If you’re searching for an unforgettable way to say goodbye to summer, set aside August 29-30, 2025, for the Nagyréde Harvest Days (Nagyréde Szüreti Napok). This lively two-day celebration brings the heart of Hungary’s Mátra (Mátra) wine region to life, blending centuries-old traditions with plenty of modern flair and fun for all ages. Crowds will gather at the József Molnár Community Center (Molnár József Művelődési Központ) in the village of Nagyréde (Nagyréde), ready for parades, tastings, concerts, fire shows, and non-stop revelry.
A Festival Overflowing with Activities
Nagyréde Harvest Days isn’t just another country fair. Things kick off with the traditional harvest parade—a colorful procession winding through streets lined with locals in folk costumes and vintage tractors hauling this season’s grape harvest. Then, it’s time for everyone’s favorite: wine tastings. In a region where every family seems to have its own cellar, there’s no shortage of unique vintages to sample, with everything from crisp whites to robust reds up for grabs.
Families can hop aboard the Dottó train for a scenic tour, try their luck in the popular cooking competition, or let the kids blow off steam with a variety of dedicated children’s activities. As dusk falls, fire jugglers light up the night and world-class musicians take the stage: this year, catch performances from János Csík & Mezzo (Csík János és a Mezzo), Jambalaya Band, and the beloved duo Feri Varga & Betty Balássy (Varga Feri & Balássy Betty). Péter R. Kárpáti (R. Kárpáti Péter) serves as the charismatic host, keeping spirits high and the evening moving. The party spills into the streets with a lively open-air dance—Nagyréde style.
Where to Stay, What to Eat
Don’t worry if you’re planning to make a weekend of it. Local wine taverns and guesthouses offer plenty of accommodation, most with irresistible rustic charm and a personal touch. These places are small and book up quickly, so if you want to fall asleep in a working winery (and not just by accident after a bit too much tasting!), reserve your bed early.
Hungry? Festivalgoers are spoiled for choice. Local wineries not only pour their best bottles but also serve tasting plates overflowing with regional specialties: hearty cured meats, cheese boards, and—for those who plan ahead—robust hot meals showcasing the flavors of the Mátra (Mátra) hills. It’s classic Hungarian comfort food, elevated by the passion of chefs competing for bragging rights in the cooking contest.
Meet the Real Mátra in Every Glass
Nagyréde (Nagyréde) isn’t just a backdrop for the festival—it’s the beating heart of one of Hungary’s most historic wine regions. For 700 years, the gentle, sunny slopes on the sheltered northern side of the Mátra (Mátra) range have produced exceptional grapes. It’s a quirk of the landscape that so many different grape varieties thrive here: the microclimate changes with every hillside and hollow, yielding rich harvests for quality-driven winemakers open to experimentation.
Local wineries—many still run by the same families for generations—take pride in showing visitors exactly where and how their wines are made. Head down to the Wolfslope Wine Cellar Row (Farkasmály pincesor) to explore classic cellars and try flights featuring both new and old vintages. Don’t miss Nagyréde Vineyards Wine Distributors (Nagyrédei Szőlők Borkereskedő), one of the crown jewels of the Mátra (Mátra) region, known both for its approachable table wines and rare, collectible bottles. Check out their meticulously curated wine museum: a treasure trove of vineyard tools and artifacts that brings the world of traditional winemaking to life.
Tradition and Technology Under One Roof
The Mátra (Mátra) wine community doesn’t just cling to the old ways—they innovate, too. At the Mészáros Family Winery (Mészáros Családi Pincészet), perfection is always the goal: from hand-planting vines to bottling the finished wine. The focus is on gentle grape handling, with must clarified by flotation and fermentation managed with modern temperature control. These fruit-forward, aromatic wines have true fans both in Hungary and abroad.
For old-school wine lovers, there’s still plenty of classic, small-batch wine made the traditional way. Special “heritage” bottles are drawn from carefully chosen grape varieties, emphasizing what’s unique about the Mátra (Mátra) terroir with every cork popped.
Prepare for Surprises—Rain or Shine
As always, organizers reserve the right to tweak the schedule if the weather plays tricks or inspiration strikes—so keep an eye on local updates. At Nagyréde Harvest Days (Nagyréde Szüreti Napok), the only things you can count on are a good mood, bold flavors, and an almost magical sense of Hungarian hospitality. Whether you stay to dance all night or just stop by for a taste, you’ll leave with stories worth telling—and maybe a bottle or two for the road.
