Hercegkút: Cellar Rows and Culture

Hercegkút brings together two clearly distinct rows of cellars and places that preserve architectural and community memories. The Kőporosi Cellar Row features a succession of largely uniform cellars along winding lanes; at the Gomboshegyi Cellar Row, four orderly rows on the hillside define the scene. The Sváb Tájház is dedicated to objects and mementos of the Swabian community. The Gombos-hegyi Calvary is another local structure that visitors can see.

Comparing the two cellar rows

The Kőporosi Cellar Row is in the northern part of Hercegkút, on the Makkoshotyka side. Along paved, winding lanes, 87 largely uniform cellars with triangular gables line up. The combination of regular cellar forms and winding lanes can be seen as an interplay of repetition and movement: the buildings share a common design motif, while the lanes curve. At the upper end are a playground, barbecue areas and gazebos. This area is also a distinct point of reference for finding your way around the cellar row.

The Gomboshegyi Cellar Row has a different architectural emphasis. Its cellars with triangular gables line up in four orderly rows on the hillside. The two cellar rows are at opposite ends of Hercegkút. This allows you to compare two different layouts: at the Kőporosi Cellar Row, the 87 cellars and paved, winding lanes take centre stage, while at the Gomboshegyi Cellar Row, it is the orderly hillside layout. Both cellar rows are open year-round at any time, free of charge. Winery opening hours vary, so plan visits to individual wineries according to their respective hours.

Swabian heritage sites and structures

The Sváb Tájház displays historical objects and mementos of Hercegkút’s Swabian community. It complements the view of the cellar architecture with evidence of community life. The building’s structural reconstruction was completed by the end of May 2007, and it reopened on 18 August 2007. If you are planning a visit, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

The Gombos-hegyi Calvary is also among the local structures that visitors can see. Together with the Tájház, it offers another way to explore the village’s architectural heritage, while the Tájház focuses on the Swabian community through its historical objects and mementos.

Wine-related themes at the Kőporosi Cellar Row

The Világörökségi Élményközpont was completed in 2023 on the northern side of the Kőporosi Cellar Row. As an event venue, cultural community space and tasting room, the centre brings together several functions. An infographic exhibition explores Aszú formation, local winemaking traditions and Tokaj wine types. If you would like to include the centre in your travel plans, check its availability in advance.

In the wider travel destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, the Tokaj wine region is legally protected as a protected wine-growing area. The climate, soil quality and hillside exposure there are suitable for growing grapes. This regional context places the Tokaj wine types featured at the visitor centre within the broader subject of viticulture, without conflating regional characteristics with the individual cellar rows.

Discover more destinations: Sárazsadány, Makkoshotyka, Háromhuta, Komlóska, Bodrogolaszi, Tolcsva, Vajdácska, Sárospatak.

Back to the main travel overview: Sárospataki.