Hungary’s smallest wine region lies on the slopes of the Somló Mountain. Vineyards encircle this almost symmetrical, cone-shaped, dormant volcano rising from the plains of the Tapolca Basin. The traditions of winemaking can be traced back to roman times and according to archeological finds the area was home to flourishing settlements in the Bronze Age. The first written documents referring to winemaking in the region date back to the 11th century. Situated on top of the mountain are the ruins of an 11th century castle. Legend has it that the Benedictine convent, founded by St Stephen in the 11th century, was later disbanded by the ecclesiastical court because the nuns were a little too fond of the fine local wines. Wine was used to cure health problems and it was widely believed that drinking Somló wine on your wedding night assured the birth of a son. Wine from Somló is aptly named the "wedding night wine". This historic wine region was favored by many royals, from King Sigmund to the Habsburgs.
Grape Varieties
Only white wines are produced in the Somló region from the following grape varieties: Hárslevelű, Furmint, Juhfark, Welschriesling, Tramini and Chardonnay.
Somló Wines
Furmint, Chardonnay and Somlói Hárslevelű
Wine Tourism & Sights
The Somló region is also a nature-lover's paradise, as the special basalt rock formations provide home to rare plant and animal species. The 3-km long Kitaibel trail, named after botanist Pál Kitaibel (1757-1817), winds through the historic sights of the Somló Protected Landscape Area.
Getting there from Budapest
Getting to the Somló region takes about two hours by car. Take Highway M7 to exit 90. Continue on route 71, followed by route 710. In Királyszentisván continue on route 8 until you reach Somlóvásárhely, one of the wine growing areas of the Somló region.
