The Hungarian town of Balatonfüred, known for its wine culture, has introduced a new vintage bus tour, the 46° Balaton Borbusz, allowing visitors to explore the region’s hidden vineyards without needing a car. This summer, the service was launched, taking guests on day trips to local wineries amidst captivating landscapes. The initiative promises to boost local tourism beyond Budapest, offering travellers the opportunity to connect with the country’s wine heritage.
Reviving Vintage Charms
The 46° Balaton Borbusz offers a nostalgic experience, beginning with a retro train ride from Budapest to Balatonfüred, and continuing aboard a 1984 DAF bus reminiscent of the region’s rich history, with its vibrant green façade and panoramic rear view of Lake Balaton. The lake, often called the “Hungarian Sea,” serves as a picturesque backdrop for the tour. Balatonfüred, a spa resort since the 18th century, is surrounded by hills perfect for recreation, featuring numerous family-owned wineries previously difficult to access.
Bus Tour Concept and Expansion
Virág Szabó, the visionary behind this venture, was inspired by a similar wine tram tour in South Africa and aimed to create a parallel in Hungary. After sourcing the vintage bus from the Netherlands, Szabó integrated 22 wineries into two routes, with participation growing to 29 establishments by summer’s end. The criteria for inclusion focus on wine quality, scenic views, and guest hospitality, offering a new tourism sector for the area where little wine is exported or marketed.
Flexible and Scenic Itineraries
The Borbusz departs from Balatonfüred every two hours from 11am until 9pm, allowing guests to visit four wineries of their choosing. The flexible schedule permits an extended visit if the standard two-hour stop proves too short. Initially set to end in September, the tour’s popularity has extended its operation until mid-October. The initiative seeks to introduce visitors to Hungary’s lesser-known regions and encourage interactions with locals.
Unique Winery Experiences
The tour includes visits to wineries like Mórocz Pince, founded by ex-musician Tamás Mórocz, who follows a philosophy of quality over quantity, moving away from past Soviet practices. His winery produces 4,000-5,000 bottles yearly, featuring traminer and merlot rosé among its labels, each uniquely themed. Another highlight is Gazdag Pince, run by Gábor Gazdag, who turned his hobby into a vineyard to escape post-retirement boredom. The trip is enriched by the creativity of János Fogl at Madaras Pince, noted for his innovative grape cross-breeding.
Final Stages of a Memorable Trip
As the Borbusz makes its way back to Balatonfüred, lively music fills the air, gathering up jovial passengers from the day’s explorations. The atmosphere remains cheerful, concluding a journey that intertwines Hungary’s wine-making traditions with the experience of community and scenery.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.