Hungarian Wine Challenge – Bolyki Winery, Eger
Like lots of people, I love a challenge! In September 2024, I set myself the challenge, while visiting Hungary, of travelling to multiple wine regions, tastings, festivals and other wine events in order to find some of the best wines in the country. The challenge started on 1 September and finished towards the end of the month.
Along the journey there were a number of places I visited. Among them was the Bolyki winery in Eger.
About the Bolyki Winery
Bolyki is fast becoming one of my favourite wineries in Hungary. The reasons for this are several. Firstly, the location is amazing. There is an outdoor terrace which looks over a little courtyard which has been created by the semi-circular rock structures into which the winery is carved. There is a further courtyard for events and weddings to take place. And as well as that there are two hospitality spaces. One in a modern building used for events which seats over a hundred people, the other in the cellar itself.
Secondly, the wine here represents good value for money. Sparkling wine can still be bought for just under £10 a bottle, still wines for even less, and the red wines are actually some very good blends at accessible price points. Similar wines in regions in France would have eye watering price tags. A 10 wine tasting with bread, grape oil and balsamic is just under £20 and I would really recommend doing it as you’ll get to try the full range of wines.
Thirdly, Csaba the host is just an all round great host – good humoured, friendly, knowledgeable about the wines… everything you want. I have been to Bolyki 3 or 4 times now on the back of the experience I had the first time around, and to be honest, each time has been just as good. A number of friends have also visited and enjoyed their visits as well. I did also spend New Year’s Eve here and the event was brilliant.
Anyway… the wines in this region are predominantly red, but you can also sample some white and rosé wines as well. The sparkling wines – red and rosé are fruity, with a nice sharp acidity and nice mousse. Think prosecco, but with a bit more structure and fruit. Both make great patio wines, but also aperitif wines and wines for more serious celebrations. The whites consist of Sauvignon Blancs which have a good fruity, floral character which is so typical of Hungary, and good bright acidity; as well as some more local varieties which again deliver floral, refreshing and fruity wines. Equally you might want to try a rosé or orange wine here, the rosé is strawberry fruit and nicely balanced acids, the orange wine is much more complex, citrus peely and a little bit more layered in flavour. Reds from Eger are full bodied, bold and usually blends. Some great examples here as well, and one of my favourites in the Superior Bikavér.
Food options here are good as well. The tastings all come with fresh bread and grape seed oil, which is very enjoyable. However, if you want something more filling you have options of cold plates – think cheeses, cold meats, etc… or you can try one of their homemade pizzas.
In my view it is the hosting which really sets Bolyki apart. Csaba looks after you very well, talking through the wines, making sure you are enjoying the experience and doing it all in the very best of cheer. If all Hungarian customer service was this good, Hungary would be taking over the world!
If you go to an event you really will be getting a great experience. The food on New Year’s Eve was fantastic, and the cakes (brought in from a local cake shop) probably represented the best chocolate cake I think I may have ever eaten.
Bolyki combines the best of good wine, good food and great hospitality into a location which oozes relaxations and enjoyment. To get there, I recommend you take a taxi out of Eger, it will be 8-10 minutes from the centre. If you do 10 wines in the tasting, I’d allow 2-3 hours and consider the food options as well. The red wines in Eger are high alcohol.
So thank you to the Csaba and the Bolyki winery for their great wines and hospitality. If you want to know more about them you can find out more on their website: https://www.bolykipinceszet.hu/. If you do visit, let them know it was on my recommendation! And in the meantime, keep exploring this beautiful planet we live on, one glass at a time!