August 23, 2025—mark the date if you love great wine and even better tunes. The little village of Verpelét, tucked away in northeastern Hungary, transforms into the most joyful celebration of the grape harvest, the Wine and Song Festival (Bor és Nóta Ünnepe). Nestled under the trees of the old Castle Garden (Kastélykert), it’s set to be a late summer party you’ll remember, whether you come for the wine, the folk songs, or the legendary hospitality.
Stay in Style, Sleep in History, or Go Truly Underground
Festival-goers don’t just get good wine—they get equally good places to stay. One standout: downtown Eger’s Castle Defender Apartments (Várvédő Apartments)—a sleek, self-catering getaway with just three apartments for up to 10 guests, all named after the “Castle Defender,” a nod to the town’s historic past and its finest wine. These accommodations are right under the famed Eger Castle (Egri Vár) and within walking distance of the city’s best restaurants and sights.
If thermal water is your thing, several partners offer year-round spa experiences. Verpelét’s thermal bath (termálfürdő) sits right in the heart of the village, a sprawling 215,000-square-foot park open all year, boasting not just a temperature-perfect pool but also lap and children’s pools. The adjoining campground makes this more than a day trip: pitch a tent, park your camper, or rent a charming wooden cabin for your whole crew.
Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime stay? Try SIROCAVE—apartments and rooms carved straight into volcanic rhyolite tuff, deep under the earth in Sirok. Forget hotel marble and breakfast buffets: here, simplicity reigns. No overcrowded rooms, no all-night reception, just peaceful caves on a site steeped in history, where you can nap away lazy afternoons or hike the wind-lashed Turkish Table Bluff (Török Asztal).
If forest air is your kind of luxury, there’s the family-friendly Oxygen Family Hotel (Oxigén Family Hotel) in Noszvaj, offering all-inclusive treats for the kids, a mini disco, and genuine Bükk Mountain “Zen Spa” escapism. Or check into the Mátraháza hotel set 2,346 feet up a forested mountainside, offering more than 300 activities, spectacular views, and comfortable accommodations for either energetic groups or those looking to truly unwind.
Wine With Serious Pedigree
This region isn’t just about festival fun—Verpelét has some real wine royalty. The Petrény family, for example, has been making wine here since the early 1600s, passing down their passion and knowledge of the grape from one generation to the next. It’s said that what gives their wine its soul is this deep respect—the kind that’s not just about drinking but about tradition, craft, and an unbroken bond with the land.
Meanwhile, the Varsányi family brings the same energy to their wine cellars, blending centuries-old tradition with a relentless drive to keep improving every bottle. Each sip is equal parts history and innovation—a formula perfected over decades.
Eat, Drink, and Explore Like a Local
Of course, this festival isn’t all about the wine (though, let’s be honest, it’s a big reason to visit). It’s also about authentic food, warmth, and a little adventure. If you want even more from your stay, you can choose vintage-inspired apartments in a historic Eger apartment block—think fairy-tale furnishings that bring the past tantalizingly close. Or wake up with the sunrise along the gentle riverbanks in Parad Glassworks Village (Parádóhuta), or in a leafy suburb of Eger, fifteen minutes from its storied downtown and spa scene.
If staying active is more your style than relaxing by the pool, several hotels offer gyms, spas, and bistros open late—all with enough variety for both fitness enthusiasts and those who just want a little “me time.”
Festival Fun, Local Traditions, and Hometown Vibes
Verpelét’s Wine and Song Festival (Bor és Nóta Ünnepe) is an invitation to slow down, savor music and wine, and experience why harvest festivals are so enduring. There’s no fuss here—just pure, heartfelt celebration fueled by generations of expertise and sung to the tune of old Hungarian folk melodies. Whether you’re coming to raise a glass, dig into something smoky from the grill, dance with friends, or simply nap in a historic cave, there’s no better place to end summer.
A quick heads-up: organizers reserve the right to change the event date or program, but that’s just a reminder that this party, like the grape harvest itself, follows the rhythm of nature.
See you at the Castle Garden—cheers!
