Hajós Pincefalu the Wine Cellar!

Hajós Pincefalu, often referred to as the "Wine Cellar Village of Hajós," is a unique and charming wine region in Hungary, located in Bács-Kiskun County, not far from the town of Kalocsa. Here are some highlights about this fascinating place:

1. A Village of Wine Cellars

  • Hajós Pincefalu is not a traditional village with residential homes but a settlement of over 1,200 wine cellars, making it one of the largest cellar villages in Europe.

  • The cellars are mainly used for winemaking and wine storage, and they feature a picturesque and uniform architectural style. Most are small, whitewashed structures with arched doors, giving the village a quaint and historic atmosphere.

2. Historical Significance

  • The origins of Hajós Pincefalu date back to the 18th century, when German settlers (Swabians) were invited to the area to repopulate it after the Ottoman occupation. They brought their wine-growing traditions, which remain central to the region's identity.

  • The Swabian influence is visible in the architecture and the culture of the area.

3. Wine Culture

  • Hajós Pincefalu is part of the Pannon wine region, known for its excellent white wines, though reds are also produced.

  • Common grape varieties include Kadarka, Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rizling.

  • Many of the wine cellars are owned by small, family-run wineries, offering a personal and authentic experience for visitors.

4. Tourism and Events

  • Hajós Pincefalu is a popular destination for wine lovers and tourists seeking a unique cultural experience.

  • Wine-tasting events and festivals are held throughout the year, with the Hajós Wine Festival being a major highlight. During these events, cellar doors are open to visitors, and local delicacies are served.

  • Some cellars have been converted into guesthouses, offering visitors a chance to stay amidst the vineyards.

5. Architecture and Atmosphere

  • The village's architecture is striking, with rows of wine cellars arranged along narrow streets, surrounded by vineyards and countryside. The area exudes tranquility and a sense of timelessness.

  • Visitors often comment on the community's warmth and the passion of the local winemakers.

6. Connection to the Swabian Heritage

  • Hajós Pincefalu is a living reminder of the Swabian culture that once flourished in Hungary. Many of the cellars are adorned with traditional decorations, and some still host events that reflect this heritage.

7. How to Visit

  • Hajós Pincefalu is accessible by car, and it's approximately a 2-hour drive from Budapest. Guided tours are also available, and many cellar owners welcome visitors with tastings and tours.

If you’re interested in Hungarian wine culture, history, or Swabian traditions, Hajós Pincefalu is an excellent place to explore!

Odprta kuhna in Ljubljana

Odprta kuhna is a unique and the most popular food market in Slovenia that has been bringing freshness and innovation to the Slovenian culinary scene since 2013.

It has become a regular Ljubljana event and every sunny Friday from early spring to late fall its stands attract thousands of foodies and fans of relaxed hanging-out.

Every (sunny) Friday between 10 AM and 9 PM, and until 10 PM in the summer, Pogačarjev trg square comes to life in various colours, flavours and aromas. The stands of Odprta kuhna have presented over a 100 restaurants from all over Slovenia and the visitors have tried close to a thousand different Slovenian and international dishes.

Imagine a walk in the Ljubljana streets that takes you around the world. When you walk between the stands of the colourful food market, you smell homemade Kaiserschmarrn from one side and on the other some flames jump up into the air from a Asian wok; bograč from Prekmurje is inviting you to one stand and juicy burgers are on the grill at the next. It simply doesn’t get tastier than that!