Harvest has also been a time for celebration – and true merriment abounds for wine lovers as the stunning wineries of Bodrogkeresztúr open their doors and arms to visitors for the 8th All Saints’ Merriment (Mindszent Havi Mulatság in Hu). This attractive village that lies along the river Bodrog has perhaps the largest number of stork nests in the region!
The weekend sees some of the region’s top smaller winemakers (Bott, Füleky, Tokaj-Nobilis) stages a relaxed and family-friendly wine event with live music, performances, crafts and a variety of tasting events in association with larger neighbours, Dereszla and Patricius. The “electric train” ferries visitors between venues during the festival, including to the top of the hill in Bodrogkeresztúr – from where a wonderful view opens over the river Bodrog and its floodplain, the Bodrogköz. Its stunning location between the river and hill mean it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.
Bodrogkeresztúr has a great (renewed) tradition of folk dance – they have a monthly táncház (‘dance house’) where keen dancers gather with friends and family to dance the night away to live music. The dance house is the perfect way to end the merriment! Children’s dance house starts at 7 pm and then from 8 till late for adults too.
As well as great wineries you can visit the first vinegar maker in the area; the Tokaj Wine Vinegar Manufactory has revived the Hungarian vinegar culture. As well as visiting the plant and museum to follow the journey of Tokaji wine into vinegar, guests can also sample delicacies. Of course, cuisine is a natural companion to wine, so local artisan producers of cheeses and jams also join the fun, as do restaurants including the Sárga Borház, Anyúkám mondta.
Autumn weather in the Tokaj wine region is generally pleasantly sunny, so All Saints’ Merriment is great for enjoying the last warm rays! And the next day you can head to the artisan market at the Sárga Borház.
There are too many events to list (including kids’ corners at most wineries)…
