Hungary’s finest wine festival arrives with refined taste and stylish composition

The Buda Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Danube, is one of the most critical sites in Hungarian history and has witnessed many significant events over the centuries. One of the most essential wine events is the Budapest Wine Festival (Budapest Borfesztivál), which will once again take place between 12 and 15 September in the beautiful and imposing walls of the Buda Castle, which defines the panorama of the Danube. Visitors to the Wine Festival will once again be able to admire Hungary’s rich heritage and discover the country’s wine excellence as they stroll through the buildings that preserve its traditions.

Budapest Wine Festival 2024

The event changes and expands according to the needs of the guests, and year after year, it strives to offer a special experience that will make returning visitors fall in love with it all over again. To achieve this, the Wine Festival’s services, professional programs, and offerings are expanding, evolving, and improving. 

The booths of the wineries making their debut this year will be worth tasting, as the attentive festival-goer will find some real gems. For lovers of organically grown grapes, the Quiar Birtok booth is a must, and for those who fancy a trip to the north shore of Lake Balaton, the award-winning wines of PALO Borbirtok are a perfect choice. The Fivérek Borbirtok will bring their best red Hungarian wines from the Szekszárd wine region, but they will also offer a selection of sparkling wines.

Guest of Honour: Georgia

It is a long-established tradition that the Wine Festival welcomes a Guest of Honour from a country or wine region. This year, Georgia, known as the cradle of winemaking, will showcase its culture, gastronomy, and ancient winemaking practices of 8,000 years, blended with modern technology. Visitors will be able to taste over 500 different types of Georgian wine.

A special tasting master class will be conducted daily from 18.45 to 19.45! (free of charge) You will have an opportunity to enjoy Georgian culture and watch graceful Georgian dance performances on September 13 and 14, starting at 20.00.

Special programs

Following the massive success of last year’s VIP section, this year’s Mitiszol? Party VIP tent will host the only incomparable festival party. At the same time, those looking for exclusive pampering can sip their favorite wines in the tastefully decorated lounge corners of the Hankook VIP Lounge. Whichever VIP zone is chosen, there is guaranteed no shortage of premium wines, gourmet delicacies, and unforgettable entertainment.

Visitors can test their senses and wine knowledge at the VinAgora Interactive Wine Space this year. All you need is a phone and a little knowledge of wine to play the game, which can be started by scanning the QR code. By completing several exciting stages, you will find out whether you are a “beginner wine taster”, “advanced wine consumer” or “true wine enthusiast”.

To add to the range of professional programs, the boring, jargon-ridden presentations will be replaced by exciting POP-UP wine tastings and light-hearted discussions. In the square in front of the Interactive Tent, 18 renowned winemakers will guide the wine-loving public through a sea of flavors and aromas. The free program offers something to discover every afternoon for all who stroll by.

Sunday Brunch invites you to a truly sumptuous late but extended breakfast to bring the last day of the Wine Festival to a proper finish. Taking place on Sunday, 15 September, between 11 am and 2 pm on the imposing terrace of Főőrség and Lovarda, this is a must-attend event for lovers of luxury drinks. It features three champagne rarities and unlimited wine, drinks, and food. 

The 33rd Budapest Wine Festival will once again offer wine lovers a wealth of experiences, magic, sophisticated flavors and aromas, new favorites, and an unforgettable atmosphere in the setting of the Buda Castle Palace!

Budapest Wine Festival – Opening hours: 

Thursday 12 September: 14.00-24.00

Friday-Saturday 13-14 September: 14.00-01.00

Sunday 15 September: 14.00-22.00 (Sunday Brunch 11.00-14.00)

Get tickets and more information on the official site: www.aborfesztival.hu

• also read: A guide to the most famous Hungarian wines and grape varieties