Szépasszonyvölgy

Szépasszonyvölgy, literally the Valley of the Beautiful Woman, is a wine-tasting district in Eger, a historic town in Heves County, northern Hungary. The valley is a narrow hillside area just outside the city center, where dozens of wine cellars are carved into the rock and fronted by small tasting rooms. The cellars, some dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, form a continuous row along the slope and create a distinctive atmosphere for visitors seeking wine tastings and local hospitality.

The origin of the name is not definitively documented. It is commonly linked to folklore about a beautiful hostess who welcomed travelers or soldiers, as well as to the region’s long-standing association with wine and convivial hospitality. Regardless of the exact source, Szépasszonyvölgy has become a symbol of Eger’s wine culture.

Wine and tasting: The district is especially associated with Egri Bikavér (the Bull’s Blood of Eger), alongside other local varieties such as Kadarka, Leányka, and Hárslevelű. Visitors typically move from cellar to cellar, sampling different wines, often paying per tasting or per glass, and sometimes enjoying light snacks or other meals available at individual establishments.

Tourism and access: Szépasszonyvölgy is one of Eger’s most visited attractions, renowned for its intimate, candlelit ambience and views over the historic town and castle. It is reachable on foot from the city center and tends to be busiest in spring, summer, and autumn.