Tokaj Wine Region experts – books on wine and wineries, food and architecture, photos and design, tastings, tours and more – from architecture to Zéta
https://www.facebook.com/tokajimylove/photos/a.106762404365843/154059102969506/?type=3&paipv=0&eav=AfZ8gidYLSjRY99b1EGBo0SVPmUZ2FsM9MFzUO3NXkkheGtf41azaRUGDyKf0ZRkgw0&_rdr(Zéta is one of the six permitted Tokaj grape varieties)
In recent years we’ve seen several excellent books specialising in various areas of the wine region from architecture to vineyards, Furmint to food, so I thought I’d present them here. And I’d like to introduce you to a couple of the absolute experts in the region.
I want to bring them together in one place and recognise their unique and (often playfully, cooperatively) evolving contributions to the renaissance in the Tokaj Wine Region. The writers are pursuing their loves and curiosities, creating unique, niche projects that help us explore our historic wine region in various ways. To introduce approachable experts whose time (tours) and publications (print and online) can deepen your experience of this wonderful wine region.
Books published about the Tokaj Wine Region
Tokaj Guide by long-time visitor Gergely Ripka – a comprehensive guidebook to the widest range of wines and wineries in the region. His accumulated knowledge of the region, the wines and the winemakers shines through Gergely’s book (already in its third edition). Discover Tokaj(i) in Budapest or here through his thematic tastings or visits to the World Heritage region Tokaj Magic. He also offers a collection of Tokaj stock photos.
Tokaj: A borvidék építészete = The architecture of a wine region / [Erhardt Gábor, Salamin Ferenc], Budapest : Kós Károly Alapítvány, 2022, Recently published Hungarian-English book by two established and experienced architects working in the region for decades. Available here.
A classic tome Emberek és Dűlők / People and Vineyards by Dániel Kézdy (creator of Furmint February, Furmint Day and Aszú Day – 10 December – Slow Food / Terra Madre Day) published a few years ago so some of the up-and-coming winemakers had not even started winemaking. But the greats are there. The stories are stunningly illustrated with art photos by photographer Ferenc Dancsics. An English edition also exists.
Adrienn Tobiás’s more general guidebook Essential Guide: The Tokaj Wine Region which includes accommodation, food and drink and activities throughout the region, including a wide range of thematic tours to adventure park, castles, the Rákóczi heritage, Jewish heritage.
Gábor Horváth revolutionised cuisine during his time at Gusteau Kulináris Műhely (Culinary Workshop) in Mád when he brought fresh local seasonal ingredients, searching for inspired pairings that include locally raised goat to play with some of the “Thousand Faces of Furmint”. This Furmint recipe book is a collaboration with Tokaj lover and writer Ferenc Pallagi. Now at his own place in Pócsmegyer on Szentendre island A Séf és a Kertész (the Chef and the Gardener), Gábor’s dishes are celebrations of the garden flavours and combinations.
Established specialist (now tour company owner) Carolyn Bánfalvi co-founder and owner of Taste Hungary and Tasting Table wrote delightful and essential references Food Wine Budapest (Little Bookroom) and the Food and Wine Lover’s Guide to Hungary: With Budapest Restaurants and Trips to the Wine Country.
Gabriella Mészáros, informed educator since 1991 and founder of Wine College of Budapest WSET training centre taught by top journalists, sommeliers and wine experts, writer of numerous wine classic wine books in Hungarian and English.
Ferenc Pallagi, writer and former journalist, Tokaj lover, wrote Tokaji keserű – Borokról és a szabadságról about the current situation in the wine region (in Hungarian).
Where to find books and materials published about the Tokaj Wine Region
The Tokaj Foundation has reprinted several classics including the four-language Tokaj-Hegyaljai Album 1867/2017 (in English, French, German, Hungarian by Dr. József Szabó – István Török), a vineyard and a 19th-century geological map and competition-winning photos of the Tokaj Wine Region. Available on their webshop.
In writing this article I’ve discovered that the wonderful tree-shaded stone terrace Himesudvar in Tokaj town, stunning Kikelet Winery under the vineyards in Tarcal, Első Mádi Borház overlooking the vineyards and the start of the Great Hungarian Plain (focus on Mád wines and wineries), Disznókő at the edge and ABoros Wine Bar in Sárospatak – all have atmospheric terraces too where you can enjoy your new book with a glass of wine under trees – have several Tokaj books on their website/shops. And there may well be other interesting books if you look there. And even bikes to hire. And at other places in the region too…
Older classics include:
David Copp’s Tokaj – A Companion for the Bibulous Traveller
Royal Tokaji’s A Dűlők legendája / Legend of the Vineyards
Zelenák István’s A tokaji aszú titkai (The Secrets of Tokaji Aszú)
If you know any other books and writers, as well as / apart from all the incredible producers, beekeepers, farmers, gardeners, seed savers who are also artists in their connection to earth, I would love to bring them here with pictures and their stories. So please let me / us know. Let’s cooperate bravely and build strong thriving artistic and visionary community in all respects :)
