The Piccini family, now under the direction of the fifth generation, is one of Italy’s most renowned winemaking families. What started as one property in Chianti Classico grew to several estates throughout Tuscany, as well as wineries in Etna, Basilicata, and most recently, Piemonte. To mark this evolution, the Piccini family is now bringing these [...]Read More...
Alba Tasmania Vine is prized for its profuse, sweet, snow-white berries, which cover this attractive, compact, vining shrub. | Tasmania Vine
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My first twenty four hours in Budapest was pure delight. Budapest's stunning architecture, captivating boulevards, UNESCO World heritage sites, and its enticing wine and food scene is definitely attention getting. I loved returning to Budapest for 2024 FICB International Wine Tasting and Rating Challenge main program, May 23-26, 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. Here's to one vine-filled day in Budapest. Welcome to Budapest, Hungary © 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. Night Time: Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood Day Time: Hungarian Parliament Building © Spaswinefood Welcome to a Budapest Vine-Filled Day Upon arrival we were met by the members of the Pannonia Wine Sisters at the Hotel Radisson Blu Beke. The evening of May 23, I attended Welcome Reception, hosted by the wine sisterhood. Pannonia Wine Sisterhood Welcome to Hungary © Spaswinefood There 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 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. This was the kickoff to our Budapest stay. Next morning, our vine-filled day included a city tour by coach, with some walking to explore a few highlights. Rendez-vous with Budapest: Day One Part of every wine adventure is getting to learn something about the area we are visiting. In this case, our Rendez-vous with Budapest was a city tour by coach to Buda Castle, Heroes' Square with lunch nearby at Robison Restaurant, and a Dinner Cruise on the Danube. Of course there was 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 Széchenyi Chain 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 identical. That evening we would cruise to a bridge, for the last time before heading back to dock. Causing Down the Danube, Budapest © SpaswinefoodCloser 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. While in Budapest we stay at Hotel Radisson Blu Béke. Retuning to Dockside, Danube © Spaswinefood After a wonderful 24 hours in Budapest, next day we were off to Gödöllő Palace. It so much fun and delight to explore Budapest with our FICB group. Besides exploring in/around Budapest we stopped in Eger along the way to Tokaj (I have written articles on those Tokaj dream experiences). 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 Remembering May 2024 Budapest, Hungary © Spaswinefood Buda Castle © Spaswinefood Széchenyi Bridge at Night © Spaswinefood Széchenyi Bridge at Night © Spaswinefood End of a Vine-filled Day© Spaswinefood Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
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