Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy a glass of red or white at wine bars that remain open after the high season is over. As a bonus, these places all host cool events that go smoothly with your drink.
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Boratórium, Keszthely
You can taste wines from around the world at this wine bar, where the selection includes 120 varieties. Ten are always available by the glass, priced between 500-680 forints. Cocktails, beer and spirits are also on the drinks list, while the menu consists of cold platters and grilled sandwiches.
Events to look out for: Boratórium is also a community space with frequent cultural events such as slam poetry and music shows. They kick-start autumn with a blues and whiskey evening on 13 September.
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Hableány, Badacsony
The iconic Hableány in Badacsony reopened this summer and now the entire complex has been revived. There’s an elegant bistro, a wine bar, a grape-processing factory and even a community space here, not to mention a terrace where wine is best sampled.
Events to look out for: They have lectures, cultural performances and factory tours all year round, while Hableány is also part of the Gasztrohegy culinary event series restarting at the end of October.
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Homola Wine Terrace, Paloznak
This is the perfect place for watching the sunset while imbibing the more full-bodied wines produced here. You can also enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients as well as the house pálinka. If it gets too chilly, you can continue all of this inside.
Events to look out for: The winery’s DJ in the Vineyard series continues in the autumn and winter as well – check out their Facebook page for exact dates.
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Jásdi Wine Terrace, Csopak
Here you can ponder the great questions of life with a view of Lake Balaton, and, of course, a glass of wine in hand. If you've already sampled their Olaszriesling, switch to the reds that go smoothly with the season.
Events to look out for: The best local reds debut here at the popular Vörös Balaton (Balaton Red) event every December.
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Kredenc and Recycling Bar, Balatonfüred
Kredenc is a must-visit destination in Balatonfüred, located on historic Blaha Lujza utca. The Recycling Bar is a terrace and club adjoining Kredenc, and operated by the same owner, Andris Dobai, who also happens to be a sommelier and DJ.
Events to look out for: You can join wine tastings, concerts and cosy lounging sessions here.
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Kristinus Borbirtok, Kéthely
This high-tech winery has cellar tours all year round, and you can go for a lovely picnic amid the vineyards while the weather is still good. They also have a wine cinema, and great dishes at the Gasztroműhely restaurant.
Events to look out for: The Kristinus Charity Run and Picnic will be held on 21 September, with DJs providing the music all day long.
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Murci, Hegymagas (Bencze Birtok)
Murci is a natural wine bar on the Bencze Birtok estate. Natural wine is farmed organically and biodynamically, then produced without adding or removing anything, not even the sulphur. Murci, on top of the wines by Bencze Birtok, also serves examples by Zsolt Sütő and foreign winemakers as well, all made according to a similar philosophy. You can try their kitchen’s special dishes while admiring the view of Szigliget and Lake Balaton.
Events to look out for: Tastings are held regularly, and sometimes they have renowned chefs cooking for an event, with music provided by DJs. You can see the schedule on the Murci website.
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Pláne Badacsony Wine Terrace, Badacsony
Try wines from lesser-known cellars in the Badacsony region at this wine terrace, where you can often chat with the winemakers themselves. The selection is always expanding, so you’ll always find something new on a second visit.
Events to look out for: Presentations by winemakers, often paired with great food and DJs. A wine tasting here can easily turn into a party.
