Hungary’s finest wines are in the “Valley of the Beautiful Women” – complete with vampire tales

By Yvonne

Located in Szepasszonyvolgy, or as locals call it, theValley of the Beautiful Women, this area boasts nearly 200 wine cellars. Behind the humble cellar doors, often marked with a red door bearing the image of Bacchus, the god of wine, you can usually find some of Hungary’s best wines. This place also has Hungary’s most beautiful vineyards and a unique historical connection to the vampires of medieval legend.

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In this northeastern part of Hungary, near the foothills of the Bukk Mountains, locals hold wine in very high regard. It’s said that the red “Bull’s Blood” gives the residents of Eger supernatural strength to ward off vampires – a legendary people born from a bloody victory during the 15th-century battles against the Ottoman invasion.

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Today, wine remains an essential cultural thread running through the town. For wine enthusiasts, Eger is absolutely the ideal destination. If you’re looking for an unusual taste adventure, there are no extravagant displays here, but it offers one of the best opportunities to truly savor the local wines.

Eger "Bull's Blood" – the wine that’s 100% vampire-proof

The geology of the Eger region makes it highly suitable for winemaking. With its limestone and earthy hills accompanied by a cool climate, it closely resembles the geographic and climatic conditions of France’s Burgundy.

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Eger’s vineyards have expanded to cover 5,000 hectares, producing a wide variety of wines you’ve probably never tried before. For example, Debroi Harslevelu, a golden-colored wine with the fragrance of linden blossoms and a rich sweetness. Then there’s Egri Bikaver, better known as the “Bull’s Blood” for its reputation as a vampire repellent, and one of Hungary’s most famous red wines, renowned for its ruby color and subtle spiciness. The “Bull’s Blood” blend combines at least three different grape varieties from the Eger region; while brewing methods vary by winery, Kadarka grapes are usually the star ingredient of this fine wine.

By taking a small train departing from Egeszseghaz Street in the center of Eger town, you can easily reach the “Valley of the Beautiful Women” and its hundreds of cellars to sample the 100% vampire-repelling “Bull’s Blood”!

%冀??00间酒窖，等你来探索匈牙利最棒的品酒体验！（图／翻摄自kovacsnimrod winery）

ETtoday Eastday News Cloud kindly reminds you: don’t drink and drive – safety first.