Budapest’s Wine District celebrates its triple anniversary

The mayor of Budafok-Tétény, Ferenc Karsay, spoke proudly about this special year at the online press conference: “Budafok is 100 years old as a city, the Cellar Tour is 10 years old, and the first winemaking training institution, the Soós István Winemaking Technical School and Vocational School, is 125 years old. These provide the framework on which we will base this year 2026. This long past obliges us all.

Budafok, or as it was once called, Promontor has not become the stronghold of Hungarian winemaking and champagne production by chance. The more than 100 kilometers of cellar system that stretches beneath our feet is a unique treasure. Wine was not only stored here: world-famous champagne houses and commercial centers were built here from the end of the 19th century. This past gives us the basis for positioning ourselves as the wine district of Budapest today.”

Ten years – a hundred thousand experiences

The Cellar Tour was launched ten years ago with the aim of opening up the vast cellar system and introducing visitors to the world of underground labyrinths. Today, the initiative has grown into a nationally renowned program: in 2025, a record number of 14,000 visitors toasted in Budafok. The strength of the Budapest Wine District brand is also demonstrated by the committed online community of over 7,100 people, who return to the district month after month.

First Saturday of every month: festive themes in 2026

In honor of the anniversary year, the permanent date of the Cellar Tour – the first Saturday of every month – will be dressed in a special, thematic outfit this year. Mayor Ferenc Karsay announced that visitors will be treated to a year-long, ten-stop festive series.

• Spring Awakening: in March and April, we will commemorate the start with the “story of 10 springs.”
• Champagne and tradition: in May, the jubilee champagne will play the main role, and in June, on the day of the 100th anniversary of the district, the contestants of the musical talent search will fill the stage.
• Summer evenings: starlit concerts held in the cool of the Törley Garden will set the tone for the September highlight, the Budafok Champagne and Wine Festival, where this year a separate “Jubilee Stage” awaits the audience.
• Before knowledge in tribute: at the end of the year, we will reveal the historical secrets of ten decades alongside glasses, together with the 125-year-old wine school.

Joint work, joint success

A coordinated professional machine is behind the success. Thanks to the results of the urban development program and the continuous marketing strategy, Budafok has now become a destination for the capital and agglomeration audience. This year, free bus services from the Herman Ottó Institute will ensure comfortable transportation, and brand-new, festive-looking windmills and signposts will help you find your way.

The year 2026 is not only about numbers, but also about community. About the hospitality that the winemakers and venues of Budafok offer to every visitor who crosses the gates of the Wine District.