Budafok, Budapest’s lesser-known wine district, is gearing up for a revamped Budafok Cellar Walk (Budafoki Pincejárat) in 2025. Every first Saturday of the month, curious wine lovers can dive into open cellars, taste local wines and sparkling specialties, soak up live music, and enjoy a variety of cultural and family-friendly events—just 30 minutes from the city’s vibrant center.
Cellar Walk: The New Tradition
The summer season in Budafok brings a festive twist to the usual Cellar Walks. June is all about big festival vibes, celebrating the district’s own holiday—wine tastings, sparkling drinks, and a contagious buzz fill the streets. In July and August, the Törley Sparkling Wine Manufactory (Törley Pezsgőmanufaktúra) swings open its garden gates for musical and family-friendly experiences under the open sky, offering free programs for children. Come September, the beloved Budafok Sparkling and Wine Festival will not only feature open cellars but also a dedicated Cellar Walk stage to make things even more exciting.
Hop On and Explore
To make vineyard hopping a breeze, free shuttle minibuses (6-8 seats) will transport visitors between venues every first Saturday. They depart hourly from Budapest City Hall (Városház tér 11, 1221 Budapest) from 2:30 PM until 8:30 PM, stopping at all the major cellars and attractions offering unique tastings and programs. No need to worry about parking—or holding back during tastings!
A Peek Into the Cellars
The stars of the show are, of course, the cellar tours and tastings. Here’s what you can look forward to on July 5th, for example:
– **Törley Sparkling Wine Manufactory** (1221 Budapest, Anna St 7 [Anna u. 7.]): At 3 PM, enjoy a guided cellar tour and sample three types of sparkling wine while learning about the Törley family legacy and Hungary’s sparkling wine history. Pre-registration is required, spots are limited, and tickets are $16 per person. The sparkling wine bar, gourmet bites by Hétköznapok, and free children’s activities keep the fun going from 3 to 9:30 PM. At 5 PM, catchy tunes fill the air courtesy of the Madarak Band (Madarak Zenekar).
– **Community Cellar, Magdolna Courtyard** (1221 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos St 24 [Kossuth L. u. 24.]): Brush up on your wine-tasting basics at 3 PM, guided by sommelier Gergely Bitai. Taste six hand-picked wines, enjoy snacks and mineral water, all for $21 per person. Later, at 7 PM, other local winemakers showcase their top bottles—participation is free, just make sure to register in advance.
– **Záborszky Cellar – Wine City** (1222 Budapest, Nagytétényi Road 24-26 [Nagytétényi út 24-26.]): At 6 PM, the wine order welcomes guest Gábor Garab. Listeners are treated to a complimentary glass of wine as part of this open discussion.
– **Sauska Winery** (1222 Budapest, Nagytétényi Road 36-40 [Nagytétényi út 36-40.]): Step underground at 3 PM for a cellar tour and three glasses of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine, all wrapped up in about an hour. Tickets cost $25.
– **Taverna Winery** (1223 Budapest, Dézsmaház St 21 [Dézsmaház u. 21.]): Tastings start at 2, 4, and 6 PM—get to know five wines paired with small bites and mineral water, and expect a surprise treat for $10 per person. Pre-registration is required.
– **Szeleshát Cellar** (1223 Budapest, Dézsmaház St 19 [Dézsmaház u. 19.]): Chill with six fresh summer wines at 4 PM—aromatic whites, fruity rosés, and even a cool fruit-forward red. The tasting is $18 per person.
– **Várszegi Winery** (1222 Budapest, Nagytétényi Road 70 [Nagytétényi út 70.]): Open from 2 to 10 PM, admission is free. At 3:30 PM, enjoy a cellar tour and tasting of four surprise wines with Viktor Várszegi, plus soda, for $14. Or try their first sparkling wine at 5 PM—$20 for three glasses and soda.
– **Gourmet Wine Dinner at Ipartestületi Headquarters** (1221 Budapest, Maria Theresa St 60 [Mária Terézia u. 60.]): At 7 PM, enjoy a special dinner and tasting of Kolonics Károly’s wines. Cost: $54, with registration required.
Unusual Experiences and Family Destinations
The Cellar Walk isn’t just about wine and features some unique attractions:
– **Komáromi Road Bunker** (1222 Budapest, Komáromi Road 21 [Komáromi út 21.]): From 1 to 6 PM, explore Cold War, civil defense, and WWII-era artifacts. Try communication devices, radiation meters, and protective equipment. Tickets: $4.50 (adults), $2.25 (children, seniors, teachers), cash only.
– **Memento Park** (1223 Budapest, corner of Balatoni Road and Szabadkai Street [Balatoni út–Szabadkai utca corner]): 6-8 PM, a special after-hours tasting with a vertical sampling of three local and three former Eastern Bloc wines, plus a guided tour. $21 per person; registration required, max 30 people.
For the Full Experience: Where to Stay and Dine
Budafok also offers cozy guesthouses like the Belle Fleur, set in a leafy, quiet area but just four miles from the city center, with all amenities, free WiFi, and easy public transport. Or check out the convenient Boutique Hotel next to the Törley Mansion and Museum—ideal for business trips, leisure, or wine-filled weekends, with event seating for up to 500.
Along with the wine, enjoy Hungarian and international restaurants, friendly cellar pubs, and even Greek options like Kerkyra Greek Tavern (Kerkyra Görög Taverna) inside the Campona center. Many venues offer private dining, events, and even historic interiors that tell tales of Budapest’s past.
Getting There Is Easy
Reach Budafok by tram 47 from Deák Square (Deák tér), or buses 133E, 213, 114, 33, and 214 from the city’s main transit hubs. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur, a history buff, or just up for a unique Budapest adventure, Budafok’s Cellar Walk promises something for everyone to savor!
Remember, organizers reserve the right to change times and programs, so check ahead to avoid missing your favorite events. Budapest’s hidden wine quarter is waiting—get ready to sip, stroll, and celebrate!
