Hungarian Wine Challenge – Wine the Gap Wine bar, 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 Wine the Gap winebar in Budapest.
Wine the Gap wine tasting
I discovered this hidden gem on a previous visit to Budapest, where I booked in for a wine tasting. The bar is conveniently located just outside the centre of Pest a short walk from the 4/6 tram line, on a nice pedestrian street. In September it felt like I could have been sat in the streets outside a bar in Paris or Florence. This is a cozy bar with an outside sitting area, and a really good wine list.
The bar is run by Miklos, who is a wine journalist, wine judge and one of Hungary’s top wine experts. His knowledge of Hungarian wines is extensive, and outside of his tastings at the bar, he also offers tours out to different wine regions. It is thanks to Miklos that I managed to fulfil one of my bucket list items to visit the world-famous Tokaj wine region where sweet wines are made. The atmosphere is relaxed, and Miklos takes the job of informing visitors about Hungarian wine very seriously. He has a map on a easel which he uses to show the location of the wineries.
The wine tasting has a Hungarian version of tapas with local cheeses, meats and other delicacies which means its actually a chance to discover Hungarian cuisine as well as wines. The wines on offer here are personally sourced and are often from the smaller vineyards, so you are truly tasting something unique. Whether you love light fruity and floral whites, or big bold reds there is something in the line up for pretty much everyone.
What makes this bar stand out is… Firstly, the personal welcome from the owner, and his mix of great humour and warmth. Secondly, the location. Sitting outside here in the evening really does feel like there is nowhere in the world you’d rather be sipping your glass of wine. Thirdly, the great selection of wines. Unlike other bars, the wine list is not hundreds of pages long, but the focus on quality is evident. Finally, a unique feature of this wine bar is the selection of Israeli wines which Miklos has on offer. If you haven’t tried Israeli wines – you really have been missing out!
You have three options here: Firstly, you could book a wine tasting like the one I did (several times, and also took friends to who also enjoyed it). Alternatively, you could just drop in for a glass or two from the menu. And finally, you could book one of the many tours Miklos offers. I am personally inclined to say that option 1 and 3 are going to give you the best experience as you’re almost guaranteed Miklos will be your host, so you’ll get the benefit of his wine expertise.
So thank you to Miklos and Wine the Gap for the multiple great wines I was able to taste as part of the Hungarian wines as part of the wine challenge. I did several trips here and each one was unique. Others I visited with really enjoyed the tastings, and I know locals who regularly pass by for a bottle or a glass. 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 Wine the Gap, 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 Wine the Gap 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 a tour of the amazing Matra wine region from Budapest. or here for a tour of the Páty Wine Village from Budapest.