Budapest with its stunning architecture, captivating boulevards, UNESCO World heritage sites, and its enticing wine and food scene has definitely caught the attention of travelers. Returning to Budapest for 2024 FICB (Federation International of Wine Brotherhoods) International Wine Tasting and Rating Challenge last May was pure delight. Our main program was held in Budapest, May 23-26, 2024, followed by an extension program in Tokaj, May 26-28, 2024. Each time I return to Budapest, I love exploring Hungarian wines, and of course taking in some of the sights along the Danube by day and night.
Night Time: Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
Day Time: Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
The Danube, the second-longest river in Europe, originates in Germany, and flows southeast for 2,850 km, passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. Budapest, one of the many cities on the river, is one of four national capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade.
Welcome to Budapest
Upon arrival we were met by the members of the Pannonia Wine Sisters at the Hotel Radisson Blu Beke. That evening, May 23, I attended Welcome Reception, hosted by the wine sisterhood.
Pannonia Wine Sisterhood Welcome to Hungary © Spaswinefood
One always feel a little awkward when meeting new people. These were wine lovers from around the world; and so it was easier to begin a conversations. Soon, I would be friends with wine lovers from Japan, Switzerland and beyond.
New Wine Friends from Japan and Switzerland © Spaswinefood
Yes, there was a brief, formal kickoff event.
The FICB Official Welcome © Spaswinefood
The reception was followed by a welcome dinner.
Welcome Dinner © Spaswinefood
A FICB Welcome to Budapest © Spaswinefood
I would join a table with new friends from Japan, Switzerland, and Knights of the Vine friends.New friends from Japan, Switzerland, and Knights of the Vine Friends © Spaswinefood
This is where I was introduced to the First Collective Wine Rating of the FICB Challenge 2024.
First Collective Wine Rating © Spaswinefood
During dinner the five wines were poured.
Dinner is Served © Spaswinefood
After tasting and rating the wines I checked out the wines poured.
Wines Poured for Collective Wine Rating © Spaswinefood
It was a very pleasant dinner with new wine lover friends.
Wine Conversations © Spaswinefood
I was happy to be back in Budapest and looked forward to upcoming events.
Off to Explore Budapest, Day One: Friday, May 24, 2024
Each day began with an Individual Blind Tasting session. The results from the blind tastings would be shared at the Gala Dinner.
Rendez-vous with Budapest
Part of every wine adventure it getting to learn something about the area we are visiting. In this case, our Rendez-vous with Budapest was a city tour by coach, with some walking to explore a few highlights.
Off to Explore Budapest © Spaswinefood
Soon we arrived at Buda Castle, also called the Royal Palace (Hungarian: Királyi-palota) and the Royal Castle (Hungarian: Királyi Vár). It is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings. First completed in 1265, the Baroque palace that occupies most of the site today was built between 1749 and 1769> It was severely damaged during World War II, and rebuilt in a simplified Baroque style during the communist era. Very little remains from the former glory of the Buda Castle as a royal palace, which hosted the monarchs and leaders of the Austria-Hungary empire until 1944. Presently, the buildings house the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest Historical Museum, and the National Széchényi Library. The palace complex sits on the southern tip of Castle Hill (Hungarian: Várhegy). The Castle Quarter part of Budapest was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Off to Explore © Spaswinefood
Even though it had rained a little, off we went to explore the sights in/around the Buda Castle.
Courtyard and Statues © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look at Equestrian Statue © Spaswinefood
Take a closer look sculpture details. There were many Equestrian Statues at Buda Castle. In fact, you could do a tour of equestrian statues alone.
Horse Statue © Spaswinefood
Onwards we went exploring Buda Castle however, I definitely paused to take in the city views.
Views of Budapest © Spaswinefood
The Buda Castle tour continued up to the next level.
Exploring Buda Castle © Spaswinefood
As we explored courtyards and buildings during our walk, there were some sculpture details to view, such as the lions.
Learning the Story of the Lions © Spaswinefood
Of course, during our walk we would take time to look at the many things to see in/around Buda Castle.
Courtyard at Buda Castle © Spaswinefood
More Scultures to View © Spaswinefood
There was some time during our walk to briefly view the buildings and monument details before we headed back down. Back down on the Danube terrace, high above Budapest, is equestrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy. It was a major sculptural work of József Róna.Horseman: Prince Eugene of Savoy, Buda Castle © Spaswinefood
From this lower level, it was also great position for viewing the Danube and the city below. There is much to see in the Buda Castle District.
