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3 0 | t h e c l e v e r r o o t BETWEEN THE FASCINATING landscapes, rustic villages, welcoming winemakers and plethora of festivals throughout the year, Hun- gary's gastro-tourism destinations offer truly memorable experiences for their visitors. The central European country has long been known for its hospitality, and the best way to discover that is through its wine regions. Here's what shouldn't be missed. BUDAPEST: The Ultimate Wine Festival The capital has long been a destination for lov- ers of food and wine—and Budapest has plenty else to offer through its cultural heritage, his- toric sites, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking views and majestic hotels. Every September, tens of thousands of peo- ple visit the historic Buda Castle to celebrate at Hungary's greatest wine festival. Hundreds of exhibitors present wines from all around the country, with plenty of international selections available as well. The Budapest Wine Festival also features culinary delights covering a broad gastronomic selection, from traditional to street food to gourmet specialties. Among the purveyors, the colorful Országkonyha (Nation's Kitchen) and Csülök Bár (Trotters Bar) supply tasty Hungar- ian specialities, while Szarvasgomba Világa (The World of Truffles) offers treats enhanced by its namesake ingredient. Even if you are not a wine expert, the ambi- ance and sheer variety of festival program- ming will guarantee an unforgettable time spent in Budapest. TOKAJ: The World's First Appellation Birthplace of the world-famous Tokaji Aszú, Tokaj was declared a closed wine region—the world's first appellation—in 1737 and has been famous for its noble sweet wine for centuries. Though a relatively small region with 5,500 hectares of vineyards, Tokaj has a winemaking culture and tradition that has been honored by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre since 2002. Fall is the busy festival period; among the main events are Autumn in Tokaj, the Patricius Harvest Festival and the Furmint Festival of Mád in the attractive gastro village of the same name.. Tokaj-Hegyalja Market is another must- attend gathering, organized the second Sunday of every month next to the restaurant Sárga Borház. Speaking of eateries, don't miss the Gusteau Culinary Experience Workshop (voted Hungarian restaurant of the year in 2016 by Gault & Millau), Elso˝ Mádi Borház or the res- taurant at the Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel. EGER: Living History The historic town of Eger lies at the northern- most latitude where it's possible to make red wines. Once a white wine-producing region, Eger became famous at the end of the 19 th century for its spicy red blend Bikavér (known commonly as Bull's Blood). Today, there's a white counterpart: a delicate, floral blend branded Egri Csillag (Star of Eger). Besides its impressive wines, the town is home to the ancient Castle of Eger, the beauti- ful Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and the "Town Under the Town," a cellar system spanning several kilometers. The stellar culinary scene includes the Macok Bistro and Wine Bar, a small and cozy place in the heart of town; 1552 Restaurant in the castle; and Fuzio Wine Bar, where visitors can blend their own Bikavér. Yet another attraction is the abundance of thermal sources—taking a plunge into healing thermal water in Eger or nearby Egerszalók is an unforgettable experience. VILLÁNY AND SZEKSZÁRD: Reds from the South Villány is known as the Tuscany of Hungary, and together with Szekszárd, is the warmest wine region famous for full-bodied reds. In Villány, Cabernet Franc has found a new home, producing spicy, savory and age-worthy wines. Szekszárd is famous for more delicate red blends, often encompassing typical varieties such as Kadarka and Kékfrankos. Relaxation and local cuisine at Bock Winery's Hotel Ermit- age or the Crocus Gere Wine Hotel will make the journey complete. TRAVEL Wine Travels in Hungary DRINK AND EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH HISTORY by Izzy Watson The family-owned Patricius Winery hosts the Harvest Festival each October, presenting handcrafted first-growth estate wines from the heart of a legendary region. The Budapest Wine Festival is held at the almost 800-year-old Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chimney cake, also known as Kürtőskalács, is a sweet delight considered Hungarikum— something with typically Hungarian attributes, uniqueness and quality. ■cr

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