Scope On Hungary

No mountains, no coast, Hungary has kept a low profile among the holiday set.

With its picturesque location along the Danube River, original coffeehouses and thermal baths, Budapest offers plenty to see and do. But business travellers willing to bolt on some leisure time outside the city will be highly rewarded. Hungary boasts one of the most beautifull capitals in the world.Nicknamed the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest's elegant architecture, fine restaurants and apartment-dominated property market decorate the great river.Budapest has manynice properties - and they're even cheaper outside Budapest.
Located near to the northeast from its capital, UNESCO world heritage site Tokaj is Hungary's most famous wine region, producing both dry and sweet wines.

It is the latter, the lusciously honeyed Tokaji Aszu for which this region is so famous. Made from grapes afflicted by "noble rot", which concentrates the sugar content, the sweet wine has been Hungary's crowning glory for hundreds of years.

During the 17th and 18th centuries it was the favourite drink among Europe's royal households. Even Peter the Great was an admirer; "I was conquered by Tokaji wine," .

This was not always the case. After World War II, when Hungary became a Soviet-influenced state, its wine production was limited to a central-planning system. The result was a mass production for Hungary's wine industry. However, new investment and a renewed commitment to traditional wine making has helped to restore the region to its former glory.
Therefore is not a surprise that Hungarian Wines are somewhat underrated among modern enthusiasts

Today, great wines are once again being made in Tokaj and more travellers are coming to the region each year.

The Tokaj region is divided into 28 intimate towns and villages which visitors can easily travel throughout, stopping along the way at the various wineries and wine cellars. Many wineries are still owned and operated by individual families.
Aside from the wines, there is much else to explore. Mansions which once belonged to 18th and 19th century merchants can be found in Tokaj's centre. For those wishing to work off all that sweet wine, there is hiking, horseback riding and kayaking in the surrounding scenic countryside.

As Howkins says, "There are not many undiscovered wine legends. The region is fascinating because it is still in a gentle time warp. Then you visit Budapest which is one of Europe's great vibrant cities.