Every September, the legendary streets and squares of Budafok (Budafok) in Budapest come alive with the clink of glasses and vibrant voices at the Budafok Champagne and Wine Festival. For over 30 years, this festival has been a meeting point for wine lovers, sparkling wine enthusiasts, foodies, culture seekers, and partygoers. It’s about more than tasting—it’s a celebration of life, flavors, and music, welcoming both adults and children to its charming, friendly atmosphere.
Three Days, Endless Delights
From September 5 to 7, 2025, the 35th Budafok Champagne and Wine Festival will roll out the barrels for thousands of guests. Top Hungarian wineries and sparkling wine makers will be pouring in from all over: Törley Champagne Cellars (Törley Pezsgőpincészet), Garamvári Vineyards (Garamvári Szőlőbirtok), Katona Winery (Katona Borház), Sauska Winery (Sauska Pincészet), Soós István Winemaking Technical School (Soós István Borászati Technikum), Szeleshát Vineyards (Szeleshát Birtok), Taverna Winery (Taverna Borház), ZOÁD Wine Cellar (ZOÁD Pince), Varga Winery (Varga Pincészet), Várszegi Winery (Várszegi Pincészet), and Orosz Gyula Family Winery (Orosz Gyula Családi Pincészet) are all on the lineup.
The festival’s heart beats near the fairytale-like Törley Castle (Törley Kastély) and the sparkling collection at the Törley Hungarikum Museum (Törley Hungarikum Múzeum). The main event center has four halls for all types of events, a sun-drenched outdoor space, and a boutique hotel with 27 rooms for those who want to soak up the festivities a little longer. Business travelers, couples looking for a getaway, and revelers simply enjoying the party atmosphere will all find a warm welcome—and the restaurant can cater to up to 500 people at once.
More Than Just Wine: Unique Venues to Explore
One venue worth a spiritual detour is the Budatétény Spiritual Center (Budatétényi Lelkigyakorlatos Ház)—a place of rest and renewal for individuals and groups, regardless of age or religion. The Verbite Missionaries (Verbita Misszió) open their doors to anyone seeking emotional support or a peaceful moment of reflection.
If you need a cozy place to stay, Belle Fleur Pension (Belle Fleur Panzió) is tucked into a leafy, peaceful district of South Buda. Just over four miles from downtown and with reliable public transport, it offers modern comforts: eight rooms with private bathrooms and showers, free WiFi, TV, and phone. There’s even a beauty salon on site, and restaurants, horse riding, tennis, and swimming are within walking distance.
A Taste of Tradition
Budafok’s culinary story runs deep. The building now housing Belle Fleur Pension (Belle Fleur Panzió) was built in 1910 by restaurateur Károly Kleofász. Originally called the “Villatelep-Beszálló Restaurant,” it was a stopover for merchants and carriers who fed and watered their horses while enjoying good hospitality. By 1939, it became known as “Kméhling Restaurant” under new ownership until nationalization.
Dining at the Society of Wine Poets Cellar Restaurant (Borköltők Társasága Pince Étterem) means savoring traditional flavors and comfort in air-conditioned halls or under the open sky. They are happy to host everything from private gatherings to large events, with barrier-free access and full catering available.
A must-see is the one-of-a-kind Wine City (Borváros) at Záborszky Winery (Záborszky Pince), a “wine street” set up like an open-air museum. You can travel through Hungary’s best-known wine regions—Badacsony, Balatonboglár, Eger, Etyek-Buda, Mecsek, Somló, Sopron, Szekszárd, Tokaj, Villány—admiring the characteristic cellar façades, and discover twelve more famous areas on video screens.
Craving home-style dishes? In the heart of Budafok, Kossuth Lajos Street’s self-service restaurant lets you customize your meal from the day’s offerings and chef’s recommendations, with a selection ranging from soups and stews to desserts.
Bubbles With Legacy
The Champagne Order (Pezsgőrend) traces its roots to founder József Törley (1858–1907), aiming to keep the Törley name sparkling, uphold quality and tradition, and celebrate the culture of champagne-drinking.
György Villa’s (György Villa) wine list ranges from crisp Etyek-Buda whites to robust Villány reds, focusing on pure fruit character and regional varietal expression.
Hungaria Champagne (Hungaria Pezsgő) proclaims “effervescence with style.” Founded in 1955, this brand is known for its ever-evolving character and relentless pursuit of exclusivity and refinement, under the expert guidance of the Törley family. Decades of expertise and modern techniques have cemented its status as an icon of sophistication.
Local Flavors, International Flair
István Tanya Restaurant (István Tanya Étterem), nestled on cobbled Magdolna Street (Magdolna utca) since 1999, radiates rustic charm and warmth for up to 60 guests inside or up to 150 at external venues for big celebrations—weddings, birthdays, reunions, or corporate events. Their menu covers Hungarian and international favorites, with cozy corners for every occasion.
Katona Winery (Katona Borház) captures the sun, fertile soil, and fresh spring energy in every bottle. Reviving family traditions since 1996, Katona cultivates 111 acres on the southern slopes of Lake Balaton and a 2.5-acre site in Tokaj Hegyalja since 2006. Wine is processed and aged at their Balatonboglár winery, sometimes refined and bottled at their Budafok cellar, then sold directly to festival guests.
Craving Greek flavors? Kerkyra Greek Tavern (Kerkyra Görög Taverna) in Campona serves time-honored recipes: chicken and lamb gyros, souvlaki, roast lamb, moussaka, salads, grilled meats, seafood, and delicious desserts.
Festival organizers reserve the right to change the date or program—so check back close to the event and don’t miss what promises to be Budapest’s most sparkling weekend of the year!
