As the grape harvest draws near in early September, anticipation runs high in Mád (Mád), one of the Tokaj (Tokaj) wine region’s most charming villages. Boots are donned, baskets are filled, and a festive atmosphere sweeps through as locals and visitors prepare for a weekend packed with fresh must, fine wines, hearty food, and joyful gatherings. On September 5-6, 2025, the Furmint Festival (Furmint Ünnep) will once again open its gates, inviting all who love good times and even better wines to experience the vibrant heart of the Tokaj (Tokaji) landscape.
Unmissable Festive Experiences
The festival sprawls across three main venues, with countless courtyards and cellars opening their doors. Whether you’re searching for a delightful meal, the perfect glass of wine, or simply a fun activity, there’s something to please every visitor. Expect lively conversations filled with laughter, old memories rekindled, and a true sense of community as locals greet you with open arms and shared bottles.
Discover the Tokaj Wine Region in Style
Mád (Mád) isn’t just another destination on the wine lover’s map—it’s a slice of living history nestled among rolling hills and storied vineyards. The area shines especially during the Furmint Festival (Furmint Ünnep), but its charm lingers all year round. Stroll through scenic vineyards, relax with a glass of exceptional wine among the vines, or unwind within the walls of centuries-old manor houses and cozy guesthouses.
Accommodations range from high-end boutique hotels preserving the village’s rustic traditions to historic mansions and houses like Grossmann House (Grossmann-ház), perfect for team building or conferences. The Juharos Guesthouse (Juharos Vendégház) sits on a quiet street and offers sweeping views of hillside vineyards—a peaceful retreat for the road-weary.
Stay, Sip, and Savor
You’ll find tempting places to stay all over Mád (Mád). The “I’m in Mád” Guesthouse (“Mádon vagyok” Vendégház) occupies a cozy 915-square-foot (85-square-meter) house set on a 10,000-square-foot plot. Its two double bedrooms (each with separate entrances for extra privacy), bright living room with American-style kitchen, and sun terrace surrounded by grapevines make it a perfect family base. Children can play in a dedicated playhouse, and in colder months, the infrared sauna promises restorative relaxation.
Other guesthouses feature inviting country-chic apartments, complete with TVs, WiFi, mini-kitchens, and garden-facing windows—with the option to sample the house wines. Gather on the terrace for sunset wine and great conversations, or, for the curious, join a guided tour of the adjoining cellar.
Boutique Wineries and Signature Sips
Mád (Mád) excels at crafting authentic wines bursting with mineral-rich flavors and assertive acidity—thanks to its volcanic soils, meticulous pruning, and passionate winemakers. The region’s cellars champion Furmint, Muscat Blanc (Sárgamuskotály), and Hárslevelű grapes. Pair them with creative bistro dishes in atmospheric cellars, or join hands-on vineyard and cellar tours. You might also take a “vineyard trek” (“dűlőtúra”) to learn the secrets behind these remarkable bottles.
Family-run wineries like Demeter Ervin and Demeter Endre welcome guests for tastings and customizable packages—such as gastronomic tours, team-building sessions, bike and motorcycle rentals, and even hunting or horseback excursions. Visit the village’s very first guesthouse, where a diverse bistro kitchen highlights local ingredients alongside the finest Mád (Mád) wines.
One of the most innovative operations is Moon Valley (HOLDVÖLGY), a 69-acre estate famous for dry whites, late-harvest dessert wines, and, in exceptional years, its legendary Aszú—Tokaj’s (Tokaji) iconic “liquid gold.” The ultramodern winery conceals a 1.2-mile-long cellar system chiseled into 10-million-year-old volcanic rock. Guests can explore these mysterious tunnels, map and glass in hand, in search of hidden treasures and award-winning vintages.
A Village of Endless Surprises
Cultural events, food and wine dinners, open-air activities, and year-round happenings mean there’s always a reason to return to Mád (Mád). The energetic Made in Mád (Made in Mád) team curates diverse programs, from one-day workshops to weekend celebrations. With so much to see, taste, and discover, you’ll encounter architectural and natural wonders at every turn.
It’s impossible not to be swept up in Mád’s (Mád) magic—whether you’re drawn by the wine, the gastronomy, or simply the intoxicating spirit of a place where time seems to slow down and tradition lives on in every toast.
Organizers reserve the right to adjust the program or schedule as needed—so keep your glass at the ready and your calendar open!
