Budapest Drinking : Doblo Wine Bar review

After a long day working in Budapest, you’ll probably want to find a nice place to relax with a great setting … so we ended up at Doblo Wine Bar.

Here’s the funny thing … I didn’t even know that there was such a thing as Hungarian wine! Yes, yes, yes … I see the oenophiles all twisting their noses at me … silly Trini … of course there’s wine in Hungary.

A tiny history of wine in Hungary

Wine was introduced to Hungary by the Romans. During the Turkish occupation beginning in the early 16th century, displaced Serbs brought the red Kadarka grape to Eger, which was the basis for the red wine blend that later became known as Bull’s Blood. It was also during the Turkish occupation that the Tokaji wine region became known for dessert wines, harvested late to encourage noble rot. After the Ottoman Empire ceded Hungary to the Austrians in 1699, the Germanic influence was felt with the introduction of grape varieties such as Blauer Portugieser. Under Communism, quality was neglected in favor of overcropping and industrial production. You can read tons more on Wikipedia …

… Back to Doblo

Hungarian wine may not be as famous as some, but it has fantastic pedigree. Among the rash of wine bars that are spread throughout the city, the brick-vaulted Doblo definitely has made a name for itself in the city.

Doblo is located in the middle of Budapest’s Jewish quarter in a renovated building from 1830 with brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and a traditional wine cellar. The venue focuses on emerging winemakers who are yet to make their mark on the market but already producing wines of the highest quality. The interior design is appealing and intimate: the small brick cellar on the ground level has been kept as it was with some tasteful additions such as new-old style furniture. I really enjoyed being in the old brick cellar atmosphere … it was definitely a big boy place with classic people having a drink.

It’s a significant wine store/bar with more than 200 varieties from Hungary’s 22 wine-growing regions accompanied by a rich selection of pálinka (brandy) and signature cocktails with many available by the glass, perhaps paired with a ham and cheese platter.  In addition to the weekly changing wine selection, the menu offers wine-tasting packages chosen by palate and budget.

Doblo Wine Bar
Dob utca 20 | Central Pest | +36203988863
Tue – Wed 17:00 – 01:00, Thu – Sun 17:00 – 03:00