Pannonhalma Wine Region

Travel Guide to Pannonhalma Wine Region

History Back to Roman Times

The Pannonhalma wine region is located in the Gyor-Moson-Sopron County in the Bakony Hills that form part of the Transdanubian Mountains. Vines have been grown here since the Roman times, particularly on the Sokoro Hills. Pannonhalma is not as well recognised as other Hungarian wine regions but despite this, it produces some of the country’s most excellent wines.

The wines of the Pannonhalma region are some of the highest quality wines in Hungary, many of which are exported to Europe and the rest of the world. The climate of Pannonhalma consists of moderately cold winters and warm summers with high levels of sunshine. This climate favors the production of fragrant white wines. The terroir of the region is made up of mainly loess soils.

When visiting Pannonhalma, the top sites to visit at the Abbey of Pannonhalma which is considered the cradle of Hungarian wine, the Pannonhalma Apatsagi Museum, and Pannonhalma City.

High Quality Wines Made from Hours of Sunshine

Pannonhalma is known for the production of exceptionally high quality red and white wines. The vines of the region are planted mainly with Mordeaux wine grapes. The most grown grape varietal in the region is Olaszrizling which is planted on 30% of the land followed by Tramini which accounts for 8% of the production in the region.

The Pannonhalma Sauvignon Blanc has a light-yellow colour with hints of bright green that shine through. This wine is clean with a medium intense nose. The fragrance of the wine is of elder flower, grapefruit, citrus and green apple. The levels of alcohol ad acid in this wine are well balanced.

Pannonhalma Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Pannonhalma Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

Wineries to Visit in Pannonhalma

Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery

The Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery is located inside the wonderful Pannonhalma Archabbey. The winery welcomes visitors to learn about the history of winemaking in the area and to taste the best of Hungarian food and wine. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful wine and enjoy the views of the Abbey Gardens. 

Read more about Wineries in Pannonhalma to visit.

The Top Attractions in Pannonhalma

Benedictine Arch Abbey - The Pannonhalma Arch Abbey  

The Benedictine Arch Abby in Pannonhalma is a medieval building and one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary. The abbey was founded in 996 and is located at the foot of Mount Saint Martin. The top sights to see inside the abbey are the Basilica and its crypt, the cloisters, the monumental library that houses 360 000 volumes, the Baroque Refectory and the Arch Abbey collection. There are currently approximately 50 monks living in the monastery.

The Millennium Monument - The Monument of Pannonhalma

The Millenium Monument is located close to the Benedictine Arch Abbey in Pannonhalma. The monument is built in the classicist architectural style and is one of the most popular attractions in Pannonhalma. Visitors are allowed access into the monument or can enjoy sitting on the wonderful steps outside. The woods surrounding the monument have some wonderful information about forestry in the area and a lookout tower to enjoy the surrounding panoramic views.

Hefter Glass Gallery and Studio - The Only Glass Gallery in Hungary

The Hefter Glass Gallery and Studio in Pannonhalma is situated at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the area of the Benedictine Arch Abbey. The gallery and studio were opened in 2007 and gave both interior and exterior sections. The gallery has a range of both permanent and temporary exhibitions where one can see glass sculptures, glass paintings and other glass arts made by the best Hungarian and international artists. The gallery is the only one of its kind in Hungary and is where the glass works can also be purchased. 

Walk in the Clouds in Pannonhalma

The Pannonhalma canopy promenade is one of the most magnificent attractions in the region. In 2015, the Happy More Lookout Tower was erected along with a trail surrounding it in the Pannonhalma forest park. Later, in March 2018, the Pannonhalma canopy trail was opened. This canopy trail allows visitors to walk through the treetops inside the Pannonhalma Landscape Protected Area. The trail is in the shape of a fish and is made of metal with a wooden cover. It stands at 14 meters high and is 80 meters long.

The Natural Wonders of Pannonhalma       

The beautiful countryside of Pannonhalma makes it one of the most naturally appealing regions of Hungary. This small region is characterized by rolling green hills and endless rows of vineyards that provide the perfect scenery for exploring Hungary.

Pannonhalma Abbey Gardens

The Pannonhalma Abbey is a wonderful place to visit not only to see the Abbey itself and its complex of buildings, but also for the wonderful Pannonhalma Abbey Gardens. The gardens bring an immediate feeling of serenity and calmness to all who visit and are made up of beautiful maintained gardens and vast lavender and herb fields. The scent of the herbs permeates the air and transports you to a magical place.

Pannonhalma Arboretum Nature Reserve

The Pannonhalma arboretum forms part of the complex at the Pannonhalma Arch Abbey. The history of the arboretum dates back to 1830 when 80 tree and bush species were planted on the grounds of the abbey. The official design of the arboretum was done by Fabian Szeder in the 1840s, giving he arboretum the shape that it has today. Currently the arboretum has more than 400 bush and tree species, many of which are extremely rare and cannot be seen anywhere else in Hungary.

Szigetkoz - The Island Plain of Pannonhalma              

Szigetkoz is an island plain located in Pannonhalma in the west of Hungary. The name translates to ‘island alley’ as the territory is located on an island. The island is bordered by the Danube River and is 52 km long and 8 km wide. This is the largest island in Hungary and is a beautiful place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy Hungarian cities.

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