The colourful world of Somló Hill

The wine region of Somló Hill

Somló wine region is the smallest and oldest wine region of Hungary, with such special taste that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This volcanic hill with its unique microclimate and basalt-based soil is the only one similar to Vesuvio. The hill has clean air and the grapes growing on sunny slopes and volcanic soil are really thankful for caring for them. The wines of Somló have a long and celebrated history, the region's fame is said to have rivaled that of Tokaj. Its wine figures as medicine in old Hungarian pharmacopeias. In the 18th and 19th century Habsburg Emperors of Austria and Hungarian Kings, especially Maria Theresia and Joseph II are claimed to have favoured Somló wines. There was a saying: "The king of wines grows in Tokaj and the wine of kings grows on Somló Hill."
According to old, widespread lore, drinking Somló wine makes the conception of male children more likely. Hence its nickname is the wine of nuptial nights, which legend is passed on by Juhfark.

Wine growing was characteristic on Somló Hill even in the ancient times. Our great kings like László I also had estates here. King Mathias encouraged his soldiers with Somló wines at the time of battles.