Mád village harvest festival is interwoven with high quality programmes organised by Mád Circle and Tokaj Women and Wine to create this exceptional event which celebrates the noble Furmint grape. One of the six permitted grape varieties in the Tokaj appelation, Furmint is increasingly catching the attention of the wider wine world as both a sdry and a sweet wine. Mád, home to many of the first highly-acclaimed dry Furmints, is a natural host for this weekend of celebration.
So, while the main street buzzes with life – visitors strolling, dancing, stopping to enjoy a glass of wine, a bite to eat or wonder at the lovingly crafted handmade products – the vintners’ courtyards are more similar to islands of tranquillity where less mainstream music accompanies guests on their journey through (single-vineyard) wonders.
Highlights of 2017 – we’ll change as soon as we have the programme :)
– Furmint tasting – staged by Mád Circle (Mádi Kör) winemakers, many of whom are among the top Tokaj producers, for an exclusive Friday evening tasting at Royal Tokaji. A very popular event, so be sure to get tickets early not to miss out. Catering by the wonderful Anyukám mondta restaurant, consistently ranked among the top countryside establishments.
The wineries – Mád winemakers are perhaps the most established of the private winemakers, forging ahead with excellent wines. Visitors to the Mád Furmint Festival have the chance to explore the cellars, meet the winemakers and taste together.
The music – plenty of live music. The main stage is, as might be expected, more mainstream while winemakers host jazz, folk fusion, world, DJ’s with concerts throughout the day. Perhaps the biggest problem is choosing where to go and who to see…
Cuisine: Gusteau, one of the most exciting restaurants in the Tokaj wine region is open “at home” and in the “Furmint Courtyard” too. Dishes from throughout the Tokaj wine region and the Zemplén hills as well as the wider world – fusion cuisine. Even the ladies of the village come out with their cakes – truly homemade and certainly delicious. So everything from snacks to full meals.
“Herbs and gardens” – as well as the local herbal expert who invites guests to share a cup of tea in his herb garden, permaculture and gastro expert creates exciting dishes.
Culture vultures – walk with an architect, exhibitions in many of the wineries (art, photography, sculpture), literary events and more
Local artisans – line “Market Street”, the main road which is closed to traffic for festivalgoers to wander at leisure. Many of the best local producers along with guests from further afield bring their artisan cheeses, cured meats, Tokaj wine vinegars, jams, cordials and specialty honeys as well as the whole range of handcrafts.
Bike time – and walks through the vineyards (guided too)
Family friendly (extremely) – fun events for children, so adults can enjoy themselves to the full. Performances, handcrafts and goat farm visits :)
