Every September, the village of Egerszólát (Egerszólát) puts on a show you won’t want to miss. The Egerszólát Olaszrizling Festival is the ultimate celebration of food, wine, and centuries-old Hungarian culture. On September 6, 2025, this iconic event returns, blending culinary contests, grape-blessing rituals, historical pageantry, and the crowning of new wine knights with a seamless procession of local and regional delicacies.
A Heritage Steeped in Every Glass
Egerszólát (Egerszólát) is steeped in history. The centerpiece for many visitors is the restored Brezovay Mansion (Brezovay-kúria), an 18th-century manor with stories hidden in every stone. Built in 1773 by Sándor Csenus, this historic estate now welcomes festival guests as a charming inn. Even its grounds hint at the past; two ancient trees stand guard—a broad-chested horse chestnut and a towering yew, both nearly the height of a two-story house. Waking up inside these hallowed walls is as close to time travel as you’ll get in this part of Hungary.
Wine Heaven: The Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy) Experience
A stroll through Eger’s Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy) is a rite of passage for any serious wine lover. Picture a horseshoe-shaped row of wine cellars, each offering something different—a true adult version of a candy store. One of the stars here is the Tóth Ferenc Winery (Tóth Ferenc Pincészet), comfortably nestled in cellar number 46. Alongside a range of easy-drinking table wines, aficionados can sample superior and grand superior vintages. Book a spot and you’ll enjoy legendary local treats: homemade spreads, cheeses, rare olives, and even artisan chocolate.
Tóth Ferenc isn’t just a household name; it’s a family legacy. More than 40 years of devoted work have turned this estate into a 67-acre wine paradise, complete with a unique, five-branch underground cellar. Grapes are sourced from the region’s most iconic slopes, including the famous Síkhegy (Síkhegy) and Nagy-Eged (Nagy-Eged) vineyards. Their mission is clear: to perfect Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) and Egri Csillag (Star of Eger), and to proudly reintroduce classic varietals like Leányka (Leányka), Kadarka (Kadarka), and Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) to a new generation of wine lovers.
Traditional Flavors: Where to Eat and Relax
Festival days mean you’ll need fuel, and the region’s kitchens do not disappoint. If you’ve hiked up to the fortress at Sirok (Sirok) and need a break, rewarding yourself is easy. Just beyond the parking lot, you’ll discover a celebration of Hungarian classics—forgotten village recipes, wild game dishes, and a host of regional specialties that promise to surprise even seasoned foodies.
Craving something more refined? Head to the De La Motte Restaurant (De la Motte étterem) in Noszvaj (Noszvaj), where passionate chefs aim to make local favorites unforgettable. Their philosophy is simple: every dish should dazzle both the palate and the eye, and wholesome food should also be a pleasure to eat.
Meanwhile, Eger’s Palota Café (Palota kávézó) is all about the sweet life, pairing unmatched Italian coffee aromas with desserts crafted by the city’s renowned Stühmer pastry shop. For real indulgence, visit 1552, the restaurant nestled inside Eger Castle (Egri vár) itself—where history and flavor unite in a refreshed, modern take on Hungarian and Turkish cuisine. Satisfy your sweet tooth at their Amulett Café (Amulett kávézó) for the perfect pastry-and-coffee finale.
For diners who like variety, Ad Libitum (Ad Libitum) keeps things spontaneous and generous. From Wednesday to Sunday you can choose à la carte dishes, and on weekends, advance bookings grant access to their grand buffet. At Almagyar Archbishop’s Vineyard (Almagyar érseki Szőlőbirtok), local grape varieties are the stars, transformed into natural “Csutorás” wines. The estate is also famous for its wine camp, terrace, and spa nestled among the vineyards—a quirky local institution with international acclaim.
Classic Hospitality and Live Music
Looking for warmth and local spirit? The Golden Rooster Inn and Restaurant (Arany Kakas Fogadó és Étterem) in Pétervására (Pétervására) has been a favorite for decades, welcoming everyone with a smile and a wide range of quality fare. Here, the belief is simple: everything tastes better with a cheerful atmosphere and good company.
The certified Bükkalja Wine Route (Bükkalja Borút) boasts the legendary Bacchus Wine Tavern (Bacchus Borozó), where guests are greeted year-round with tastings and live music. It’s the perfect stop between festival highlights—wine glass in one hand, the rhythm of Hungarian folk songs in your ear.
Save the Date, Savor the Experience
The Egerszólát Olaszrizling Festival is a whirlwind one-day event, but it’s packed with more tradition, flavor, and heartfelt hospitality than most events manage in a week. Keep September 6 open—though organizers advise that dates and programs may change. One thing’s for certain: whatever happens, you’ll leave with memories as lingering as the finish on a perfect glass of Olaszrizling.
