Hungarian Wine Challenge – Bortodoor Winebar, Budapest
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 was a number of places I visited. Among them was the Bortodoor winebar in Budapest.
Bortodoor wine tasting
For those who aren’t Budapest residents (and some who are) Bortodoor is a wine bar in Budapest which seeks out some of the best wines from Hungary and beyond. The bar has a weekly wine menu which changes every week. And on a Sunday, they do an end of week drink the losses where all wines are sold at a reduced price to clear space for the following week’s wines. This means its possible to try some very good quality wines at a much reduced price. And who doesn’t love a bargin?
The bar is run by three wine loving friends from different parts of the globe and staffed by some really great people who love their wine and also offer great hospitality. The bar serves a mix of ex-pats and locals, but definitely has an ex-pat feel to it. The menu of wines is comprehensive and the quality of wines is high. Depending on when you visit the vibe varies from chilled out and easy going to music bar vibe with more energy.
The bar has a couple of food options. There are some cold plate options made freshly at the bar, think cheese, charcuterie, and tapas style plates. Alternatively, the bar has an arrangement with a local food establishment “Hoff House”, which serves warm food – think chicken wings, strips and fries among other delights. You can order and have the food delivered.
What makes this bar stand out is… Firstly, the knowledge and wine passion of the owners and staff. These guys know what they are talking about! Secondly, the welcoming atmosphere and friendliness of the regulars. The people here are generally very amiable and embrace newcomers. Thirdly, the great staff. Two of the three owners regularly serve behind the bar, Suze and Smike. But there is also a great team of other staff overseen by the crazily tall Jack, who is the bar manager and gentle giant of great humour and quick wit.
I’m going to do a separate post on their Wednesday night Wine Mafia, as it deserves its own section, but Wednesday is a great night to visit, as is Sunday for the drink the losses. Other evenings really depend on the vibe you are looking for with week nights (Tuesday and Thursday) a little tamer than the weekend. Expect to get lured into drinking great wine, having a great time and staying far longer than you intended to!
So thank you to Bortodoor for the massive contribution they made to helping me find numerous Hungarian wines as part of the wine challenge. It is fair to say that I visited here multiple times during my visit and was never disappointed with the wine. If you do pop in, let them know I sent you. And in the meantime, keep exploring this beautiful planet we live on, one glass at a time!