Looking for the wildest event of autumn 2025? Mark October 3–4 on your calendar and head to the charming village of Mád (Mad), where the Wine Run promises a blend of running, fine wine, epic bites, music, and plenty of laughter—especially if you show up in a ridiculous costume. The competitive spirit is purely optional, but the fun is guaranteed with wine, food, and festive chaos at every turn. If you’re after a run where the only thing you take seriously is your last sip, this is the weekend for you.
A Runner’s Paradise (Sort Of)
The Wine Run in Mád (Mad) flips the classic idea of a race on its head. Forget checking your split times—just focus on the pit stops, where you’ll find excellent Tokaj wines, gourmet treats, and even mini-concerts. Costumes are not just welcomed; they’re strongly encouraged. Whether you run, jog, or stroll between stations, great wine and next-level snacks will keep you fueled and happy. The magical setting of the Tokaj wine region—famous for its scenic hills and vineyard-dotted landscapes—takes your workout to a whole new level of indulgence.
Tokaj’s Liquid Gold and Culinary Delights
Mád (Mad) is one of the sparkling jewels of the Tokaj-Hegyalja (Tokaj Foothills) region, renowned worldwide for Furmint and the legendary Aszú dessert wine, often called “liquid gold.” During the Wine Run and throughout the weekend, guests are invited to savor these famous local specialties, whether you’re toasting in the vineyards, dining in elegant estate houses, or relaxing in welcoming guesthouses.
The local scene is bursting with flavors: expect everything from bistro cuisine to time-honored Hungarian classics, perfectly paired with vibrant, mineral-rich wines. Several estates even offer curated wine and food pairings for true aficionados. For those seeking full vineyard immersion, wine tastings and guided tours through ancient cellar tunnels are a must.
Stay Where the Story Never Ends
Don’t just come for the day—Mád’s (Mad’s) array of boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and atmospheric vineyard lodges make it a destination worth staying in. Properties like the region’s exclusive boutique hotels blend luxurious comfort with the rustic, traditional charm of Tokaj, giving you the best of both worlds. Many accommodations offer stunning views over the rolling vineyards, historic architecture, and welcoming staff ready to share the secrets of the Zemplén (Zemplén) Hills with curious visitors.
Smaller options include cozy apartments right in the heart of the village, country-style lodgings with private terraces for evening wine sessions, and even guesthouses with playgrounds and infrared saunas to keep everyone relaxed—including the little ones.
Tastings and Tours Galore
Several local vineyards—including Grossmann House (Grossmann Ház) and Wine Friend Guesthouse (Borbarát Vendégház)—offer immersive experiences, from private cellar visits and wine tastings to vineyard tours across Mád’s (Mad’s) top slopes. Sample Furmint, Yellow Muscat (Sárgamuskotály), and Linden Leaf (Hárslevelű) varietals. If you want to take it up a notch, try a cellar tour beneath the hills, where centuries-old tunnels carved into volcanic rock protect Mád’s (Mad’s) finest barrels—and their stories.
The Budaházy Estate’s vineyards stretch across the micro-parcels of Szent Tamás Hill (Szent Tamás-domb), while family-run estates like Ervin and Endre Demeter (Demeter Ervin & Endre) offer a more personal touch, combining wine education, gastronomy, and even adventure tourism, with options for bike, horseback, and water excursions.
The Fun Keeps Coming All Year
Mád (Mad) doesn’t settle down when the Wine Run ends. Year-round, visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of day trips, weekend events, outdoor activities, and lavish wine dinners. “Made in Mád (Mad)” is all about pouring out the region’s endless offerings: concerts in wine cellars, open-air tastings, and immersive local workshops. Cultural events let guests discover both the built heritage and the lush natural environment that make this corner of Hungary so captivating.
Don’t resist if Mád (Mad) sweeps you off your feet—it happens to everyone. Whether you come for one wild weekend or keep coming back for more, the blend of wine, food, and quirky fun leaves a lasting aftertaste.
Book Early—Or Miss Out!
Organizers reserve the right to adjust the programs and dates, but one thing’s for sure: If you’re after the most delightfully unhinged running (or walking, or just wine-drinking) event next fall, this is the only finish line where everyone’s a winner—and the final glass is never far away.
