Hungarian Wine Challenge – Tasting Table, 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 were a number of places I visited. Among them was the Tasting Table Shop in Budapest.
Relaxed wine tasting options
Tasting table have both a shop and a restaurant / bar on the same street in Budapest. Each have different options for wine tasting. The shop has basic wine tasting options, whereas the restaurant unsuprisingly has food options as well. I opted for a tasting in the shop which is compact, but atmospheric with its wall of wine shelves. The shop is a few minutes walk off the 4/6 tram or from the Astoria Metro Station near the Hungarian National Museum.
Over a course of around 6 wines, I was able taste things from various regions in Hungary and the server gave information about each wine and region. The tasting included white wines, rose, red and sweet wines which showcased a good selection of what Hungary has to offer. The wines vary a little depending on what they have open on any given day, but there is always a good selection and the tasting is tailored to your preferences.
The wines were all what I would say were good quality wines and typical of the regions. The atmosphere was very relaxed and the shop is only large enough for around 6 people, so its not a big group tasting which means you get to interact with the server, ask questions, and try things you like. The staff are really friendly and welcoming. I returned back in December and was welcomed warmly as a returning visitor.
What makes this bar stand out is… Firstly, the intimacy of the venue and the fact you can interact with the server, ask questions and discover wines that are likely to be to your taste. Secondly, the selection of wines available in the shop is very good, some absolute classic Hungarian wines and wines from most of the regions. Thirdly, the experience is very relaxed and informal. If you don’t want to talk about semi-carbonic maceration, you don’t need to! If you do, the staff know their stuff.
As mentioned, you have options here at the shop and restaurant. At the time of writing, I can’t find a link to book a tasting at the shop. But you can drop them an email them at hello@tastehungary.com if you want more information about that. Tastings at the restaurant can be found widely on the internet and one their own website. There are various options including a cookery and wine option. I am reliably informed that the food is excellent.
So thank you to the staff at Tasting Table, they were a new addition to my ‘must visit when in Budapest’ list and I’ve returned there since and had a similar good experience. 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!
If you would like to book a wine tasting or tour at Tasting Table, it would mean the world to me if you’d do it through my affiliate link. The price you pay will be exactly the same, but I’ll get a small commission for referring you which I’ll put towards maintaining this website, visiting more places to find hidden gems like Tasting Table and increasing my wine knowledge so I can create even more interesting content. If you’re up for that, please click here for a tasting or here for another option.