With summer just around the corner, the sunlit wine terraces of Lake Balaton are once again in the spotlight. These ten recommendations have exquisite wines and spectacular views.
1/10
Csendes Dűlő Estate, Badacsonyörs
The wine terrace with a legendary view was refurbished in 2018 – the guest area was expanded, a new terrace was built for you to admire the surroundings while sipping a glass or two. Cold platters are also available, and you can even order cooked meals, but you have to do so when you book a table. Reservations are mandatory for weekend visits.
Open: daily 11am-7pm (sometimes longer at weekends).
2/10
Homola Wine Terrace, Paloznak
Homola Wine Terrace is all about DJs spinning in the vineyard, parasols, pallets, deckchairs and wines aged in wooden barrels. You can also taste dishes made with ingredients from local producers as well as sample house pálinka brandy. It’s a place that will make you wish you could spend every weekend here.
Open: Mon-Thur 10am-4pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm
3/10
Istvándy Borműhely, Badacsony
One of Badacsony’s most romantic wine terraces can be found in the centre. Make sure to look around while you toast with the winery’s famous Kéknyelű or the barrel-aged Kékderű as the terrace provides a magnificent view of Balaton sunsets. Live music and DJs appear at weekends.
Open: Thur-Sun 11am-7pm
4/10
Jásdi Wine Cellar, Csopak
Tasting the winery’s Olaszriesling while watching the lake from this terrace should be on everyone's Balaton bucket list. If you're lucky, you might stumble upon the owner, István Jásdi, and hear a few stories and wise words.
Open: Mon-Sat 2pm-8pm
5/10
Laposa Winery, Badacsony
A visit to this wine terrace in Badacsony is worth the climb, and not just because of all the fine Laposa wines, but also the creative dishes fashioned in their kitchen. The terrace also hosts special events.
Open: daily 11am-7pm
6/10
Pálffy Wine Terrace, Köveskál
Located on the edge of the village, the Pálffy Wine Terrace offers simple but tasty dishes with their wines. Here you can relax with a glass while admiring the hills of Káli-medence. If you're lucky, you might meet the owners, too, and find out about the old cellars in the area.
Open: May Wed-Sun noon-8pm. Summer daily 10am-10pm
7/10
PAP Wines, Hegymagas
Áron Molnár (Papa Aron) and his partner, Karina, make tapas inspired by vegetarian, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, using produce from their own permaculture garden. The dishes are paired with their own wines on the cosy terrace that has a magnificent view of Szent György-hegy, its southern slopes and Lengyel Chapel.
Open: from May 24 Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm. Subject to change. Reservations obligatory
8/10
Petrányi Cellar and Wine Terrace, Csopak
One of the places you shouldn’t miss in Csopak, Petrányi Cellar offers wine tastings as well as delicious lunches and dinners, made with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. All of this is paired with a magical view.
Open: Wed 3pm-9pm, Thur-Sat noon-9pm, Sun noon-5pm
9/10
Szent Donát Manor
The family vineyard and its almond tree became a popular spot for visitors over time and the winery building was constructed here, too, housing the Borkúria Bistro (previously Márga). Here you can taste wines just where they were made – what wines they are! People come from far and wide to sample them. Make sure to taste their new Olaszriesling selection called Kopaszhegy.
Open: May noon-8pm in good weather
10/10
Tagyon Birtok, Tagyon
It’s not only a wine terrace, but, according to the owners, it’s an experience, with an open kitchen, an outdoor oven and rooms for rent. Tagyon Estate offers the best produce of the Nivegy Valley, vegetables coming from their own garden and wines from their own cellar. The relationship between host and guest is casual, so they don’t think of themselves as a restaurant.
Open: May Fri-Sun noon-9pm. June Mon, Wed-Sun noon-9pm. Reservations recommended
