Hungary has introduced its first hop-on, hop-off wine bus service, offering a unique way to explore the vineyards surrounding Lake Balaton, a region sometimes referred to as the 'Provence of Central Europe'. The service, named 46° Balaton Wine Bus, operates every two hours starting at 11 a.m. from Balatonfured.
The vintage 1984 DAF bus, complete with open-air seating at the rear, was conceived by Virag Szabo, who aimed to provide an accessible and affordable way for visitors to tour local wineries. Szabo was inspired by similar wine tourism initiatives she encountered during travels abroad.
The route covers 20 wineries, with passengers able to select up to four stops per day. Since its launch earlier this year, the service has proven popular, attracting over 1,000 passengers. The bus has a capacity of 44 and operates from mid-May to mid-October.
The 46° Balaton Wine Bus's name references the region's latitude, which is similar to that of renowned French wine areas like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhone. Among the wineries featured on the tour are Kecze & Hady, known for its award-winning sparkling wine, Kern, Koczor Cantina, and Jasdi Winery.
Winemakers like Zoltan Kecze of Kecze & Hady shared insights into their craft, including the feng shui alignment of his cellar door for good fortune. Dora Koczor of Koczor Cantina, one of the region's female winemakers, emphasized dedication and proper work ethic in the industry. The wine bus service provides a convenient, driver-free option for experiencing the Balaton region's viticulture.