High-quality wine bars are slowly spreading all over Budapest, many of which are especially inviting during summertime. All of the wine-sipping spots that we recommend here are suitable for both lazy late-night chats over a good bottle, and for consciously tasting different types in small quantities to learn more about the qualities and characteristics of various wine regions. Considering the blazing heat in Budapest, we rounded up 10+1 havens of precious liquid that always please, such as a riverside venue, a bar in the party district, and a shaded spot under the trees of Buda, too.
It is an always winning option to order a lighter, fruity Sauvignon Blanc, or a mineral-rich Furmint on sizzling summer nights, followed by an elegant Pinot Noir, and finishing up with a wider, fruity New World wine. During the colder months it feels nice to get cozy amid the red-brick walls of many wine bars, but in the summer it is even better to sit outside on the terrace with friends and watch as the sinking sun paints wonderful colors on the evening sky. And in case you fall in love with the right wine, at these bars you can buy bottles to go.
4/10
Palack – the friendly
This hangout on awaits everyone with a pleasant panorama, live music, and a friendly staff amid an eclectic design. Their wine selection stretches from cheaper options to high-cost kinds; the wines are listed according to regions, with a price indicated per bottle. Among the foreign assortment we find wines from Transylvania, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, and France. Palack also entices visitors with music nights. It is also worth checking out their big brother, the larger and more exclusive 0,75 Wine Bar – found by the – where wine lovers can even try director Francis Ford Coppola’s 2014 Chardonnay. As foretold by the posters hung on the wall, Palack’s food selection features homemade hams and cold cuts, but guests can also order plates for two, grilled sausages, duck-liver patés, paninis, and wraps.
Wine recommendation: The Heimann Family’s Birtokbor, or Bence Pince’s Riesling from Szent György Hill is always a good choice.
7/10
Vino Piano – the artisanal explorer
This popup terrace is part of the Élesztő complex, standing on the courtyard of an old apartment building. The tall willow trees of the garden provide cozy shade for wining. The terrace selection of VinoPiano is distinct from that of an ordinary wine bar, as it features a cleaner and more understandable assortment; fresh whites, rosés, and sparkling wines. Guests can choose from the selection of six wine regions, but as an alcohol-free alternative, they also offer homemade syrups and lemonades. Different wine experts pop in every week – generally not even known by the organizers – to present their own products. It is a must to try the place’s tapas, as the owner, Balázs Vajas, who was previously the chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant, goes to the market every morning to gather the freshest ingredients. They offer citrus crackling creams, patés, cheese creams, marinated mushrooms, and seasonally, asparagus. In case you get too intoxicated by the sunshine (or the wine), you can check out their basement to cool down. It is important to mention that VinoPiano is significantly cheaper than the other wine venues, so you can taste up to ten types of wine for only 2,000 forints – but this is not the only reason why we love VinoPiano.
Wine recommendation: Let yourself be surprised, and try the product of a pop-up expert, or Toronyi’s Kékfrankos.
8/10
D.O.C. Vino Bar – the dashing Italian
Arany János Street in now almost stands as Budapest’s “little Italy”, because thanks to the work of Hungary-based Italian restaurateur Gianni Annoni, we don’t even have to leave the street for an exciting progressive party of culinary experiences. Besides his ice-cream shop and his restaurant, the friendly wine bar – named D.O.C., after the Italian quality-assurance label – is always a good choice when we crave Italian tastes, too. Guests can enjoy their wine sitting on turquoise chair pads at the tiny wooden tables in the leafy shade while watching people passing by. Stepping inside, we face the inviting “ciao amici” sign on the wall, and our eyes admire posters of different kinds of grapes, and the corks of opened bottles; similarly to the terrace, a turquoise theme dominates the decorations. The staff is friendly, helpful, and professional, and when you visit, it is worthwhile to try one of their Tuscan or Umbrian wines, that both come with a box of chips for snacks.
Wine recommendation: Among the white-wine assortment, Roccafiore Cellar’s Fiordaliso is a must, while from the red selection, Argiolas Cellar’s Perdera, made of Monica grapes, never disappoints.
9/10
CsendesTárs – the romantic
This romantic terrace is really popular in Budapest, as it is right next to the entrance of one of the most picturesque parks of Budapest: Károlyi Kert. The wine selection is characterized by the products of less exceptional, but reliable and well-known producers. After a delightful walk in the dazzling Károlyi Garden, we can catch our breath on the terrace, and sip on a tasty wine from the selection.
Wine recommendation: Figula Cellar’s 2015 Zenit from Balatonfüred.
