Sip, Savor & Stay: A Wine Lover's Guide to Badacsony, Hungary

• Getting to Badacsony: Start your trip with an arrival in Hungary’s capital, Budapest, where you can acclimate to the time zone change, enjoy a bit of sightseeing, and pamper yourself for a night or two at the luxurious five-star, Michelin Key Kimpton BEM Budapest before heading out for the two-hour drive to Badacsony.

• Accommodations:

  • Hotel Bonvino is a modern, wine-focused hotel in the heart of Badacsony. Its wellness amenities and central location make it ideal for exploring the lake and nearby wineries.

  • Szászi Winery: Located on Szent György-hegy (St. George Hill), Szászi offers an authentic vineyard stay with charming guesthouses and a restaurant serving seasonal, locally inspired cuisine paired with its estate wines.

  • Villa Sandahl: Villa Sandahl is a boutique estate specializing in Riesling, with cozy guest accommodations perched on a steep hillside among the vineyards.

• Restaurants

  • Félúton Bisztró: Félúton Bisztró is a relaxed, contemporary bistro offering innovative takes on traditional Hungarian cuisine.

  • Muskátli Family Diner: Muskátli Family Diner is a welcoming local favorite known for hearty traditional dishes and warm hospitality.

  • Borbarátok Restaurant (Fata Winery): Fata Winery’s restaurant is a cornerstone of the region’s culinary scene, pairing classic Hungarian flavors with its own wines as well as selections from other local producers.

• Wineries

  • Büttner Winery: Dr. Tamás Büttner bought the first vineyard parcel on Badacsony’s Tóti-hegy to begin the winery. Today his son Márton and winemaker Attila Csillag manage the 37-acre estate. Often featured in collaborative tastings within the region, Büttner makes lively wines like Olaszrizling and Zweigelt. It also operates a restaurant, Büttner Wine and Grill.

  • Folly Arboretum and Winery: A multi-generational family venture, Folly combines a historic arboretum with a curated wine experience. Guests can wander among trees and botanical collections before settling in for a tasting overlooking Lake Balaton. The wines are designed to complement the setting. It’s an unique experience where nature and wine are inseparable.

  • Illés Winery: The first-generation Illés Winery produces organically farmed white and red wines such as Olaszrizling, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, appealing to a wide range of palates. While the winemaking is rooted in tradition, the approach is modern, with an emphasis on showcasing varietal character.

  • Laposa Winery: A leading name in Badacsony’s wine movement, Laposa has played a key role in shaping the region’s identity. It is known for its affordable, approachable, and authentic wines. At Hableány, the winery offers tours along with a bistro, wine bar, and shop. The Laposa tasting terrace is also a must-stop, with striking hilltop views over Lake Balaton.

  • Sabar Estate: Under the leadership of founder Gábor Ádám and his team, the 17-acre Sabar Estate is “a small hill of great wines”—an essential stop on Sabar Hill. The winery produces bright, mineral-driven whites such as Kéknyelű, Olaszrizling, and Pinot Gris, widely respected for their elegant and lively style, appealing to both enthusiasts and professionals alike.

  • Szászi Winery: Located on the slopes of Szent György-hegy, Szászi is one of the most authentic estates in the region. The family-run property is committed to organic farming, prioritizing harmony with nature. Their Olaszrizling, Furmint, Kéknyelű, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other varieties are lovely expressions of the hill’s volcanic terroir.

  • Válibor Estate (Váli Winery): Owner and winemaker Péter Váli leads this estate with a focus on low-intervention farming and winemaking. The wines convey a strong sense of place, reflecting vintage variation and the nuances of individual plots. Visits are highly personal and often include some of Váli’s own culinary creations, offering a genuine farm-to-table experience.

  • Villa Sandahl: Led by the Sandahl family and winemaker Zsolt Palkó, Villa Sandahl is internationally recognized for its laser-precise, mineral-driven, and age-worthy Rieslings. The estate reflects the heritage of its Swedish owners—minimalist, intentional, and deeply connected to the land.

  • Villa Tolnay: Located at the southern foot of Csobánc Mountain, owner and winemaker Philipp Oser, together with partner and cellar master László Nagy, balances traditional and modern winemaking techniques, resulting in wines that evolve beautifully over time. The elegant and serene winery setting reflects its understated sophistication.

Badacsony is also accessible by train, or you can hire a private transfer through a transportation partner such as Daytrip. The local currency is the Hungarian forint.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Hungary page.