From September 12 to 14, 2025, Gyöngyös (Hungarian: Gyöngyös) will once again become a magnet for fans of grapes, wine, and good times as the Mátra Harvest Days and White Wine Festival take over the very heart of town. Over three days, visitors can savor the finest offerings from the Mátra Wine Region (Hungarian: Mátrai borvidék), dig into local delicacies, join a hotly contested cooking competition, show off their skills in the mini football tournament, and enjoy a host of other lighthearted events. Stages across the scenic main square come alive with well-known performers and pop concerts, while kids enjoy their own special entertainment all weekend. Best of all, it’s entirely free.
The Ultimate Wine Experience
Comfortable and modern guesthouses close to the action await wine lovers in Gyöngyös (Hungarian: Gyöngyös). At one beloved local family winery, white and red wines are crafted entirely by hand, keeping quality at the forefront. Tastings are interactive and often last up to two hours, frequently paired with chilled platters upon request. If you’re serious about viticulture, tours of the vineyards and the historic Farkasmály (Hungarian: Farkasmály) wine cellar row are also available, along with hands-on team-building sessions in the vines or cellars. Private wine dinners can be arranged with advance booking, and the inn features eight spacious and well-appointed rooms.
Stay in Style and Comfort
For something a little special, the hotels in Gyöngyös (Hungarian: Gyöngyös) offer contemporary yet welcoming design and a restful atmosphere within walking distance of the town center. Alongside standard double rooms, there are interconnecting family suites, fully equipped apartments, and accessible rooms for guests with disabilities. Wellness lovers can unwind in the fitness center, relax in various saunas, soak in jacuzzis, or book a signature massage.
The innovative and much-needed Malomudvar Restaurant, Confectionery, Guesthouse & Event House (Hungarian: Malomudvar Étterem, Cukrászda, Panzió & Rendezvényház) stands ready to inject a burst of energy into local cultural, business, and tourism life. The hospitable ambiance, attentive service, and delicious food and drink promise to redefine “quality hospitality” in the region.
Looking for breathtaking scenery? Escape the daily grind and soak up panoramic views throughout the Mátra (Hungarian: Mátra). Whether you seek peace and quiet, adventure in nature, or family fun, experiences here are always unforgettable. Mátra Camping, a four-star site boasting a range of accommodation types, opens up a world of opportunities for every budget and age group—children, teens, adults, and seniors alike.
Mountain Escapes and Outdoor Thrills
The Panoráma Guesthouse (Hungarian: Panoráma Panzió) sits right between Mátrafüred (Hungarian: Mátrafüred) and Mátraháza (Hungarian: Mátraháza), nestled in the Sástó-Kőbánya area within Oxygen Adrenalin Park. It’s just a ten-minute stroll to the lookout tower and Sástó Lake (Hungarian: Sástó). With year-round crisp mountain air, jaw-dropping landscapes, and friendly service, this is a hit for couples and families (up to five people per room), all enjoying stunning panoramic views.
Right on the shore of Sástó (Hungarian: Sástó), between Mátraháza (Hungarian: Mátraháza) and Mátrafüred (Hungarian: Mátrafüred), the Sástó Hotel (Hungarian: Sástó Hotel) offers another amazing mountain getaway. Like the rest of the Mátra (Hungarian: Mátra), it’s all about freedom, adventure, and true relaxation. No matter who’s in your group or how much activity you crave, an array of programs suits every mood and generation.
Just two miles from Gyöngyös (Hungarian: Gyöngyös), where the mountains meet rolling vineyards, the Farkasmály wine cellar row (Hungarian: Farkasmály pincesor) awaits. Dating back to the early 1700s, it boasts Central and Eastern Europe’s largest hand-carved volcanic tuff cellars, set in idyllic surroundings. Romantic press houses, fresh air, and refreshing Mátra wines make it a true highlight.
Bottle Up the Tradition
Family-run cellars in Gyöngyös (Hungarian: Gyöngyös)—like “5 Dudás in one cellar” (Hungarian: 5 Dudás egy pincében)—deliver a fun, flavorful twist on Hungarian wine. Alongside fragrant whites bearing that volcanic signature and robust reds, unique gourmet bites and full-course wine dinners round out the experience in cozy apartment restaurants.
Venture into a vaulted, 1,460-square-foot historic cellar, crafted in the late 1800s near downtown, topped by a classic 1920s townhouse. Over at the Aranypince Restaurant (Hungarian: Aranypince Étterem), “where mountain and sun meet,” expect everything from hearty traditional spreads to international, vegetarian, and wellness choices.
Bori Mami Restaurant (Hungarian: Bori Mami Étterem) aims to blend intimacy and care with creative flavors in Gyöngyös’ (Hungarian: Gyöngyös) historic center.
More than 100-year-old vineyard houses on the Mátra hillsides produce floral, fruity white wines from sun-soaked slopes—hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.
The Living Legacy of Mátra Wines
Several generations of winemakers—just three miles from town—sell bottles at the 23rd cellar on the legendary wine row. Farkasmály (Hungarian: Farkasmály), once Gyöngyös’ (Hungarian: Gyöngyös) lively party district, offers tastings, grill terraces in summer, and even hosts the traditional Ivó Day cellar crawl (Hungarian: Ivó-napi pinceséta). Walk freely among historic, interconnected cellars and sample some of Hungary’s best mountain wines in this natural wonderland. The ancient buildings themselves practically narrate the region’s rich history, with the largest hand-carved cellar in Central and Eastern Europe right here in this iconic Hungarian wine area.
Eat, Drink, and Celebrate Together
Since 1976, the Gloria Sublimis Wine Order (Hungarian: Gloria Sublimis Borrend) has promoted Mátra wines both at home and abroad, with Mátraaljai Welschriesling (Hungarian: Mátraaljai olaszrizling) as its flagship varietal. Among the town’s restaurant stars, the newly updated Kékes (Hungarian: Kékes Étterem) stands out for its exceptional hospitality and cuisine prepared with top-quality ingredients and the latest culinary techniques. Its modern, elegant interiors make it ideal for friendly gatherings, corporate parties, family events, and more. A gallery, ballroom, and covered grill terrace (open spring to fall) provide plenty of space for every occasion.
The goal here goes beyond serving food—it’s about creating a community hub for everyone seeking new flavors and lively company. Gyöngyös (Hungarian: Gyöngyös) and the Mátra (Hungarian: Mátra) can’t wait to welcome you with open arms—and maybe a full glass.
Festival organizers reserve the right to change dates or programs.
