Sopron Wine Travel Guide (Sopron, Hungary)

Discovering Sopron: Hungary’s Wine Gem

Nestled in western Hungary, Sopron is a charming wine region with a rich history and stunning landscapes. This guide will help you explore the area’s exceptional wines, historic sites, and culinary delights.

Towns and Villages

Sopron is the main town and cultural center of the region. Its medieval Old Town features well-preserved architecture and Roman ruins.

Nearby villages worth visiting include:

  • Fertőrákos: Known for its quarry and lake views
  • Balf: Home to thermal baths and vineyards
  • Kópháza: A picturesque village with Croatian heritage

Wine Producers

Sopron boasts numerous excellent wineries. Here are some top producers to visit:

  • Weninger Winery: Organic wines with a focus on Kékfrankos
  • Pfneiszl Winery: Family-run estate producing elegant reds
  • Taschner Wine & Champagne House: Sparkling wines and traditional varieties
  • Luka Winery: Boutique producer with a modern approach

Most wineries offer tastings and tours, but it’s best to book in advance.

Accommodations

Sopron offers a range of lodging options to suit various preferences and budgets:

  • Hotel Sopron: 4-star hotel with a wine cellar and spa
  • Pannonia Hotel: Historic hotel in the heart of Old Town
  • Várkerület Apartments: Self-catering options for longer stays
  • Taschner Wine & Spa Hotel: Luxurious wine-themed accommodation

For a unique experience, consider staying at a local winery guesthouse.

Dining

Sopron’s culinary scene combines Hungarian traditions with Austrian influences. Try these restaurants for local specialties and wine pairings:

  • Erhardt Restaurant: Upscale dining with an extensive wine list
  • Corvinus: Traditional Hungarian fare in a historic setting
  • Fehér Rózsa: Cozy restaurant known for its game dishes
  • Tercia Hubertus: Rustic ambiance with locally-sourced ingredients

Don’t miss trying the local Kékfrankos wine with your meals.

Wine Shops & Bars

Sopron offers several specialty wine shops and bars for tasting local wines:

  • Bortársaság: A well-stocked wine shop with a wide selection of Sopron wines
  • Vincellér Wine Bar: Cozy spot offering flights of local wines
  • Harrer Chocolat & Wine: Unique combination of wine tasting and chocolate pairing
  • Borháló Sopron: Wine shop featuring small producers from the region

Many shops offer shipping services for those wanting to take wines home.

Other Shops

While in Sopron, explore these local shops for unique souvenirs:

  • Kövirózsa Gift Shop: Handmade crafts and local products
  • Harmónia Reformház: Health food store with local honey and herbs
  • Cédrus Könyvesbolt: Bookstore with a section on local history and wine
  • Bortárgy: Wine accessories and gifts

Attractions

Beyond wine, Sopron offers numerous attractions:

  • Fire Tower: Symbol of the city with panoramic views
  • Fabricius House: Museum showcasing Roman artifacts
  • Storno House: Renaissance-style mansion with period furnishings
  • Goat Church: Gothic church with a unique legend
  • Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape: UNESCO World Heritage site

Many attractions offer guided tours in English, but check availability in advance.

Events

Sopron hosts several wine-related events throughout the year:

  • Sopron Wine Festival (June): Showcases local wines and cuisine
  • VOLT Festival (June/July): Music festival with a dedicated wine section
  • Kékfrankos Summer (August): Celebration of the region’s signature grape
  • Harvest Festival (September): Traditional grape harvest celebrations

Book accommodations early for popular events, as they draw large crowds.

Appellations

The Sopron wine region has one main appellation:

  • Sopron (PDO): Covers the entire wine-growing area around Sopron

The appellation is known for its red wines, particularly those made from Kékfrankos grapes.

Grape Varieties

Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) is the star grape of Sopron. This red variety produces wines with vibrant acidity and red fruit flavors.

Other important grapes include:

  • Zweigelt: A cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: International variety gaining popularity
  • Merlot: Often blended with Kékfrankos
  • Zöld Veltelini (Grüner Veltliner): The main white grape

Main Wine Styles

Sopron is known for its red wines, particularly those made from Kékfrankos. These wines are typically medium-bodied with bright acidity and red fruit flavors.

Blends combining Kékfrankos with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are becoming more common.

White wines, especially from Zöld Veltelini, are crisp and refreshing, perfect for summer sipping.

Food Specialties

Sopron’s cuisine reflects its location on the Austrian border. Try these local specialties:

  • Soproni kékfrankos pörkölt: A hearty beef stew made with Kékfrankos wine
  • Hússal töltött gombafejek: Mushrooms stuffed with meat
  • Soproni sör: Local beer, a nice alternative to wine

Drives & Walks

The Sopron Wine Route offers a scenic drive through the region’s vineyards. Stop at wineries like Weninger and Pfneiszl for tastings.

For walkers, the Lővérek hills provide beautiful trails with views of the vineyards and Austria.

Itineraries

Weekend Wine Getaway

Day 1: Explore Sopron’s old town, visit the Fire Tower, and end with a wine tasting at Vincellér Ház.

Day 2: Take a guided tour of the Sopron Wine Route, stopping at 3-4 wineries. Enjoy dinner at Erhardt Restaurant.

Getting There & Around

The nearest airport is Vienna International Airport, about 70 km from Sopron. From there, you can:

  • Take a direct train to Sopron (approximately 1.5 hours)
  • Rent a car for flexibility in exploring the wine region
  • Book a private transfer for convenience

Within Sopron, walking is ideal for exploring the compact old town. For visiting wineries, consider:

  • Joining organized wine tours
  • Hiring a local taxi for winery visits
  • Renting bicycles for short trips to nearby vineyards

Best Time to Visit

The harvest season (September to October) offers the most vibrant wine experiences. You can:

  • Participate in grape picking activities
  • Attend harvest festivals
  • Taste freshly pressed grape juice

Spring (April to May) is ideal for scenic vineyard walks and lighter crowds.

Summer (June to August) brings warm weather perfect for outdoor wine tastings and alfresco dining.

Sustainability Efforts

Sopron’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability:

  • Organic vineyards: Weninger Winery leads in biodynamic practices
  • Water conservation: Drip irrigation systems are widely adopted
  • Local sourcing: Many restaurants prioritize local, seasonal ingredients

Support eco-friendly wineries by choosing organic wines and participating in vineyard tours that highlight sustainable practices.

Language Tips

While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Hungarian wine terms can enhance your experience:

  • Egészségedre (egg-esh-sheg-ed-reh): Cheers!
  • Bor (bor): Wine
  • Pince (pin-tseh): Cellar
  • Kóstolás (koh-shto-lash): Tasting

Pronunciation can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to ask locals for help.

Further Resources

Enhance your Sopron wine journey with these resources:

Join local wine forums or Facebook groups to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts and get insider tips.