Somlo wine region

Travel Guide to Somlo Wine Region

The Wine Region on the Slopes of an Extinct Volcano  

The Somlo wine regionhttps://winesofhungary.hu/wine-tourism/nagy-somlo-wine-district in Hungary is home to a number of small wine producers which make it one of the most exciting wine producing regions in the country. The region is best known for its white wines that have long been renowned as a result of their supposed medicinal properties. For a while they were sold in local pharmacies to treat a wide range of ailments.

The vines of Somlo are located mainly around the Somlo Hill which rises out of the area between the Marcal River and Lake Balaton. The climate of the region is moderately warm. Somlo terroir consists mainly of basalt left behind by ancient lave flows, along with loess, Pannonian sand, ferrous clay and black nyirok   

Read more about Wineries in Somlo to visit.

Exclusively White Wines of Somlo

Somlo is known for the production of white wines, mainly using the Juhfark grape varietal. This wine has a high acidity and a distinctive salty minerality. In the production of these white wines. Juhfark is most commonly blended with Furmint and Hárslevelű.

The traditional Somlo wines are barrel fermented whites with oaky and mineral components. These components are balanced by a considerable level of acidity. The oxidative wine making techniques that are used in the production of these wines create complex wines that age well and are best enjoyed below room temperature.

Somlo Wine Region Map

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

The Sites to Visit in Somlo  

Somlo Castle - The Castle Rising from a volcano

The Somlo Castle is located on top of a solitary and inactive volcano. From the top of the castle one can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Historical records show that the castle was built around 1352, when it was a royal castle for a short period of time. Today the castle of freely accessible to visitors and includes an educational path leading to the castle which has 8 points where one can learn more about its history.

St. Istvan Lookout Point - One of Hungary’s Most Beautiful Lookouts

The St. Istvan Lookout Point, located at 432 meters high, is the highest point of Somlo Hill. At the lookout is a fort that was built from the basalt stones of the hill to commemorate the death of Saint Stephen. The actual lookout is 12 meters all. On the ground floor there is a restaurant for visitors to enjoy.

Explore the Castle of Sumeg

The Sumeg Castle was built in the 13^th century on top of a mountain that is known as Castle Hill. Since then, the castle has been extended and expanded on many occasions and today it is the main tourist attraction of the region. Visitors to the castle can enjoy exploring the torture chamber, the stables, the Arms and Carriage Museum and the castle grounds.

Step Outside and Experience Nature in Somlo   

The landscape of Somlo is characterized by stretches of vineyards and dramatic volcanoes rising from the earth. This region is one of the most beautiful in Hungary and is a wonderful place for nature and outdoor lovers.

Somlo Hill - The Landmark of Somlo

The Somlo hill is the most famous feature of the Somlo region. This hill rises dramatically from the Somlo landscape. The hill was created millions of years ago by volcanic forces and today stands watch over the surrounding farmlands. This has earned the hill the nickname ‘witness mountain’ All of the slopes of the Somlo Hill are planted with vines in a patchwork of terraces.

Balaton Felvideki National Park

Experience nature in the Balaton Uplands National Park

The Balaton Uplands National Park was declared a protected area in 1997 and covers 56 997 ha of land, divided into 6 protected areas. These areas are the Tihany Peninsula, the Pecselyi Basin, the Kali Bason, the Tapolca Basin, the Keszthely Mountains and the Kis Balaton. The national park is a wonderful place for nature lovers to visit and offers a range of activities including hiking, canoeing and walking. The park has a number of visitor centers offering information and guided tours for those looking for a more formal tour. For visitors who would like to extend their stay, the park has a range of accommodation facilities to cater to all types of tourists.

The Food to Enjoy When Visiting Somlo

The food in Somlo gains as much attention as its magnificent wine. The cuisine of the region is known for making use of only the best, freshest and finest local ingredients that are used to make rustic and heartwarming dishes. The gastronomy and the excellent local wines make Somlo the ideal destination for food and wine lovers.

Somloi Galuska - Hungarian Trifle

Somloi Galuska is a decadent and delicious Hungarian trifle that is made with three different flavours of sponge cakes, pastry cream, raisins, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Traditionally, the serving of Somloi Galuska consists of three scooped balls of the dessert, dolloped with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate sauce. Some local Hungarians prefer to serve the dich cut into squares so that one can clearly see its different layers.  The syrup used in Somloi Galuska is traditionally made with rum and chocolate sauce but this is sometimes omitted.

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