The Eger region is home to the legendary 'Bull's Blood of Eger' (Egri Bikavér), perhaps the best-known Hungarian red wine abroad. Based on Kékfrankos, Bull’s Blood is a cuvee, a blend of three or more grapes, matured in oak barrels for at least 12 months. Eger is also home to some fresh whites, as white grapes also have long-lasting traditions in the region. For a long time red and white grapes were grown in equal quantities, however this equilibrium was changed in favor of the red grapes by the success of Bull’s Blood (Bikavér). Eger’s highly prized south-facing Eged Hill has perfect vine growing conditions.
Grape Varieties
Kékfrankos, the key ingredient of Bull’s Blood and Pinot Noir are the most planted reds. Hárslevelű, Olaszrizling and Leányka (‘Little Princess’) are the most common white grapes in the Eger region
Eger Wines
'Bull's Blood of Eger' (Egri Bikavér), Pinot Noir, Syrah, and the traditional Eger whites, like Debrői Hárslevelű, Verpeléti Olaszrizling and Egri Leányka
Eger Wineries
Demeter, Gál, Monarchia, St. Andrea
Wine Tourism
The area to visit in the Eger Wine Region is called ‘Szépasszony-völgy’ (The Valley of the Beautiful Women), a valley just south of the city, which has numerous wine cellars. Wine tasting is offered in several locations and shuttle service is available from Dobó tér, the main square.
Getting there from Budapest
Eger is about a one and a half hour drive from Budapest. Take highway M3 to Füzesabony and continue north on route 25. Buses leave from the Stadionok bus terminal and the ride takes a little less than two hours. Trains leave from Budapest Keleti Railway Station every hour.
