The Balaton Uplands has one of its most exciting wine regions on Szent György Hill – volcanic basalt soil, family wineries, natural wines and everything you look for on a memorable trip. We went to the June Szent György Hill Until Dawn event, but soon realised: this area is worth a trip all year round – even on a weekday afternoon!
If you are staying in one of Lívia Apartmanok's guesthouses in Szigliget , you can comfortably explore the hill from here by bike or with the Balaton Wine Taxi (Bortaxi) – this makes the trip not only safer but much more enjoyable.
🌿 Why Szent György Hill?
- A unique microclimate and volcanic terroirthat produce excellent wines
- Small family wineries, friendly hosts
- Beautiful views of the witness hills and Lake Balaton
- Tasting terraces and walking paths open from spring to autumn
- You can explore it by bike, or order a Wine Taxiif you don't want to cycle
🍷 Wines that won us over – Lívia's tasting list
1. Hóbor Cellar – Irsai Olivér
This cellar is an ideal first stop for a wine afternoon. Their light, floral Irsai Olivér goes down easily while you look at the sunlit rows of vines. Friendly service, family atmosphere.
🚲 Tip: the road to the cellar is gentle and pleasant by bike too.
2. Szászi Cellar – 2023 Szent György Hill Olaszrizling
The Szászi Estate has long been known for quality wines from organic farming. Their 2023 Olaszrizling is balanced and full of character – a typical Balaton wine with a volcanic twist.
👨👩👧 Ideal for families too, as there is a restaurant on the estate.
🛺 If you are not cycling, call the Wine Taxi – they are happy to bring you here too.
3. Napsárkán – Sárkánytangó (Riesling)
This winery is a real insider tip – the wines here are made with youthful energy. Sárkánytangó is a cool-fermented, spontaneously fermented Riesling, made truly unique by a short time in barrel. Vine blossom on the nose, fruit and freshness on the palate.
🚴 For cyclists a real treat: the route runs along dirt tracks between the vines.
💬 Got a question? Napsárkán is active on Instagram too!
4. Horváth Cellar – Olaszrizling
A true classic Olaszrizling – honest, clean and easy to drink. The cellar's style is just like its wines: no frills, friendly and authentic. A great choice for an afternoon stop or to end the wine route.
🛵 If you are not cycling, the Wine Taxi driver knows your favourite entrance path too.
5. Bencze Estate – the world of natural wines
If you are looking for something new, visit the Bencze Estate, where natural wines are made using biodynamic methods. By prior appointment, themed wine tastings are also available – we tried the 'Introduction to the world of natural wines' talk, and it was an eye-opening experience.
🚲 Easy to reach by bike, the terrain is not too hard – we recommend it to everyone.
📞 Advance booking required!
🏡 Accommodation that makes a great starting point
Our guesthouses in Szigliget – the Napkelte Guesthouse and the Délibáb Guesthouse – are an excellent starting point for a wine tour. You can bring your own bike or rent oneat the nearby Brin-Garázs, but if you prefer the comfortable option, the Balaton Wine Taxi service will take you safely and in style to the cellars you choose – and bring you home.
🚲 Our travel tips:
Bicycle: Szent György Hill and its surroundings are pleasant to cycle, especially from spring to autumn. An e-bike is an even better choice.
Balaton Wine Taxi: a personalised route, a wine-friendly driver and no worries about driving – so wine tasting stays relaxed.
📅 Extra tip: Szent György Hill Until Dawn – only once a year!
If you have never been to the June “Szent György Hill Until Dawn” event, mark it in your calendar! On this day all the cellars open at once, with concerts, grilled food, conversations and wine until dawn.
But if it happens to be not June, the hill is still alive – and often shows a calmer, more intimate side. That is exactly what we love about it.
