Charming
cellars
of Hercegkút
Join us as we wander among the picturesque cellars of Hercegkút, where every door holds the stories of generations of families. Discover the rich history and unique wine culture of this magical place.
In the enchanting world of centuries-old cellars, you can become part of Tokaj's traditions and the art of winemaking, where every drop of wine tells a special story.
The gems of the Hungarian wine region of Tokaj-Hegyalja, the charming Kőporosi and Gomboshegyi cellar rows, extend along the northwestern and southern borders of the Swabian village of Hercegkút. These two enchanting locations have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2002. The cellar rows proudly feature over 160 beautifully preserved centuries-old Swabian cellars with uniform facades.
This destination offers perfect relaxation for those who appreciate the harmony of architecture, nature, and viticulture. Visitors can capture stunning photos, stroll through the historical surroundings, and rest at the cellar entrances while savoring the renowned Tokaji wines. The impressive cellar rows of Hercegkút provide an unforgettable experience for all.
Liquid Gold
of Tokaj
For hundreds of years people were convinced that there was gold in the depths of the mountains of Tokaj, and through the weaving roots of grapevines, this precious metal painted Tokaj’s luscious aszú wines to a beautiful dark yellow color. Scientists once thought that it was the magic of gold that made this liquid sunshine so sparkling, fragrant and thick, and that it gave these unique wines an exceptionally long lifespan.
Paracelsus, a renowned Swiss physician, alchemist, and astrologer of the 16th century, visited Tokaj in 1523 and conducted experiments on the musts and wines at a local pharmacy. He documented his findings in his work "De Vita Longa" and in his book Paracelsus concluded that in the grapes of Tokaj "the path of decay leads to the creation of gold."
Although Paracelsus was not aware of the exact details of its chemistry, he realized that the miracle of Tokaji wines lies in the phenomenon of noble rot that turns grape berries into precious, shriveled, concentrated raisins. Besides noble rot, the volcanic terroir and Tokaj’s unique winemaking procedures play an equally important part in what makes the wines of this region so special, with their sweetnes perfectly balanced with the right level of acidity, and their fragrant bouquet complemented with notes of minerals.
One thing is certain: even though wines of Tokaj do not contain this noble metal, yet they are as precious as gold!