Count Degenfeld Vineyard and Castle Hotel – The Perfect Combination of Noble Elegance and Exceptional Wines in Tarcal

Located approximately 230 kilometres from Budapest, picturesque Tarcal immediately captivates visitors with more than its vine-covered hillsides. Rising above the village stands the Terézia Chapel, situated on Terézia Hill within the estate of Count Degenfeld Vineyard and Castle Hotel. It is one of the region's most romantic locations, offering breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset. The Baroque chapel, with its distinctive oval floor plan, was commissioned in the 18th century by Count Antal Grassalkovich as a gesture of gratitude for the generosity of Empress Maria Theresa². Restored in 2015, it has since become a sought-after venue for engagement photos, weddings, and christenings.

Arriving at the Count Degenfeld Castle Hotel, visitors are welcomed by an atmosphere of genuine aristocratic elegance, reflecting the vision of Countess Mária Degenfeld and her husband, Dr. Thomas Lindner. The Degenfeld family's connection to the Tokaj wine region began more than 150 years ago. Count Imre Degenfeld owned vineyards in Tokaj and became one of the most influential figures in the development of regional winemaking during the 19th century³. He was among the founding members of the Tokaj-Hegyalja Winegrowers' Association⁴, established in 1857 to improve and regulate the quality of Tokaj wines. Following the Second World War, the family's vineyards were confiscated, forcing them to begin a new life in Germany. Decades later, Sándor Degenfeld, together with his daughter Mária and her husband Thomas, returned to Hungary and purchased vineyards in Tarcal in 1994, determined to continue the family's long-standing winemaking tradition. Over the years, they gradually acquired neighbouring vineyard parcels, creating a unified estate. The first major milestone came in 1996 with their first harvest. During the same year, the former training centre for cellar masters began its transformation according to the designs of architect Ferenc Salamin, a student of Imre Makovecz⁵. Today, the modern winery houses grape processing, stainless-steel tank ageing, bottling, labelling and logistics, while the original terrace and historic cellar entrance continue to enchant visitors during guided cellar tours. The estate produces a range of outstanding wines from Furmint, Hárslevelű, Muscat Blanc, Kövérszőlő and Zéta grapes, including late-harvest sweet wines, Szamorodni and the world-famous Tokaji Aszú⁶. Organic cultivation has been practised in the vineyards since 2009, and since 2017 all wines have carried certified organic status. Their traditionally produced Tokaji Organic Furmint Sparkling Wine Extra Brut 2019 won the Grand Prize at the 2023 Szeged Wine Festival and was also selected as the Wine of the City of Szeged 2023.