Szekszárd is turning the page in style on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with a full evening of author meetups, book launches, and literary conversations at the Mihály Babits Cultural Center (Babits Mihály Kulturális Központ), right at 28 Szent István Square (Szent István tér 28). The program’s headline is “Across Pages” (Oldalakon át), spotlighting the works of János Kaczián and inviting readers into a relaxed, talkative, book-loving atmosphere. Expect signings, discussions, and new releases—plus plenty of local flavor. The organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and timing, so keep an eye out for updates and bring questions for the authors.
Hotel Merops: Wine Hotel in the City Center
A few minutes’ walk from Szekszárd’s main square, Hotel Merops**** sits beside the Mészáros Winery, blending calm small-town vibes with the spirit of the wine region. The interiors are distinctive, the staff switched on, and services are tailored to guests who want either quiet downtime or an active break. With 8 rooms and 2 apartments, the hotel welcomes travelers to Szekszárd and lines up food-focused programs across the city and beyond. Main Street Bistro in the Nádasdy House (Nádasdy-ház) dazzles locals and visitors with a broad menu and precise flavors, while curated wine tastings showcase regional bottles. Down in the cellar, the mood is classic Szekszárd—ideal for birthdays, friendly dinners, or corporate events that need a memorable setting.
Sió Motel: At the Northern Gate
Set by Route 6 at Szekszárd’s northern entrance, Sió Motel lies between the Szekszárd and Tolna wine regions, close to the Gemenc Forest and the Sárköz area, spread over 2.5 hectares. It’s a practical base for guests seeking nature, wine, and quick access to town.
Hotel Zodiaco: Modern, Three-Star, and Focused on Comfort
Hotel Zodiaco*** is the only three-star stay in Szekszárd and its surroundings, pairing modern design with an elegant tone. The philosophy is simple: satisfaction. The hotel introduces fresh upgrades year by year so that business trips and weekend getaways both feel easy and pleasant.
Attila Birtok: Tradition in the Baranya Valley
Attila Birtok cultivates 14 hectares in Szekszárd’s Baranya Valley. The cellar processes Kékfrankos, Kadarka, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zweigelt, anchoring its style in local varieties with steady quality and character.
Bodri Winery (Bodri Pincészet): A 247-Acre Wine and Leisure Hub
At Szekszárd’s southern edge, Bodri Winery unites a winery, events center, restaurant, show kitchen, and guesthouses across 247 acres, tucked in a scenic valley. The main cellar spans 19,375 square feet, its interior punctuated by twelve domes; a 3,229-square-foot aging cellar opens during tours. The 15,069-square-foot rosé facility handles larger volumes without skimping on quality. Up to 61 guests can check into carefully designed rooms, while an underground thermal-water Roman bath, jacuzzi, and sauna elevate the wind-down. At Optimus Restaurant, chef-driven plates modernize the spectrum of Hungarian cuisine, tuned for harmony with Bodri wines.
Borfaragó Cellar (Borfaragó Pince): Craft Wine Meets Woodcarving
In the heart of the so-called upper town, Borfaragó Cellar pours handcrafted wines and hosts tastings in a space that used to be a carpentry and woodcarving workshop—still decorated with folk carving masterpieces. If you want a hangout that isn’t smack in the city’s eye, yet is easy to reach, this is your spot.
Vineyards on Várdomb: Kékfrankos in the Lead
The estate headquarters sit on Várdomb Hill, with Kékfrankos taking a starring role thanks to its range, reliable quality, and versatility—both solo and as the backbone of blends. The focus extends to Rhine Riesling (Rajnai rizling), Cserszegi Fűszeres, Kadarka, Kékoportó (Blaufränkisch-Portugieser blend/Portugieser), Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, each handled with care.
Natural-Style Cellar: Nothing Unnecessary
In and around the Porkoláb Valley, a craft winery works exclusively with its own fruit. No commercial yeasts, malolactic starters, enzymes, fining agents, colorants, or flavor/aroma/acid modifiers. No filtration, sterilizing steps, oxygen dosing, or heat treatment. Every wine is bottled clean and unforced.
Blends, Rosés, and Local Pride
One cellar leans into Szekszárd’s signatures while experimenting with new blends. Rosé comes from nearly every available red grape, earning serious wins abroad. Reds remain a point of pride too, rooted in local Kékfrankos and Kadarka, and rounded out with Merlot, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir—always keeping Szekszárd’s taste profile intact.
Switch Off on the Vineyard Hills
If you’re after something different, this is it: disconnect among the vines, lean back, and enjoy good wine with a view.
Eszterbauer Family: Heritage Poured in the Glass
With Swabian and Serbian roots, the Eszterbauer family runs a tradition-driven winery in Szekszárd. Their show cellar and elegant wine house host tastings presented by family members, serving groups of 8 to 50, from simple bites to multi-course dinners. Their webshop carries award-winning labels for home delivery.
Four Corners of the Wine Region
A family winery farms 6.6 hectares across four different Szekszárd sites, focusing on Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Kékfrankos—varieties that tell the story of a region built on craft, hospitality, and the love of a good book with a better glass.
