Here are some links to experts, websites and books to make your time in the Tokaj Wine Region even better!
Websites
Tourist information (mainly in Hungarian) Sárospatak, Szerencs and Tokaj.
News about the Tokaj Wine Region from fountain of quality and reliable news and information from knowledgeable Tokaj lover, allrounder and linguist Gergely Somogyi, who arranges and accompanies excellent personal wine adventures for amateurs and professionals. Reliable and friendly, Gergely is well-aquainted with many winemakers and service providers and offers a wide range of services in superb English. Extensive overview of Tokaj’s history, towns and villages, as well as grape varieties and wine styles here – plus a great glossary!
Detailed information about the Tokaj Wine Region here too.
Discover Tokaj(i) in Budapest or here through long-time Tokaj visitor Gergely Ripka‘s thematic tastings or visits to the World Heritage region Tokaj Magic. He also offers a collection of Tokaj stock photos and a wide range of wine writings (Hungarian) on his blog Dancing Bear. His Tokaj Guide, a comprehensive travel and wine guide of the widest range of wines and wineries in the region, was voted Best European Wine Book in 2022 at Gourmand International Awards at the World Cookbook Fair. Accumulated knowledge of the region, the wines and the winemakers shines through his book (already in its third edition).
And established specialists Carolyn and Gábor Bánfalvi and their team at Taste Hungary and Tasting Table that bring Tokaj and Hungary (e.g. market tour) to Budapest (US) in a friendly and knowledgable way, or you to the Tokaj Wine Region. The blog is a spectacular journey through wines and foods of Hungary. A delight and essential reference. Journalist and writer Carolyn has written several books in addition to the plethora of informative arictles: Food Wine Budapest (Little Bookroom) and the Food and Wine Lover’s Guide to Hungary: With Budapest Restaurants and Trips to the Wine Country (Park Kiadó).
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.
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.
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.
No list would be complete without academic, writer turned winemaker László Alkonyi who wrote prolifically about Tokaj: Tokaj – Dűlőmitológia Birtokok és borok 2001-2002, Tokaj – Iránytű borkedvelőknek, Vigyázz, kész, rajt: Bor!, Tokaj: The Wine of Freedom – A szabadság bora.
A true cultural cuisine adventure with seed-swap organiser artist Gabő Barta at Terrapolis Garden and Table in Tarcal. Gabó provides visual and taste sensations from her exciting and thriving permaculture-inspired garden that challenge our perceptions, expand our minds and hearts, deepening connection to nature. “I tend to a garden in Tarcal, Tokaj region, Hungary, in a spectacular but hidden spot, using various methods including permaculture. Terrapolis guests can enjoy seasonal food.” Book your visit for a unique experience!
In other languages
Organisations and societies in the Tokaj Wine Region
Many citizens and winemakers of the towns and villages in this historic World Heritage Tokaj Wine Region have come together to found their own local winemaking organisation, and several produce their own community village wine. These forums fostering cooperation between winemakers at a local level and are often instrumental in organising great festivals and events. Leading (winemaking) organisations in the Tokaj Wine Region include:
Amici Vinorum Olaszliszka – Amici Vinorum Olaszliszka has had several excellent village wines
Bodrogkeresztúr Jövőjéért Egyesület – Mindszenthavi and Fülöp a különc running race among their great intimate events.
Bodrogkisfalud – brings social and corporate responsibiklity and has created a skate park, organised font camps, Carneval charity balls and Boldogkisfaludfeszt
Bor, Mámor, Bénye Association – winemakers in Erdőbénye – nestled in a basin by the oak forests that provide hte staves for the barrrels made and toasted here that are sought fater around the world – bring the original wine, music and gastro festival to the region! In the winemakers’ gardens!
Mádi Kör – Mád Circle brings together Mád winemakers for policy changes and event creation including St Vincent Day, St Urban Day, Good Night! Mád, September Furmint tasting.
Sárospataki Borterasz – created relaxed spaces to enjoy music and wine in Sárospatak during the Zemplén Festival.
Tállyáért Egyesület – involved in various local events 
Tarcal Wine and Culture Association (Tarcal Bor és Kultúra Egyesület) – organises classic festivals like Witchy Weekend in spring.
Tokaji Borászok Asztaltársasága – quality winemakers around Tokaj town are active in providing a quality aspect to more mainstream festivals, often with a strong picnic, culinary aspect.
Tokaji Borbarátnők Társasága – have a shop and winetasing bar on the main street in Mád with wines from all their members
Trautsons Bor és Kultúráért Egyesület – group of Hercegkút young winemakers opening their World Heritage hobbit cellars regularly for celebrations also aimed at the sons and daughters of this picturesque village
Another interesting group is Tokaj Generation Y a group of new wave, younger winemakers from across the region who appear together and cooperate in special ways.
The Confrérie de Tokaj, aims to represent the Tokaj Wine Region and Tokaji wines in Hungary and abroad to reposition Tokaj as the treasure it is. It serves as an umbrella organisation for the best of the region’s producers, who believe in terroir and the unique character of these white wines. Most of the founding members of the Confrérie are Tokaji wine producers but membership is open to all friends of wine and professionals who wish to participate in the evolution of the region.
They regularly hold Tokaj Rendezvous events – to offer the opportunity to meet with others passionate about Tokaji wines and explore the region together. Interesting events and high-end wine dinners are held throughout the region to strengthen links between members and bring them closer to the place so dear to their heart. This gives all wine lovers the opportunity to discover together this richness and its creations.
Producer association Tokaj Renaissance founded in 1995 organises tasting and media for the region. The president, almonst without exception a leading winemaker/figure in the Tokaj Wine Region, spends several years at the head of this well-established organisation with excellent links abroad too. Their website has a comprehensive overview of the Tokaj Wine Region, Tokaj Renaissance wineries and attractions and recommended wineries in the area by town and village.
The Council of Wine Communities has created an informative website with plenty of detail on location and history, rocks, soils and climate, grapes and wines, winemaking to maturing.
Active independent winemaker Zoltán Demeter has a foundation that has several projects, including reprinting class Tokaj material (books, maps), photo – poster/postcard competitions, memorial park.
Where to find the books
Himesudvar tree-shaded ancient villa and cellar in Tokaj town, stunning Kikelet Winery under the vineyards in Tarcal, Első Mádi Borház overlooking the vineyards (focus on Mád wines and wineries), Disznókő at the Szerencs entrance to the Tokaj Wine Region and ABoros Wine Bar in Sárospata. And all have several Tokaj books on their website/shops as well as atmospheric terraces too where you can enjoy your new book with a glass of wine under trees. 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)