Hungarian Parliament Building, Danube © Spaswinefood
Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Danube © Spaswinefood
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge spans the Danube River between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest. It was designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark, and built by Scottish engineer Adam Clark. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary. Opening in 1849, it is anchored on the Pest side of the river to Széchenyi Square (the Gresham Palace and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), and on the Buda side to Adam Clark Square (near Zero Kilometre Stone and the lower end of the Castle Hill Funicular, leading to Buda Castle).Castle Hill Funicular © Spaswinefood
After the Buda Castle walking tour, for us it was back to the bus, then back across the bridge to Heroes' Square on the Pest side. 
Heroes' Square, Budapest © Spaswinefood
It is one of Budapest's major squares. It is known for its iconic Millennium Monument, featuring statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, other important Hungarian national leaders, and as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes. The square has played an important part in contemporary Hungarian history and has been a host to many political events, such as the reburial of Imre Nagy in 1989. Most sculptures were made by sculptor György Zala from Lendva, with one made by György Vastagh.
Budapest is home to three more squares named Hősök Tere, 'Heroes' Square', in the districts or neighborhoods of Soroksár, Békásmegyer and Rákosliget.
Off to Heroes' Square © Spaswinefood
Again so much history is on display in the statues here. The square lies at the outbound end of Andrássy Avenue next to City Park (Városliget). The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art (Műcsarnok) are located on the square.Horsemen, Heroes' Square © Spaswinefood
Statue, Heroes' Square © Spaswinefood
Historic Statues, Heroes' Square © Spaswinefood
From the square we were off to lunch at Robinson Restaurant nearby.
Robinson Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Off to the Robinson Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Arriving at the Robinson Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Robinson Restaurant: Timeless Kitchen Since 1989 © Spaswinefood
Table Waiting, Robinson Restaurant © Spaswinefood
It was a beautiful setting for lunch. Over lunch we would do Second Collective Wine Rating. The Pannonia Wine Sisterhood also held a Enthronization Ceremony.
Before leaving we did a tour to take in the views at this awesome restaurant.
Taking in the Views, Robinson Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Fountain Views, Robinson Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Patio at Robinson Restaurant © Spaswinefood
After lunch at the Robinson Restaurant we returned to the hotel where we had time for leisure, shopping, or exploring some more. That day we saw some of the highlights of Budapest, and its most important monuments.
Later, we met in the lobby for a dinner cruise on the Danube.
Dinner Cruise on the Danube
View from the Upper Deck, Danube © Spaswinefood
Off on An Evening Danube Cruise, Budapest © Spaswinefood
Soon we were cruising the Danube.
Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
We saw the Hungarian Parliament Building(Országház (orsaːkhaːz)) a number of times that evening.
Visitors to Budapest who have the opportunity to cruise the Danube will be impressed by the views. That evening we did a dinner cruise on the Danube. A dinner cruise is a good way to view the Danube at sunset. That time of the day is perfect for the changing light, from day time to night; so it is extra special because of the views.
Collective Wine Rating During Dinner © Spaswinefood
This time I joined a table with my Japanese wine lover friends.
Now, here are a few of those foodie moments.
Salad Time © Spaswinefood
Main Course © Spaswinefood
Dessert Time © Spaswinefood
Third collective w i n e rating took place over dinner.
Third Collective Wine Rating © Spaswinefood
Wine Rating Time © Spaswinefood
The Wines © Spaswinefood
The Wines © Spaswinefood
Of course I took a closer look at wines poured during our Danube dinner cruise. Cruising the Danube with wine lover friends was an enriching experience.
During the evening we watched many boats go by, as we cruised up and down the canal.
Watching the Boats Go By, Danube © Spaswinefood
The scenes along the shore changed as the day ended. Next, is one example.
Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood
No two rides pass the same building were the same.
That evening we would cruise to a bridge, for the last time before heading back to dock.
Causing Down the Danube, Budapest © Spaswinefood
Closer to the bridge we saw those details on the supporting columns.
Under Bridge © Spaswinefood
Then as we went under the bridge the sculpture details became enhanced in the light.
Statue Beneath the Bridge, Danube © Spaswinefood
Soon, we would disembark, and return to our hotel.
Retuning to Dockside, Danube © Spaswinefood
After a wonderful day in Budapest, next day we were off to Gödöllő Palace.
