Between July 18 and August 3, 2025, the heart of Badacsony transforms into an enchanting hotspot for wine lovers and anyone seeking a truly special summer. The beloved BOR7 event brings a welcoming, homey atmosphere to the town park, nestled between Park Street (Park utca) and the “row of wine bars” (borozósor). Guests are greeted by the mellow sounds of live music, dazzling lights, and a romantic garden setting that feels perfect for experiencing the best of the local wine scene. Over two weeks, visitors can dive into tastings from a dozen passionate local wineries, discover regional traditions, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere with outdoor concerts and programs.
Centuries of Wine in the Vineyard of Giants
Badacsony and wine are a match made in heaven—and have been for centuries. The region’s unique microclimate, thousands of hours of sunshine, and the massive basalt formations that dominate the landscape have earned Badacsony the nickname “Vineyard of Giants” (A Hegy [Mount Badacsony] or “The Giant’s Vineyard”). Many top Hungarian vintners have chosen these slopes for good reason. This is where world-class wines are born, such as pinot gris (the local grape known as szürkebarát), the rare and aristocratic kéknyelű (blue-stemmed), and the juicy olaszrizling (Italian Riesling).
If any of those sound irresistible, it’s no wonder the locals devote two whole weeks every summer to celebrating wine and sharing their vibrant wine culture.
Winemakers and Tasting Line-up
Twelve wineries will be pouring their creations: Illés Winery (Illés Borászat), Békássy Winery (Békássy Borászat), Málik Cellar (Málik Pince), Sipos Winery (Sipos Borház), Válibor, Patányi Cellar (Patányi Pincészet), Nimfeum Winery (Nimfeum Borászat), Borbély Family Winery (Borbély Családi Pincészet), Laposa Estate (Laposa Birtok), Fata Cellar (Fata Pince), Éliás Estate (Éliás Birtok), and Büttner Wine Estate (Büttner Borbirtok). No Hungarian wine event is complete without good cheese, so Cserpes Cheese Workshop (Cserpes Sajtműhely) will also be serving their artisanal cheese specialties.
Stalls are open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 2 pm to midnight, and on Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open until 2 am.
The Soundtrack to Sipping
Every evening, live acts and DJs provide a lively backdrop for your tastings:
- July 29 (Tuesday): 8-10 pm, Márk Horváth & András Jász Sax & Guitar; 10 pm-midnight, DJ Szabadkai
- July 30 (Wednesday): 8-10 pm, Honfi Voice & Guitar; 10 pm-midnight, DJ Formaggi
- July 31 (Thursday): 8-10 pm, Niki Ruff & Tomi Potesz Duo; 10 pm-midnight, DJ NeonRider
- August 1 (Friday): 8-10 pm, Bebe Voice & Guitar; 10 pm-2 am, DJ Formaggi
- August 2 (Saturday): 8-10 pm, Happening Band; 10 pm-2 am, DJ Szabadkai
- August 3 (Sunday): 8-10 pm, Attila Koszorú Voice & Piano; 10 pm-midnight, DJ Formaggi
From jazz and acoustic sets to energetic party bands and local DJs, the music is as diverse as the wine list.
Where to Stay and Savor
Looking for a place to rest after a long evening of tastings? There’s no shortage of unique accommodation options:
– The Balaton Basalt Guesthouse (Balaton Bazalt Vendégház) in Badacsonytomaj offers apartments opening from an 860 sq ft atrium, all with heating, TVs, and fridges. There’s also a five-bed apartment on Roman Road (Római út), just a short walk from the center, restaurants, and even the boat pier and beach.
– Family-run apartments await those who prefer tranquility, many with fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, enclosed parking, and free WIFI. Some, like Centrum Guesthouse (Centrum Panzió), are just 330 ft from Lake Balaton and welcome families as well as guests with special needs.
– The wellness and wine hotel stands as Hungary’s first active wine hotel, right in the center of Badacsony and on the edge of Balaton Uplands National Park. Guests are enticed by guided hikes, vineyard visits, wine dinners, horseback riding, castle tours, and other active wine-themed adventures.
– Hotel Neptune (Hotel Neptun) is a recently refurbished retreat with new wellness facilities and the Tilia Restaurant, led by creative chef Dávid Vári, offering regional seasonal dishes and expert wine pairings.
Many guesthouses and wineries, like Owl Stone Cellar (Bagolykő Pince) or Friends of Wine Guesthouse (Borbarátok Panzió), welcome guests year-round. They offer vineyard tours, guided tastings, and even Roman-era wine dinners that serve as time-travel experiences.
Meet the Makers
Winemaking in Badacsony is often rooted in family tradition, passed down through generations. The Borbély Family Winery (Borbély Családi Pincészet), for example, began with a wedding-gift vineyard in 1981 and now manages 52 acres, blending old and new winemaking techniques to create fresh, mineral-rich wines.
Büttner Wine Works (Büttner Bormanufaktúra) merges local wine heritage with modern methods, showcasing both well-known and lesser-known grape varieties, all available through their online shop. Domaine Edegger, with Austrian roots, operates in the heart of Badacsony, inviting guests to newly opened apartments and offering tastings from their vineyards, which produce both white and red varietals.
Vineyards like Laposa Estate (Laposa Birtok) combine volcanic terroir with stunning lake views, crafting unique local wines paired with ingredients sourced straight from the region. Most wineries offer tastings, vineyard walks, and special dinners by reservation.
For two weeks, Badacsony truly comes alive, blending tradition and innovation, music and gastronomy, all with spellbinding Lake Balaton (Balaton) panoramas. Whether you’re coming for a single glass of kéknyelű or planning to taste your way through the Vineyard of Giants, the Badacsony BOR7 festival is a summer ritual you don’t want to miss.
Event details are subject to change.
