Like every wine-producing region in Hungary, Tokaj-Hegyalja underwent a major revival following privatisation in the 1990s, improving distribution, marketing and, of course, production of the wine itself.
The raw materials required little improvement. The world’s first enclosed wine region, established in 1737, producing the famed Tokaji sweet wine that was served before the Tsars. Currently, some 6,000 hectares are cultivated, relatively negligible compared to other notable wine-growing areas of the world. However, name, tradition and quality count for everything here.
Think big, produce small
A significant part of the exceptional Tokaji wines are not produced by
large cellars, but often by smaller-scale producers.
In the absence of large-scale marketing, Adrienn Tóbiás, László Butella and Gábor Kardos from Mád, one of the main wine-producing communities in the area, have got together with nearly a dozen winemakers and local producers to take control of their own destiny and promote their iconic wine region in Hungary’s capital.
The result of this association is Tokaji My Love, a centrally located showcase
for their products. The walls are decorated with Mád stone, Tokaji wine bottle lamps hang from the ceiling, and a selfie wall is designed in such a way that different photos create the atmosphere of the place with each season.
Entering, the visitor feels as if they are walking in the Tokaji wine region, the volcanic stones of the vineyards equally important elements in the overall picture.
Furmint, Harslevelű and, of course, Tokaji itself, many signature Hungarian varieties are here, along with cheeses, jams and honeys, plus salad dressings, spreads and wine-filled chocolates. Look out, too, for BAZ beer, brewed in Tokaj since 2018. The stock changes according to season and staff will be happy to advise.
Where to buy Tokaji wine
Tokaji My Love
1014 Budapest, Lánchíd utca 11