Gödöllő Palace, Sisi's favorite Palace in Hungary, Day Two: Saturday, May 24, 2024
After the second session of the Individual Blind Tasting at the hotel we left for Gödöllő Palace, 28 km from Budapest. The palace was the symbol of independent Hungarian statehood, and, as a residential centre it had a political significance of its own. Our Gödöllő visit was to Sisi's Favorite Palace in Hungary. The Gödöllő Palace is one of the most important, largest monuments of Hungarian baroque palace architecture. We traveled back in time to see its beautiful rooms, royal suites, theatre, chapel, gardens, and park
Gödöllő Palace © Spaswinefood
Elisabeth (24 December,1837–10 September,1898), nicknamed Sisi or Sissi, became Queen of Hungary when she married Emperor Franz Joseph I on 24 April, 1854. Queen Elisabeth loved staying in Gödöllő. The palace, was given as Coronation gift to Elizabeth and Francis Joseph I, on 11 May 1867. Francis Joseph I was obliged by his coronation oath, taken in 1867, to spend regular periods of time in Hungary. To this end, the Hungarian government wished to please the royal couple by placing at their disposal residences. Of these, however, only the plan for Gödöllő came to fruition. Count Antal Grassalkovich I (1694–1771), one of the most notable aristocrats of the 18th century, began construction of the largest Baroque palace in Hungary around 1735. After his family died out it had several owners before being bought by the Hungarian government in 1867. Following a quick reconstruction the Palace and the park were placed at the disposal of Francis Joseph and Elisabeth as a coronation gift.While at the palace we listen to actress play Sisi, and welcome us to the palace.
Sisi Welcomes Us to Gödöllő Palace © Spaswinefood
Next, we toured the palace where we were given an historical overview. We also viewed the courtyard.
Gödöllő Palace Courtyard© Spaswinefood
Viewing Gödöllő Palace Courtyard © Spaswinefood
I enjoyed hearing the highlights during our palace tour.
Soon we were off to lunch nearby at the Queen Elizabeth Restaurant.
Queen Elizabeth Restaurant © Spaswinefood
The restaurant offers local cuisine with good service. The setting was perfect because its interior decor commemorates Elizabeth of Hungary.
Lunch, Queen Elizabeth Restaurant © Spaswinefood
During lunch at Queen Elisabeth Restaurant it was time to do our Fourth Collective Wine rating.
Collective Wine Rating © Spaswinefood
Lunch with wines was a great way to do a review of the wines.
Wine Time © Spaswinefood
The wines showcased well wines from France, Hungary and Slovenia.
The Wines © Spaswinefood
The wine list in this case included the following wines:
Wines with Description © Spaswinefood
My veggie meal option was good.
Vegetarian Menu, Queen Elizabeth Restaurant © Spaswinefood
One of the plates served was a grilled goat cheese salad with sweet potato fries.
Food Moments, Queen Elizabeth Restaurant © Spaswinefood
After lunch we returned to our hotel in Budapest. There was time for leisure, shopping, or a stroll before the Gala Dinner.
Gala Dinner
The Gala Dinner was our opportunity to celebrate the closure of our FICB gathering in Budapest.
Celebrating before Gala Dinner © Spaswinefood
It was a great evening with wine, food and friends.
Gala Dinner © Spaswinefood
Gala Dinner © Spaswinefood
That evening during the Gala Dinner we did the Fifth Collective Wine Rating. Later the results from the two wine tasting events (Collective Wine Rating and Blind tastings) were shared at the Award Ceremony.
Time to Say Goodbye © Spaswinefood
The Awards © Spaswinefood
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| The Awards © Spaswinefood |
After dinner and the award ceremony there was also an opportunity for dancing, and a party.
Time to Say Goodbye to Budapest for Now
Next day, after a sparkling wine breakfast, we were off to Tokaj.
Tables Ready © Spaswinefood
The sparkling wines were ready.
Let the Morning Sparkle © Spaswinefood
Sparkling Rosé © Spaswinefood
Sparkling Furmint © Spaswinefood
Ready for Breakfast © Spaswinefood
Before breakfast I took in views from the balcony of our hotel.
Early Morning © Spaswinefood
Early Morning Before the Traffic, Budapest © Spaswinefood
After breakfast we were on our way from Budapest to Tokaj for an extended program in Hungary. We stopped in Eger along the way to Tokaj (I have written articles on those Tokaj dream experiences).
Remebering 2024 FICB, Budapest © Spaswinefood
It so much fun and delight to explore in/around Budapest during the 2024 FICB International Wine Tasting and Rating Challenge. Returning certainly brought back memories of earlier visit to Budapest. Now, is the time to explore Hungarian Wines! I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in Hungary at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.
CHEERS!
Sharon
May 2024
Budapest, Hungary
© Spaswinefood
Buda Castle © Spaswinefood
Széchenyi Chain Bridge © Spaswinefood
Széchenyi Chain Bridge © Spaswinefood
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