TokajHegyalja

Tokaj-Hegyalja is a historic wine region in northeastern Hungary, extending across the border into Slovakia. It is best known for Tokaji aszú, a world-famous dessert wine made from botrytized grapes and regarded as one of the great wine styles of Europe. The name combines Tokaj, the region’s principal town, with Hegyalja, meaning foothills, a reference to the hilly terrain along the Bodrog and Tisza river valleys.

Geography and terroir: The landscape is defined by foothill vineyards on volcanic and loess soils, with a cool continental climate and long growing seasons that promote noble rot in affected years. Traditional varieties such as Furmint and Hárslevelű are central to the region’s wines, along with both dry and sweet styles. Tokaji aszú is produced by integrating botrytized berries into fermenting must, historically using a system of puttony baskets.

History and culture: Winemaking in Tokaj-Hegyalja dates to the Middle Ages and prospered under Hungarian nobility, with the wine achieving celebrated status in European courts. The region's cultural landscape shows centuries of vineyard management, cellar work, and towns shaped by trade along the Bodrog and Tisza rivers.

UNESCO and present day: In 2002, Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its centuries-old viticulture and landscape. Today, Tokaj-Hegyalja remains a major wine region and tourist destination, known for wine routes, cellars, and festivals that highlight both traditional methods and modern winegrowing.