a small but significant wine region known for its mineral white wines. Juhfark, a rare Hungarian grape variety, is grown in this wine region and is particularly popular at weddings as it is considered the “wine of fertility”.

Hungary offers an impressive variety of wine regions and wine areas that produce both well-known and excellent red wines and white wines. This is our list, but one could of course include some other wine regions in such a wine region list.

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