Where the region overlaps spirits: distilleries and tasting bars in Tokaj.
A guide to distilleries in Tokaj.
Small family distillery in Boldogkőváralja in the Zemplén foothills near the Tokaj wine route. Specialises in Gönci apricot pálinka (protected designation of origin) and Aszú-pomace aged pálinka; also produces a contemporary gin. National awards for quality.
Tasting: Pálinka tastings and complimentary distillery demonstrations; weekdays 8-16; Saturdays 10-18
Family distillery operating since the early 1990s across two locations in the UNESCO World Heritage zone of Tokaj-Hegyalja and adjacent Gönci apricot PDO territory. Makes varietal grape and pomace pálinkas from Furmint, Hárslevelű, and Muscat Lunel using traditional double small-pot technique.
Tasting: Distillery visits by appointment; portfolio includes Tokaj varietal grape and pomace pálinkas
Craft distillery established 2020 in a renovated farmhouse in Bodrogkisfalud, on the Bodrog river in the Tokaj wine region. Tokaj Gin, launched 2021, won World's Best Contemporary Style Gin at the World Gin Awards. Also produces Furmint-based vodka and whisky aged in Tokaj barrels.
Tasting: Distillery tours by appointment weekdays 9-16; Seven Cocktail Bar on-site; spirits tasting sessions
Distillery with a pálinka tradition dating to 1732 in the village of Panyola, Szatmár-Bereg county, adjacent to the Tokaj region. Specialises in aged Szatmári plum pálinka in mulberry casks; multiple Grand Prix awards. The Elixír range ages in mulberry wood for a golden colour and complex flavour.
Tasting: Tasting and programme events available; weekdays 8-16:30; contact info@panyolai.hu
Producer specialising in törkölypálinka distilled from Tokaj-Hegyalja grape pomace. Makes hegyaljai törkölypálinka from the pressed pomace of Furmint and Hárslevelű, the principal grape varieties of the Tokaj wine region.
Tasting: Products available in Hungarian retail and online
Small Tokaj-area producer making pálinka from Furmint and Hárslevelű grape pomace and lees from the Tokaj-Hegyalja winemaking season. Also makes plum, apricot, and pear varieties; honey-enriched aged expressions.
Tasting: Contact via tokaj@asklepios-med.eu
Disznókő estate produces törkölypálinka from the pressed pomace of its Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes. Available at the estate wine shop and cellar door alongside the full Tokaji wine range. Estate cellar seasonal opening May to October.
Tasting: Available at the wine boutique and Sárga Borház restaurant on-site; seasonal
Family-owned distillery operating since 2000 in Harc, Tolna county, making pálinka from carefully selected fruits and Tokaj aszú pomace. Best pálinka title awarded for matured Kadarka Pomace Pálinka; Tokaji Aszú pomace pálinka made from berries sourced from the wine region.
Tasting: Family manufactory tours and pálinka tastings
Tokaj-Hétszőlő Organic Vineyard produces estate törkölypálinka from the pomace of its biodynamically farmed Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes. Available at the Rákóczi Pince wine shop in Tokaj town.
Tasting: Available for tasting at Rákóczi Pince wine shop; cellar visit includes spirits
The Rákóczi Pince cellar complex in Tokaj town offers pálinka alongside its wine tasting programme. The wine shop stocks regional pálinka producers alongside Tokaj wines, offering a comparison between Tokaj grape spirits and the main wine styles.
Tasting: Pálinka tastings available as add-on to cellar wine tasting; wine shop retail
Peak wine-travel season in Tokaj is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Tokaj rewards trust.