Get to know the wines of the Sopron wine region where they are made, and take time for walks between cellar visits! Book a room at Hotel Szieszta and plan a weekend with room for both an evening of wine and a relaxed day out in nature.
Below, we have collected what is worth tasting, where to go and how to plan your day.
The Sopron wine region near the Alps and Lake Neusiedl
The Sopron wine region lies on the southern shore of Lake Neusiedl and on the slopes of the Sopron Mountains, and is linked geographically, culturally and in winemaking to the neighbouring areas of Burgenland. Besides Sopron and its immediate surroundings, the vineyards of Fertőszentmiklós, Kőszeg, Csepreg and Vaskeresztes also belong to it.
The special character of the Sopron wine region is shaped by the proximity of the Alps, the favourable climatic effect of Lake Neusiedl and the varied soils. The cooler mountain air and the favourable microclimate create an ideal environment for growing grapes. The particular features of the different vineyards are reflected in the flavours of the wines, so during a single tasting you can discover several characters of the same grape variety.
On a trip to the wine region, it is also worth visiting the wineries of Sopron and nearby Balf. Alongside the wine tastings, a trip to Lake Neusiedl is also worth planning, made even more memorable by the picturesque landscape, the vineyards and the rural atmosphere.
Which wines are worth tasting?
The best-known wine of the Sopron wine region is Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch). Its fruitiness, lively acidity and spicy notes make it easy to remember, especially if you compare the versions of several wineries. Younger wines often show sour cherry and red berry aromas, while more mature wines reveal more complex flavours.
Besides Kékfrankos, other wines of the Sopron wine region are also worth tasting:
Grüner Veltliner and Chardonnay, if you prefer white wines
Zweigelt, Pinot Noir and Merlot, if you would like to try other red wines
Rosés and sparkling wines, if you fancy something lighter
Poncichters and atmospheric wine cellars in Sopron
Winemaking in Sopron has a tradition going back several centuries, and the story of the poncichters is part of it. This was the name given to local vine growers who also grew beans between the rows of vines.
Many of the old vine growers built wine cellars under their own houses, and some of these still preserve the town’s winemaking past. Strolling around Balfi Street, Gazda Street and Szent Mihály Street, you can discover charming old houses and gain an insight into the lives of the former vine growers of Sopron in days gone by.
A walk like this can be a perfect complement to wine tastings, especially if you would like to get to know the town’s history as well as its local wines.
Wine tasting in the charming wineries of the Sopron wine region
To discover the Sopron wine region, it is worth visiting a few local wineries. Gangl Winery offers special experiences with its two-hundred-year-old cellar system and family traditions, Taschner Wine and Sparkling Wine House with its wines and sparkling wines, and Weninger Winery in Balf with its biodynamic approach.
Before your visit, it is a good idea to book an appointment and ask about the tastings on offer and their prices.
Sopron events with a taste of wine
In May, the Sopron Wine Festival moves to Sopron’s Main Square for three days, and in September the Sopron Harvest Days welcome visitors to the Erzsébet Garden, opening with a grape-pressing show. Both are free open-air events, easily reached from Hotel Szieszta.
Make your Sopron weekend complete at Hotel Szieszta!
Besides exploring the Sopron wine region, it is worth taking time to enjoy the beauty of the Lővérek and to recharge. Take a pleasant forest walk and then relax in the adventure pool of the Szieszta Wellness & Spa or enjoy the soothing effect of the sauna.
If you are travelling with your family, the two separate bedrooms of our spacious family suite ensure comfortable rest for everyone.
Plan a weekend in Sopron full of wine experiences and relaxation! Book a room at Hotel Szieszta and enjoy the atmosphere of the Sopron wine region, the closeness of nature and carefree relaxation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, family wineries usually welcome visitors by prior arrangement.
The cool climate of the wine region and the temperature-balancing effect of Lake Neusiedl suit this variety best, which is why it accounts for the largest share of the vineyards.
In spring and autumn, the sight of the vineyards creates a special atmosphere, but indoor wine tastings welcome visitors in other seasons too.
A two- to three-day weekend can be ideal for visiting the Sopron wineries, wine tastings and sightseeing.
Several wineries can be reached on foot from Hotel Szieszta.